Month-long festival sees Clare host unique craft events

OVER 400 events will take place in Clare as part of this year's biggest ever August Craft Month.

A month-long celebration of craft makers across Ireland is underway, as demonstrations, festivals, workshops and exhibitions across a variety of crafts are happening around Clare.

Local makers such as Sam Gleeson, Jean Morane and Clare Potters will be involved in the celebrations and events this year.

Heritage week to get underway in Clare

Some events are free to attend, such as introductory bladesmithing with Clare based and award winning bladesmith Sam Gleeson, will take place in Thisiswhatido, Bushyvale House, Moughna, Milltown Malbay on Saturday, August 19 from 9:30pm to 5:30pm.

A free furnace festival will be held for two days in Caherconnell Fort, Caherconnell, Kilfenora, Clare on Saturday and Sunday, August 26 and 27, from 10am to 5:30pm.

This family fun event will showcase the mediaeval iron smelting and forging traditions, in the heart of the Burren. More than 50 blacksmiths and traditional iron smelters from across Ireland, the UK, Europe and the USA will participate in the festival.  

Led by Design and Crafts Council Ireland, in partnership with Craft NI and Cork Craft Design, August Craft Month, now in its second year, celebrates the vibrant local craft scene and gives people the chance to immerse themselves in the visual and hands-on experience of craft.