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Fermanagh Makers Get Involved in August Craft Month, Ireland’s Biggest Celebration of Craft
Enjoy eclectic events in Fermanagh across the month-long programme from Design & Crafts Council and Craft NI
August Craft Month, a month-long celebration of local craft across the island of Ireland, launches with a host of exciting events taking place throughout Fermanagh.
This year August Craft Month returns with a packed programme of over 400 events across all corners of the island. Events include; workshops, exhibitions, open studios and festivals to allow audiences to immerse themselves in local craft. With a whole range of crafts from ceramics to carving, glass to sewing available to be explored. There is something for everyone, of all ages, and all levels of expertise.
August Craft Month celebrates a rich craft heritage with artisans keeping ancient traditions alive and new talented makers bringing real vibrancy to the scene.
People can enjoy creative craft celebrations on their doorstep, as well as hit the road on a craft inspired adventure or staycation. Led by Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) and Craft NI, the annual celebration is once again part of an island-wide summer programme. This year also sees August Craft Month continue their long-term collaboration with Cork Craft & Design.
Local makers such as; Tracey Whitehead and Elaina Blampied will all 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. Below you will find just a few of the exciting events on offer in Fermanagh:
Buttermarket self guided tour
Location: The Buttermarket, Down Street, Enniskillen
Price: FREE
Date & Time: Thu 1 Aug – Sat 31st Aug
Located in the heart of Enniskillen, The Buttermarket consists of early 19th century buildings which have been beautifully restored, and now house diverse crafts such as pottery, handmade jewellery, textiles and more. Visitors will enjoy a pleasant and relaxing day out walking around the 16 studios, galleries and shops and stopping for refreshments at the Coffee Shop of the Buttermarket Courtyard. Here they can purchase some beautiful craft products made in Fermanagh such as pottery by Ann McNulty or jewellery by Angela Kelly.
The Buttermarket became a unique addition to Enniskillen town almost 30 years ago, when an early 19th century dairy market was restored, and new life was injected into the cobbles in the form of a quaint, picturesque Craft Centre.
Pottery Tours at Belleek Visitor Centre
Location: 3 Main Street, Belleek Co, Enniskillen, Fermanagh
Price: £6-£8
Date & Time: Thu 1 Aug – Sat 31st Aug
Visit Belleek Visitor Centre for a guided pottery tour. Our 30-minute guided tour allows visitors full access behind the scenes of the manufacturing and creative process that goes into every piece of Belleek fine china, produced on site since 1857. Your tour begins with the ‘ringing of the bell’; you will then visit the museum of artefacts, a collection of Belleek pieces from the very beginning in 1857.
Your dedicated guide will then walk you through our factory, where you will see first-hand the 16 steps that goes into every piece of Belleek. Our craftspeople will demonstrate moulding, flowering, painting and basket weaving. Visitor participation is encouraged throughout the tour, glazing product and breaking pieces that do not meet the required standard. Visitors will then be able to browse our retail showroom and enjoy refreshments in our Tea Room.
Wool Spinning Taster Sessions
Location: Unit 18, The Buttermarket, Down Street, Enniskillen
Price: £10
Date & Time: Sat 3 Aug at 11am – 4pm
Have you ever dreamed of transforming raw wool into beautiful, hand-spun yarn? Now’s your chance! Join us for a captivating Wool Spinning Taster Session designed to introduce you to the mesmerising world of spinning. These 30-minute hands-on sessions are perfect for beginners and fibre enthusiasts alike.
Craft NI and Design & Crafts Council Ireland have come together to deliver this important initiative.
For the first time ever, you can use the August Craft Month interactive map on the augustcraftmonth.org website to find the closest events happening in your local community.
For the full island-wide programme, visit www.augustcraftmonth.org. Share your own craft adventures by tagging @augustcraftmonth24 and use the hashtags #augustcraftmonth2024 #makeseebuy
For more information, and to get a feel for the craft events near you and across Ireland, visit www.augustcraftmonth.org.
