Latest news with #Design&CraftsCouncilIreland

The Journal
30-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Journal
Craft markets, exhibitions and workshops are taking place across Ireland for August Craft Month
IF YOU'VE EVER wanted to try your hand at craft, August is the perfect month to do it. August Craft Month, a joint venture presented by Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) and Craft NI, offers hundreds of events — including craft workshops, exhibitions, 'meet the maker' events and markets — across the country that are sure to inspire anyone who likes to get creative. There is a wide array of events that there is something for everyone of all ages available, no matter what kind of craft speaks to you. There are mosaic workshops, you can learn how to sculpt a clay puffin, or if music is your thing, there's even a workshop where you can see how a bodhrán is made. Attending these workshops gives you the chance to get in touch with your creative side — whether it's channelling your inner-Patrick Swayze at the throwing wheel, making your own suncatcher or simply having fun with your friends as you learn a new skill. Even if you've never taken up a craft before, learning to work with your hands and make things can enhance your wellbeing and spark the beginnings of a new hobby. If you want to find out what kind of craft inspires you most, you'll definitely want to take part in August Craft Month. Events across the country will be led by craftspeople, and you can pick up some useful new skills by taking part in workshops, get your creative juices flowing by visiting exhibitions and open studios, or stroll through pop-up shops and find any number of beautiful handcrafted pieces to decorate your home. Advertisement Design & Crafts Council Ireland / YouTube These events are taking place in cities and towns all across Ireland, meaning that no matter where you are, you'll be able to engage with a range of enriching events — including events for all ages. The entire programme can be found online here . You can search events by location and date, meaning that you can tailor your August Craft Month experience to your own availability. You can also filter by the type of craft that interests you. It's an extensive list, including such disciplines as: ceramics, textiles, jewellery-making, leatherwork, toymaking, glassmaking, soapmaking, candle-making, woodwork and blacksmithing. stu teehan stu teehan Helpfully, you can also filter the programme for the type of event you want to attend, so if you're set on attending a market, you can see the full list of them online and plan your summer accordingly. As you can probably imagine, many of the events in the schedule are in high demand, so if you want to take part, you should book your spot online and make sure that you don't miss out on the opportunity to awaken your inner craftsperson. From complete beginners to kids, everyone can get involved in August Craft Month this summer and enjoy an unmissable opportunity to experience, support, learn about, make, see and buy outstanding local craft. August Craft Month supports centuries-long craft traditions across Ireland, helping to keep these traditions alive as they get passed down through generations. Visit August Craft Month online to learn more, browse the full programme of events and book yourself in for whatever excites you.


Irish Independent
22-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Independent
Wicklow stonemason's table and giftware features in ‘Made Local' campaign
Taking pride in creating high-quality and functional tableware and giftware, Hennessy & Byrne work with indigenous Irish stone, such as Connemara Marble, Kilkenny Limestone and Dublin and Wicklow Granite. Building on a family tradition of working with fine marble and granite, which spans more than half a century, their products are entirely designed and handcrafted in their studio, which is open to the public all year round, on the grounds of Russborough House. All Hennessy & Byrne giftware is handcrafted by Eric, a second-generation master stonemason with over 20 years of experience. Working with the finest marble and granite from all over the world, Eric has always had a passion for Irish stone, whether it's the swirling green veins of Connemara Marble, the lustrous black shades of Kilkenny Limestone or the silver flecks of mica characteristic of Wicklow Granite. Being part of this year's Made Local campaign represents a huge boon for the business, as it celebrates the exceptional talent, skill, and creativity of Ireland's designers and makers from studio to shop shelf. With sustainability at its core, the Made Local campaign seeks to increase awareness and appreciation of Irish-made products and support the growth of Ireland's sustainable design and craft industry. During the pandemic, Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) developed the Made Local initiative to support the Irish design and craft industry, to boost sales and to drive revenue for makers and the retailers that support them. As makers continue to face challenges from the cost of living to soaring energy prices, 'Made Local, Made to Last' highlights the value and longevity of well-crafted products through a nationwide campaign. 'The campaign is a reminder to people that buying locally produced, well-crafted products is much more meaningful, sustainable, and impactful,' a campaign spokesperson said. 'This year, Made Local is calling on retailers from across Ireland to register to become a member of the campaign. 'By joining Made Local retailers across Ireland can show their support for the Irish design and craft industry by stocking beautiful products made in Ireland.'


Irish Independent
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Wicklow furniture designer chosen for international showcase in Paris
Révélations is a prestigious biennial event dedicated to the celebration of contemporary craft and fine design, which started in 2013 and is organised by Ateliers d'Art de France. For the first time Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) will be participating and seven artisans from Ireland have been selected to participate. Among their ranks will be Edwyn James Hickey, who is originally from Limerick but currently lives in Ashford. Edwin is a founding member of visualisation and design practice Magnaparte Ltd, established in 2016. He graduated from the Dublin School of Architecture (TU Dublin) with a Bachelor of Honours in Architecture and spent a year at MIT as part of his studies. In 2013, he received the AAI Maurice Craig Award for his thesis. In 2020, Edwyn was selected to represent Ireland at Maison&Objet exhibition held in Paris. He is a 2024 Future Makers Award winner from the Design & Crafts Council Ireland, was shortlisted in 2024 by the Institute of Designers in Ireland and was a finalist for the 194th RHA Annual Exhibition. Earlier this year he exhibited at Collect London back in February. H.E. Céline Place, ambassador of France in Ireland, commented: 'This landmark collaboration reflects the enduring cultural ties between France and Ireland, and highlights our shared commitment to supporting excellence in contemporary craft and design. "As the biennial Révélations returns to the beautifully restored Grand Palais, it is a pleasure to see Ireland's creative talent featured in France alongside leading French makers, offering a unique perspective where tradition, innovation, and artistry converge. We also look forward to showcasing our rich and distinctive French savoir-faire at the next Irish design week, continuing this dynamic exchange.' Révélations runs from Wednesday, May 21, through to Sunday, May 25.