Common Knowledge Heritage Skills Weekend

Heritage Courses & Tour at Common Knowledge

Introduction to Willow Weaving (2-day)
Learn basketmaking using traditional willow weaving techniques with willow grown on our land, guided by West Country Willows. Take home two baskets you’ve made yourself and skills to last a lifetime.

Dry Stone Walling (2-day)
Build and repair dry stone walls using traditional, mortar-free techniques. Recognised by UNESCO in 2024, this skill is deeply rooted in the Irish landscape.

Natural Building (2-day)
Shape natural materials like clay into walls and structures using cob building and wattle and daub — methods passed down for generations.

Scything for Beginners (1-day)
Learn to set up and use a scythe with Chris Hayes, then spend the day mowing by hand in the field.

Heritage Tour – Sunday 24th, 12–2.30pm
Join us for a guided walk along our Heritage and Biodiversity Trail. Explore native flora and fauna, hear stories of our 50-acre site at the gateway to the Burren, and learn about our conservation work. After the walk, enjoy tea and biscuits in our cosy lodge with fellow attendees. Perfect for anyone interested in sustainability, biodiversity, nature, heritage, or local history.

Bookings & Full Listings:
www.ourcommonknowledge.org/full-listings

The week before our heritage courses and site tour, we’ll be bringing Rekindle to Ennistymon for a celebration of Ireland’s traditional skills, crafts, and cultural heritage, run by Common Knowledge.

The festival opens with Lasraí – an evening of traditional music, dance, and conversation featuring some of Ireland’s most renowned artists – before moving to Parliament Street for a full festival day on Saturday 16th August.

Expect demonstrations, workshops, and opportunities to explore heritage skills such as weaving, basketmaking, natural building, and scything. Visitors can meet skilled makers, hear their stories, and try their hand at techniques passed down through generations.

Full details and bookings at: www.ourcommonknowledge.org/full-listings

These events are part of the Common Knowledge ' Heritage in Action' Programme supported by The Heritage Organisation Support Fund.