Should I use Irish granite or import stone from China?

When embarking on a stone-based project in Ireland, you may find yourself thinking “Should I use Irish granite or import stone from China?”. This is a rational question considering the interconnectedness of the global economy today. With the ever-growing advancements in transport technology, Irish consumers are closer to China than ever. This means that they can import products at a faster speed than ever. However, in recent years, there is a growing trend across western economies that is shifting towards locally sourced and eco-friendly products. This is due to the rising concerns surrounding the impact of purchasing from international markets. From human rights issues to the overall quality of the materials, consumers and producers are becoming more aware of their position in the exploitation of workers and their indirect impact on local businesses. In the stone market, this means that consumers value high-quality, locally sourced granite over cheaper imported stone alternatives. Investing in Irish stone offers many benefits, in this blog we will discuss these advantages.

Supporting Local Business

As global demand continues to rise, businesses are opting to import cheaper materials and cut costs. However, this practice often leads to a myriad of issues such as low quality and labor exploitation. Unknowingly, consumers in Ireland may be supporting some international suppliers that violate human rights. Consumers and producers are becoming more aware of this and there has been a growing trend to support local businesses. At O’Flaherty Stone, we pride ourselves on being at the forefront of this trend. Our stonemasonry services, including headstones, sculptures, and wall repair, exclusively utilize locally sourced Irish granite from Ballyknockan Co. Wicklow. By committing to using only Irish granite, we provide customers with peace of mind knowing that their purchases support a responsible and sustainable supply chain, while simultaneously enjoying the many benefits of premium Irish granite.

Our Benefits

As an 8th generation family business of stone masons, we have built strong relationships with the local stone community over the years. This has allowed us to source the highest quality Irish granite from Ballyknockan Co. Wicklow at a competitive price. We pass these savings onto our customers, without compromising on quality.

At O’Flaherty Stone, we believe in ethical business practices. We support a healthy and fun working environment with equal standards across each sector of our business. Interestingly, we employ the first Irish woman registered stonemason apprentice that Ireland has seen in over 30 years! We are committed to ensuring that our supply chain is free from any form of human rights violations. Transparency is key to our supply chain, and we are fully aware of the working conditions, labour intensity and overall operations at Ballyknockan, and can guarantee that our stone is ethically sourced.

By supporting local Irish businesses, you are not only getting the best quality product, but also directly contributing to the Irish economy. Together, we can continue to support and strengthen our local communities for generations to come.

Eco-friendly & Sustainable

Are you aware of the enormous amount of unnecessary fuel usage associated with international trade? It’s a commonly overlooked issue that deserves attention. Think about the different modes of transportation that a product takes to get from China to Ireland. From air to sea transportation, these products make round-the-world trips that use vast amounts of fuel and resources.

When it comes to the stone industry, importing large and heavy products like a stone from international suppliers uses far more fuel than smaller products. But you can reduce your carbon footprint and make a positive impact by choosing to buy products from local producers.

At O’Flaherty Stone, we source our stone locally from Ballyknockan Co. Wicklow, so you can enjoy the benefits of using high-quality Irish granite without any unnecessary fuel usage. Located in the Wicklow Mountains, Ballyknockan is a small community that greatly benefits from business activities and support.

By choosing to buy from us, you not only get amazing, customizable stone products that last for centuries, but you’re also doing your part to support the local economy and reduce your carbon footprint. So why not make a sustainable choice and choose O’Flaherty Stone for your stonemason needs?

Keeping Ireland Irish

Here at O’Flaherty Stone, we only use the highest-quality Irish Granite that is sourced locally at Ballyknockan Granite from the Wicklow Mountains. This premium stone is the very same material that constructed many of the iconic buildings in Dublin City. Stonemasonry is in our blood – we come from a long line of Irish stonemasons, and we are extremely proud to say that our family worked on some of the most famous Irish structures, from the Four Courts to the Dáil.

One of the core values that we truly cherish is our guarantee to only use locally sourced in each of our services. Our devotion to Irish granite is not only due to its immense beauty but also lies in the fact that we are determined to preserve our rich Irish heritage. Why would we use imported stone to create superb Irish buildings and monuments that are made to last many generations to come? Using imported foreign stone would be a disservice to our cherished Irish buildings and monuments.

When you work with us, you can be assured that we will always use Irish Granite in every service we offer, preserving our heritage and maintaining the integrity of our iconic Irish stone structures and buildings – we are committed to keeping Irish heritage alive.

Quality Management

As mentioned, every service we offer are made from Irish Granite. At O’Flaherty Stone, we take huge pride in our deep-rooted family heritage of 8-generations of stonemasons, who were, and still are, highly involved in sourcing the granite from our local quarry in Ballyknockan, Co. Wicklow. This direct involvement ensures that each piece of stone we use is guaranteed to be of the highest-quality, with an exceptional hardness that can withstand even the harshest weather conditions, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.

When it comes to headstones, monuments, and hand-cut lettering – durability is key! When your project is made from Irish granite, you can rest assured that the project will stand the test of time and last for centuries to come which preserves your cherished memories for generations. Our high-quality guarantee ensures that your stone project will remain a timeless symbol of your love and respect for many years to come.

Conversely, imported stone is often of much lower quality because it is far too difficult to control the quality of stone that’s sourced from foreign countries. Think about it – not only do you have any involvement in the stone sourcing process, but other nations have a range of economic and political policies that play a large role in the determination of quality in the market. This lack of involvement in the supplier’s processes means there’s no guarantee on the longevity or appearance of the stone. It’s essential to choose a reputable stonemason like O’Flaherty Stone, who only uses locally sourced Irish granite, to ensure that your loved one’s monument will remain a beautiful and long-lasting tribute.

At O’Flaherty Stone, we understand the importance and personalisation of our services, particularly headstones. By definition, they represent and respect our loved ones. Therefore, we’re committed to providing our clients with only the highest quality stone, so they can give their loved ones the enduring respect they deserve. Choose O’Flaherty Stone for exceptional craftsmanship, uncompromising quality, and lasting memories. Additionally, hand-cut lettering in Irish granite can last over 3,000 years therefore, the stone used for the monumental piece is important for not only the structure itself but also the lettering and design that is placed on the stone.

Conclusion 

In conclusion, this blog discussed the question “Should I use Irish granite or import stone from China?”. O’Flaherty Stone is setting a great example for other businesses by choosing to use only high-quality, locally sourced-Irish granite. This commitment to quality, durability and environmental sustainability not only benefits their customers but also contributes to the wider community. When we use our own natural material, we keep our skills and our crafts here and bring them into the future. By choosing Irish granite, customers can be sure that they are getting a high-quality product that is both unique and long-lasting. So, if you’re in need of stonemasonry services, consider choosing a local business that uses locally sourced Irish granite – it’s a decision that you won’t regret. Get in touch today!