5 New Skills You Can Learn During National Heritage Week
There's something special about learning a skill that's been passed down through generations, and National Heritage Week 2026 (15th - 23rd August) is the perfect opportunity to do just that. With various workshops and demonstrations taking place across the country, you can learn directly from the people keeping these traditional skills alive.
Here are 5 new skills to try out this National Heritage Week:
Basketmaking
One of the oldest crafts in the world, basketmaking is a traditional Irish craft going back centuries. Traditionally, baskets were woven from locally grown materials such as willow (sallieach) as well as hazel and heather, to carry everything from fuel to harvested crops. While some designs, like the creel and potato skib, have remained virtually unchanged for generations, others have evolved over time. Yet one thing hasn't changed, every basket is still woven by hand, making basketmaking one of the more sustainable traditional crafts you can learn!
Basketmaking events:
1. Basket Making with Master Craftsman Martin O' Flynn
When: 17th August at 1:30- 4:30pm
Where: Muckross Schoolhouse, Muckross Traditional Farms, Muckross House, V93 CK73, Co. Kerry
Entry: free
More details here
2. Basket-Making Demonstration
When: 23rd August 2pm - 4pm
Where: Future Forests, Co. Cork
Entry: Free
More details here
3. Willow Weaving Workshop for Adults
When: 19th August 3pm - 4:15pm
Where: Kilcullen Community Library, New Abbey Road, Kilcullen, Co. Kildare, R56 Y438
Entry: Free - prebooking necessary - contact Kilcullen Community Library at kilcullenlib@kildarecoco.ie
More details here
Woodwork
From handcrafted furniture to everyday tools, woodworking has played an essential role in Irish life for centuries. Using traditional hand tools and techniques, skilled craftspeople transform native timbers such as ash, oak and beech into beautiful and practical objects.
Whether you’re learning to carve, shape or join wood, the woodwork workshops during National Heritage Week, off ers an introduction to a craft that combines creativity, patience and skill.
Woodwork Events:
1. Carpentry Demonstration with Master Craftsman Eoin Reardon
When: 20th August at 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Where: Muckross Schoolhouse, Muckross Traditional Farms, Muckross House, V93 CK73, Co. Kerry
Entry: Free
More details here
2. Traditional Woodcarving Workshop
When: 17th August at 10am - 5:15pm
Where: St Nicholas' Collegiate Church, Lombard St Galway, H91 PY20 Co. Galway
Entry: Free - prebooking necessary - book place here
More details here
3. Patrick Sweeney Wood Turning Demo
When: 21st - 22nd August, 10am - 4pm
Where: Glenveagh National Park, Churchill, Letterkenny, Co.Donegal, F92p993
Entry: Free
More details here
Lacemaking
Irish lacemaking is a delicate craft with a rich history, renowned for its intricate patterns and exceptional craftmanship. From Headford and Limerick to Clones Crochet and Carrickmacross lace, these distinctive crafts refl ect generations of skill, creativity and local identity. Each style has its own unique techniques and story, making Irish lacemaking an enduring symbol of Ireland’s rich craft heritage.
Lacemaking Events
1. Thread and Hook through time
When: 22nd August at 10:15am - 1pm
Where: County Library Tallaght, Belgard Sq W, Dublin 24, D24 VRCO
Entry: free
More details here
2. Guild of Irish Lacemakers at the Pearse Museum
When: 15th August at 2pm - 4pm
Where: Pearse Museum, St. Enda's Park, Grange Rd., Rathfarnham, D16 Y7Y5, Co. Dublin
Entry: free
More details here
3. Irish Lacemaking Demonstration - Corrib Lacemakers
When: 19th August at 10am - 2pm
Where: Galway Tourist Information Centre, Galway City Museum, Spanish Parade, H91CX5P, Co. Galway
Entry: free
More details here
Spinning
Spinning is one of Ireland’s oldest textile traditions, transforming natural fi bres such as wool into yarn using a drop spindle or a spinning wheel. Once an essential skill in homes across the country, spinning laid the foundation for weaving, knitting and other handmade crafts.
Spinning Events
1. Johnny Shiels Spinning Wheel Demo
When: 21st August at 10am - 4pm
Where: Glenveagh National Park, Churchill, Letterkenny, Co.Donegal, F92 P993
Entry: free
More details here
2. Heritage Craft Demo- The Stages of Spinning
When: 22nd August at 12pm - 1:30pm
Where: Dunamaise Art Centre, Church Street Portlaoise, R32 W93P, Co. Laois
Entry: Free to attend, prebooking necessary - book place here
More details here
3. From Fleece to Yarn: Spinning Wool Demo & Talk with Gráinne Zannis
When: 15th August at 2pm - 4pm
Where: Clonmel Library, Emmet St, Burgagery-Lands West, Clonmel, Co. Tipperary, E91YW66
Entry: Free to attend, prebooking necessary - Contact Clonmel Library on 052 616 6130 / clonmellibrary@tipperarycoco.ie to book a space.
More details here
Metalwork
Metalwork has been a part of Ireland’s heritage for thousands of years, from Bronze Age tools and weapons to jewellery and decorative pieces. For centuries, blacksmiths forged everyday essentials such as tools, gates, hinges, and horseshoes, combining practical skill with artistic craftsmanship.
Metalwork Events
1. Demonstration of Medieval Bronze Hand Bell Casting
When: 15th & 16th August at 11am- 5pm
Where: Lusk Community Cultural Centre, Church Road, Lusk, Co Dublin, K45 CP40
Entry: Free
More details here
2. Blacksmith Demonstration with Master Craftsman Tom Allison and Eoin McBride
When: 18th August at 1:30pm - 4:30pm
Where: Muckross Schoolhouse, Muckross Traditional Farms, Muckross House, V93 CK73, Co. Kerry
Entry: Free
More details here
3. Traditional Skills Day
When: 22nd August
Where: Yard behind No. 1 and No 3 Church Lane, No 3 Church Lane, Letterkenny F92 W7YE, Co. Donegal
More details here
There are lots more opportunities to learn new skills with workshops happening all over the country for National Heritage Week. You can browse all workshop based events here.
