Gosling Gifts and Games had one woman at its centre: Mary Gosling. At the age of just 19, Mary opened a tea room for summer visitors overlooking the beach near her family home in West Cork. During the winter months, Mary would work in London, and it was there that she met her husband Graham.
From a single game that grew out of Mary’s hospitality experience, Mary and Graham now have a thriving family- run business firmly rooted on the coast of West Cork. They pride themselves on supporting Irish artists, having their products made in Ireland, and keeping a hands-on approach – with a little input from family and friends!
DISCOVERING IRELAND
The journey began with the creation of their first game in 1987.
Back then, Mary and Graham were raising their children on the coast of West Cork, while also running a guest house that welcomed visitors from all over the world. Evenings by the sea were often spent discussing their guests’ travels and helping to plan itineraries for the following day. Out of this grew the idea for ‘Discovering Ireland’, a travel-based game that became the bestselling family board game in Ireland that Christmas.
It is still one of their best sellers today.
IRISH DESIGN
Since 1987, the business has evolved and branched out into a varied range of design-led products. Collaborating with Courtney Davis, Muirghein Harding Smith, and William Helps, Mary has developed a series of Irish-themed jigsaw puzzles, greeting cards, tea towels, mugs and fridge magnets, working alongside these artists to create vibrant imagery to bring their initial ideas to life.
Every product aims to deliver learning and discovery as well as buckets of fun. The company is built on a deep love for Ireland, drawing from the beautiful natural landscapes, the rich cultural heritage in our myths and legends, and the attractions that are visited by millions every year.