Brought to you by Cork Craft and Design.

This might inspire a brand-new hobby.

Cork Craft Month is back with a diverse line-up of over 79 workshops and exhibitions happening throughout August.

The programme includes master classes, artist talks, trails and demonstrations, many available to explore for free, all scheduled in coordination with August Craft Month.

The fun kicked off with a huge Craft Fair at The Marina Market over the weekend, where visitors were treated to a taste of what’s to come.

John O’Shea, Wood turner, pictured by Michael O’Sullivan /OSM PHOTO

“Our programme for 2023 focuses on accessibility, inclusivity and sustainability,” said Ava Hayes, Cork Craft Month Director at Cork Craft & Design.

“Three things that are very important to the CCM team, which will be key components throughout the events, exhibitions and workshops that are available this year.

“We wanted to build on the existing reputation of Cork Craft Month by elevating our selection of Makers to include people from all walks of life. Inclusivity is integral to the arts and culture community in Ireland, and we really wanted to showcase that through our programme of events.”

Elliot Asemota with Sean O’Donoghue at Cork Craft Month 2023 in Cork’s Marina Market. Picture: Michael O’Sullivan

This year, events will be held across three main locations; Benchspace studio in Cork City, Kilcoe Studio in Ballydehob, and Greywood Arts in Killeagh.

Here are just some of the spots where you can get involved this summer:

Cork City: The Gallery @ No.46 on Grand Parade will host a returning exhibit called Emerge, centred around up-and-coming Cork crafters. This exhibition will include graduating students from MTU Crawford College of Art and Design, Coláiste Stiofáin Naofa, St John’s Central College, Kinsale College and Skibbereen College of Commerce.

Kinsale: If you’re seaside bound, check out Interwoven, an exhibition displaying and celebrating the best of Cork Craft and Design members at the Old Mill Library in Kinsale. This exhibition speaks to the deep connections between Irish craft and design and the society in which they are created.  

Ann Mechelinck – Entwined (2023)

Douglas: Cork Craft & Design’s member shop at St Patrick’s Mills in Douglas will be open and visitors can purchase handcrafted items ranging from woodwork and ceramics to glass and textiles.

Douglas Village Shopping Centre will be the setting for the celebration of works made by Cork-based makers committed to creating exceptional, functional items, central to home life. In addition, the highly acclaimed On the Pigs Back café, also at St Patrick’s Woollen Mills, will play host to a beautiful selection of local craft pieces, displayed in celebration of Cork Craft Month, and available for purchase.  

Killeagh: Greywood Arts, based in a historic Georgian house in the centre of Killeagh village, will host a series of weekly workshops, including Craft & Cuppa; an Open Community Studio every Wednesday, and a series of classes every Friday ranging from clay and tile making to lampshade construction.

Greywood Arts will also host a final celebration event on August 31st, bringing Cork Craft Month to a close.

The full programme is live now so have a look here and book your place in your choice of workshops, free demos, and fun events.