A major new heritage initiative will engage with communities across Tipperary

A major heritage initiative is set to engage communities across Tipperary in a long exploration of traditional craft, material culture, and built heritage.

The project, titled Hands of Heritage, brings together artists, schools, historians, and the wider public, in a vibrant programme of workshops, lectures, and exhibitions, celebrating Ireland’s rich craft traditions and their place in everyday life, past and present.

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COUNTY MUSEUM
Led by Marie McMahon, Curator at Tipperary Museum of Hidden History, this ambitious initiative is supported by the Heritage Council under the Heritage Stewardship Grant Scheme. The museum partners with schools, community groups, skilled craftspeople, and other local authority bodies, placing skills-sharing and sustainability at its heart.

The programme offers a unique mix of hands-on learning, intergenerational exchange, and creative expression.
Key elements will include stone carving workshops with sculptor Philip Quinn, willow planting and weaving with artist Lynn Kirkham, and textile workshops led by Leisa Grey. These practical sessions will be complemented by lectures and skills demonstrations from leading figures in folklore, heritage, and vernacular design, including oral historian Michael Fortune.

RECONNECT PEOPLE
A core aim of the project is to reconnect people with the craft heritage of their own localities, from the materials used in creating those crafts, to the oral traditions that accompany them.

It places special focus on sustainable practices and the use of local resources, including a community willow planting in Clonmel that will provide materials for future workshops.

In addition to student-led creations, adult learning groups will explore traditional dyeing, weaving, and stitching techniques, contextualised by artefacts from the Museum’s own collection. The work produced across all workshops will be publicly exhibited at the Museum, offering another opportunity to reflect on the process, skills acquired, and stories shared.

Speaking about the project, curator Marie McMahon said “This project is about returning to the roots of making – honouring the knowledge held in communities and the materials found in our landscapes. We’re not only creating objects, we’re reviving traditions, connecting people, and telling stories that matter. Hands of Heritage is an opportunity to activate the Museum’s collection and extend it outwards, into schools, fields, and homes. It places real value on heritage as a living, breathing part of contemporary life.”

The first phase and launch of this diverse project was at the famous Rock of Cashel. Students from Coláiste Sliabh na mBan were brought on an exploration of the tombs and architecture found on the Rock of Cashel, the seat of the kings of Munster.

STONE MASON
Philip Quinn, Holy Cross local, Master Craftsman, and Stone Mason, pointed out the types of rocks used when carving the stone on this 10th century ecclesiastical site. Michael Fortune Folklorist brought the site to life by explaining the noises and activity of the masons and farriers working together on the “Rock.”

Marie said “this site visit was crucial for the boys to understand the history and skill attached to the craft of stonework and wood carving. The boys will experience the uses of stone, its limitations and the longevity of the work they produce during the project. This will be the boys forth year working with the Museum and we are delighted to expand their knowledge, experience and appreciation of traditional Irish craftsmanship."

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HERITAGE COUNCIL
Hands of Heritage is funded by The Heritage Councils Heritage Stewardship Funding Scheme. Tipperary County Museum has also been shortlisted in the County Heritage Category in the Lottery Good Causes Heritage Award 2025.