Mayo makers preparing for August craft month
The largest annual celebration of craft on the island of Ireland is officially underway, with makers from Mayo taking part in an incredible line-up of over 600 events during August.
From centuries-old making traditions to innovative contemporary practices, August Craft Month showcases and brings together the makers, skills and stories that continue to shape this thriving sector.
With hundreds of events taking place throughout August, the jam-packed lineup features a huge variety of crafts and spans every corner of the island.
With hands-on workshops, demonstrations and exhibitions, to open studios and markets, this is your chance to try the craft you’ve always been curious about. Many of the events are free as organisers believe being creative shouldn’t break the bank.
Whether you're a total beginner or a dedicated enthusiast, August Craft Month has an activity for you.
There are fun family-focused events for all ages, which will provide much-needed entertainment during the school break.
With over 3,000 makers taking part and ready to show you what they do, now’s the time to discover creative craft pursuits right on your doorstep.
Brought together by Design and Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) and Craft NI, the programme showcases the exceptional talent, creativity and craftsmanship found throughout Ireland. Local makers such as Eimer Magee, Alison Gault and Anna Duffy will all be involved in the celebrations and events, to name a few.
The programme provides unmissable opportunities to experience, participate in, support, buy, and learn about the local stand-out craft sector.
Some of the events and locations in Mayo are as follows:
The Westport Makers Market in Westport Town Hall takes place every Saturday during August from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and entry is free. The Westport Makers Market are a collective market, run by three organisers. The markets started in the summer of 2023 and have continued since. They also host a large Christmas Market during the second week of December. Their ethos is that it’s a handcrafted market, so everything their vendors sell must be hand crafted.
The Mothers and Daughters workshop will take place on Saturday, August 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., in Carrowkennedy Community Centre, Westport. This two-hour jewellery-making workshop will include two 10-minute demonstrations before starting the class. The first demonstration is an introduction to wire wrapping, and the second demonstration is Silk Pearl Knotting technique. During these two hours, in a beginner’s jewellery-making class, mothers and daughters will learn how to design a necklace and learn the names of the jewellery findings used in each technique. The cost to take part is €45.
A Seacraft Wreath Workshop takes place in the North Mayo Heritage Centre, Enniscoe, on Friday, August 14, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Using natural and foraged materials, this workshop will show you how to make a beautiful seacraft wreath to enhance your home. Zsuzsanna will show you how to turn shells, driftwood, sea-glass and other beach-combed materials into a vibrant and unique decoration.
All materials will be provided, but if you have items you would like to include, please bring them along. The cost to take part in this workshop is €36.90.
For the full island-wide programme and to sign up for events, visit here.