Saoirse Ethnic Hands
We are a social enterprise creating pathways to training, employment, and empowerment for migrant and refugee communities. Founded by women with lived experience of migration, we support women to build confidence through skills development, training, product creation, cooking and social enterprise.
At the heart of our work is the belief that migrant women should be recognised as leaders, creators, and changemakers within their communities, not simply as recipients of support.
By placing migrant women at the centre of everything we do, our social enterprises create opportunities for women to share their skills, build careers, generate income, and strengthen community connection while celebrating creativity, and diversity.
Sanctuary Catering
Sanctuary Catering is our ethnic catering service. As well as providing quality event catering, Sanctary Catering is training and employment programme where women receive hands-on catering training, kitchen experience, and professional skills in a supportive environment.
Training Programs
We offer training and employment programmes designed to support migrant women to build skills, gain experience, and access employment opportunities.Our programmes focus on practical, hands-on learning through catering, creative workshops, social enterprise, and community-based training.
Workshops
We host hands-on workshops throughout Cork for both the public and private bookings, bringing people together through creativity, culture, and shared experiences. We offer a wide range of workshops designed for both small and large groups.
Cooking Events
We host cooking demonstrations and community dinners that celebrate food, culture, and connection. Led by migrant women, these events bring people together to share recipes, stories, and flavours from around the world while creating welcoming community spaces.
Handmade Products
We create a range of handmade products crafted by migrant women in Cork, including candles, textiles, gifts, accessories, and sustainable handmade items. Every product is made with care while supporting training, employment, and income opportunities for women from migrant and refugee communities.
Cookbook
Our upcoming cookbook, Tastes of Home, celebrates recipes, stories, and food traditions shared by migrant women living in Ireland. Bringing together flavours from around the world. .Alongside recipes, the book features personal stories, cultural traditions, and reflections on migration, identity, and belonging,
Product Reviews
“Delighted with the tote bag I got last weekend at the Kinsale Arts weekend, it's very well made. The ladies at the stall were fab and told us how the idea for the bags came about and the story behind the sayings. I bought one for my sister too and she loved it!”
- Mary Cleary
“I purchased some masks from Saoirse EHD during the Covid pandemic. They were of excellent quality and lasted me for the duration. I have also purchased some lovely greeting cards for special occasions, delivery was prompt and nothing was damaged. I would recommend this site to anyone who is looking for a present of something a bit different.”
- Ann Stojanovic