The Heart of Rural Crafts in Ireland

For generations, craftsmen were the heart of rural Irish communities, passing down skills and traditions that shaped everyday life. In honour of this enduring legacy, the IHC Co-op will present a multidisciplinary craft demonstration that explores the deep roots of Irish rural crafts.

Hosted in the Dun na Sí crafts village, this immersive event brings history to life through authentic settings. The village will be transformed into vibrant hubs of activity, echoing the sights, sounds, and spirit of Ireland's craft heritage.

Ireland's craft tradition is a tapestry woven from necessity, creativity, and community. From the rushes used to make St. Brigid's crosses to the strength of hand-forged iron and the intricate patterns of willow weaving, each craft tells a story of resilience and connection to the land.

Visitors will experience live demonstrations of:

• St. Brigid's Cross making

• Traditional blacksmithing

• Willow weaving

• Hurdling, using timber and willow to create functional items

These crafts are more than skills—they are expressions of identity, heritage, and the enduring bond between people and place.

This project received funding through a joint initiative by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and the National Monuments Service to support practices inscribed on Ireland’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Ireland’s National Inventory of ICH is managed by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and can be viewed at  https://nationalinventoryich.ccs.gov.ie/ . The National Monuments Service is delighted to support this initiative that highlights the strong relationship between tangible and intangible heritage.