Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre is inviting people to slow down, get creative and discover traditional Irish crafts this autumn with Dúchas – Heritage Craft Series, a programme of nine hands-on workshops running from 2 October to 26 November.
Rooted in Ireland’s long tradition of making by hand, Dúchas celebrates the skills, stories and techniques passed from one generation to the next, while offering participants the opportunity to explore these traditions through a contemporary lens. From working with natural materials and textiles to embroidery, illustration and ceramics, the series brings together experienced tutors and welcoming, creative spaces where participants can learn new skills, try something different and create something uniquely their own.
The programme gets underway with Handprinting Irish Linen Lampshade (2 October), led by tutor Jenna Malcomson, where participants will design and hand-print luxurious Irish linen before transforming their fabric into a bespoke lampshade. On 7 October, tutor Lorna Shannon will introduce participants to the heritage craft of spinning in The Spinner’s Wheel, exploring how fleece can be transformed into yarn using a traditional spinning wheel.
Natural materials take centre stage with Willow Lanterns (10 October), led by Louise McLean. Participants will learn traditional basketry techniques to weave a sculptural willow lantern, creating a beautiful piece to bring warmth and atmosphere to autumn evenings. This is followed by Weaving Tapestry Studio (14 October), where Lorna Shannon will explore the fundamentals of loom weaving, giving participants the opportunity to experiment with colour, texture and pattern.
Ireland’s distinctive architectural heritage provides inspiration for Irish Cottage Illustration (20 October), with tutor Louie Winward guiding participants in creating an expressive illustrated Irish cottage inspired by Ireland’s vernacular buildings. Embroidery enthusiasts can then explore two very different but richly detailed traditions with The Art of Stumpwork Embroidery (21 October), led by Edel Cartin, which introduces the decorative art of raised embroidery, followed by Mountmellick Lacework for Beginners (22 October), where participants can discover the distinctive stitches and techniques associated with this Irish embroidery tradition.
The natural landscape of Ireland provides inspiration for Wool Felted Irish Landscapes (24 October), with Carolyn Faith guiding participants in blending wool fibres and colour to create a richly textured landscape. Bringing the autumn programme towards the festive season, A Handmade Ceramic Christmas (5, 12, 19 and 26 November) offers four evenings of creative making with tutor Fiona Shannon. Across the four-week course, participants will explore ceramics while creating beautiful handmade decorations and seasonal keepsakes to enjoy for years to come.
Together, these workshops offer a chance to step away from the everyday, learn from skilled practitioners and rediscover the pleasure of creating something by hand. Whether participants are completely new to a particular craft or are keen to develop an existing creative interest, Dúchas provides opportunities to explore traditional skills in an accessible and inspiring setting.
Places are available across the individual workshops, with advance booking recommended.
Discover the full Dúchas – Heritage Craft Series and book online at roevalleyarts.com/workshops-rv or call 028 7776 0310.