AUGUST WILL SEE a celebration of Ireland’s craft tradition in every corner of the island, with a slate of over 500 events all sure to inspire anyone with a creative spark.

August Craft Month is a cross-border partnership presented by Design & Crafts Council Ireland and Craft NI. With over 3,000 makers involved across a wide array of craft disciplines, the entire month is perfect for anyone who wants to try something new, hone their craft skills, learn about the many amazing practical projects happening across Ireland, or simply buy something unique. 

Alice Cummins – Bealice.ie Embroidery Workshop

Many of the events give you the opportunity to immerse yourself in Irish traditions while refining your own skillset, including sustainable sewing in Galway, prehistoric pottery on the Causeway Coast in Antrim, and firing and feasting in Waterford.

Whether you’re looking to have a ramble through an open studio or immerse yourself in a hands-on demonstration or workshop that will open a door to a new pastime that might just become a lifelong passion, there is a wide variety of events you can take part in – many of which are free. Plenty of these events are in very high demand, so if it sounds like your thing, be sure to book your place as soon as possible.

Clive Lyttle – Welig Heritage Crafts willow weaving demonstration

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.  Many of the events are also family-friendly, making it the perfect day out before the school year starts anew.

Mary Blanchfield, CEO of Design & Crafts Council Ireland, said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Craft NI to launch the fifth edition of August Craft Month, celebrating craft right across the island of Ireland.

“The enthusiasm we have seen from makers year on year has been really encouraging, and having over 3,000 makers on board this year is something we are incredibly proud of.”

Blanchfield says that the growth of August Craft Month is a testament to increased interest in making. “It reflects a genuine surge of interest in craft, particularly among younger people who are embracing hands-on, creative experiences with a real sense of community and connection,” she said.

Check out what’s happening near you by visiting the full island-wide programme at www.augustcraftmonth.org. Don’t forget to share your own craft adventures by tagging @augustcraftmonth26 and using the hashtags #augustcraftmonth2026 #makeseebuy