Ireland

Nature lover and ancestral skills practitioner, Lucy O’Hagan (Wild Awake) will be doing a week-long residency here in the park at the beginning of August. She will be sharing her passion, skills and knowledge through courses and demonstrations. See below her schedule for the week:

Interactive learning, supported by 3D animations, about the history of Dublin in Viking and medieval times (target group: primary pupils)

Join sculptor James Hayes and learn to turn copper pipe into simple decorative objects using a lightweight hammer. On this course, you will learn the basics of copper forming and tempering. Participants will make and take home a tea light holder and a bracelet.

This workshop will be running on the following dates: Sunday 22nd March, Sunday 19th April, Sunday 17th May

This workshop will focus on tanning sheepskins. Each participant will not only leave with a soft and usable skin, but also the skills and knowledge to continue this art at home and revive our ancient wisdom.

€180 per participant

Learn how to process a fish & turn its skin into a strong and durable material. Make a small pouch from the tanned skins. Also exploring ancestral fishing techniques: plant fiber line, bone hooks, floats, sinkers & lures. Cooking fish on the fire without pots or pans.

€75 per participant

Join Guy Urbin as he introduces you to the wonderful world of the Blacksmith. Within the confines of a site-specific forge, Guy will inspire you to create your own poker, candle holder or a functional piece of hardware.

Come and make your own basket in a relaxed but supportive atmosphere. On this two-day workshop, you will be able to take on a more ambitious project than you would on the one-day class. It is suitable both for beginners and people who have made baskets previously. Typically, you can expect to make something like a shopping basket or the equivalent.

Come and learn this age-old skill of turning a bundle of twigs into a beautiful and useful basket. You will make a small basket such as a fruit bowl. You will also learn how to grow, harvest and prepare willow for the weaving.

This one-day craft course will be running on the following dates: Saturday 16th May and Saturday 15th August

€85 per participant

Want to know more about arms and armour in Ireland c. 1170 – 1600?  If so, a wide range of reproductions will be on display including the equipment and clothing used in both the Anglo-Irish world and in Gaelic Ireland.