Fun courses and events coming to Kildare during August Craft Month

August Craft Month, a month-long celebration of local craft across the island of Ireland, launches with a host of exciting events taking place throughout Kildare.

This year August Craft Month returns with a packed programme of over 400 events across all corners of the island. Events include; workshops, exhibitions, open studios and festivals to allow audiences to immerse themselves in local craft. With a whole range of crafts from ceramics to carving, glass to sewing available to be explored. There is something for everyone, of all ages, and all levels of expertise.

August Craft Month celebrates a rich craft heritage with artisans keeping ancient traditions alive and new talented makers bringing real vibrancy to the scene.

People can enjoy creative craft celebrations on their doorstep, as well as hit the road on a craft inspired adventure or staycation. Led by Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) and Craft NI, the annual celebration is once again part of an island-wide summer programme. This year also sees August Craft Month continue their long-term collaboration with Cork Craft & Design.

Local makers such as; Tamzen Lundy will be involved in the celebrations and events.

The programme provides unmissable opportunities to experience, participate in, support, buy and learn about the local stand-out craft sector. Below you will find just a few of the exciting events on offer in Kildare:

Ó Lámha Pop-Up Store

Location: Southwells, Market Square

Price: FREE

Date & Time: Mon 1 Jul at 10am – Sat 31st Aug at 5pm

“Ó Lámha (‘from the hands’), a collective group of Kildare-based creators and designers. Thursday to Sunday only. The opening of the pop-up store on June 27th, located at Southwells store beside Hartes of Kildare on Market Square, Kildare town. This store will showcase the incredible talent and craftsmanship that Kildare has to offer, featuring demonstrations and

“Meet the Maker” events throughout its duration until the end of August. The collective group of diverse crafters including: Pure Oskar, Coolree Design, Loinnir Jewellery, Kildare Candle Barn and many more.

“Our dedication to homegrown, sustainability, heritage, and community aligns perfectly with the values celebrating our heritage and we are eager to promote our collective efforts to showcase the vibrant craftsmanship of Kildare.”

Wet Felting A Funky Feline – Full Day Felting

Location: Slip Hall, Main St, Donaghcumper, Celbridge Co. Kildare

Price: €95

Date & Time: Sun 18 Aug at 10:30am – 4pm

In this full day course, participants will learn the basics of wet- felting, the world’s oldest form of textile making. This is a fabulous introduction to a very sensory craft, suitable beginners and intermediate Feltmakers as we will be using a resist and making a 3d item. Tamzen (former chairperson Feltmakers Ireland and textile professional of 25yrs+ experience) will introduce the group to the basics of wet felting, then move on to felting around a resist to produce a 3d item… make FUNKY FELINES on the day!! Everyone will go away with their own pet cat + plenty of skills to use in your own work and a creative buzz! All materials are provided.

This is a full day course for adults. There will be a coffee break and lunch break (please bring a packed lunch or there are plenty of eateries in Celbridge as well as the local food and craft market).

Craft NI and Design & Crafts Council Ireland have come together to deliver this important initiative.

For the first time ever, you can use the August Craft Month interactive map on the augustcraftmonth.org website to find the closest events happening in your local community.

For the full island-wide programme, visit www.augustcraftmonth.org. Share your own craft adventures by tagging @augustcraftmonth24 and use the hashtags #augustcraftmonth2024 #makeseebuy 

For more information, and to get a feel for the craft events near you and across Ireland, visit www.augustcraftmonth.org.