Traditional Skills
The demise of traditional skills and crafts in Ireland is of great concern, both for heritage and the environment. Mayo County Council runs workshops to assist in the promotion of traditional skills, providing training and creating awareness of the importance of sustaining traditional skills within the community.
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Heritage Iron and Craft Festival
A Heritage Iron and Craft Festival took place in October, 2018 in Ballinrobe. Featuring blacksmithing demonstrations, master classes, workshops, talks and exhibitions, traditional skills and craft displays, music, dance and food this family festival had something for everybody. Click here to see a brochure of the festival.
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Mulranny Stone Wall Festival
The Mulranny Dry Stone Wall festival takes place annually during the second weekend in May, organised by Mulranny Environmental Group, Mayo County Council, the Dry Stone Wall Association of Ireland and the Building Limes Forum of Ireland, with support from the Heritage Council.
Since 2015, the festival has been attracting participants from all over Ireland and further afield. The programme features workshops, talks and demonstrations by master craftsmen. The festival is a wonderful weekend of shared learning, great camaraderie, good food, hospitality and entertainment!
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Traditional Skills Resources
A comprehensive list of resources providing helpful information on how historic structures can be repaired and maintained is available from the Heritage Council.
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Traditional Skills Training Weekend
A series of traditional skills weekend workshops was held in 2012, in association with the architectural conservation office and Leader, including Traditional Ironwork, Working with Lime, Dry Stone Walling and Hedge Laying.
Each workshop consisted of a combination of a theoretical and practical element, and included demonstrations and talks by experienced craftsmen, case studies, exhibitions and practical work. The workshops were aimed at owners/occupiers of historic buildings, planning agents, architects, engineers, local authority staff, elected members, farmers and landowners, Rural Social Scheme (RSS) participants, community groups, Tidy Towns committees, graveyard committees, those involved in protecting and promoting heritage within their local area and interested individuals.
Traditional Skills Series Programme