Brought to you by Cork Craft Month.

It’s a landmark year for Cork Craft Month.

At the end of July, the famously hands-on festival of all things crafty will celebrate 15 years of championing local craft on Leeside, with up to 80 vibrant events ranging from craft exhibitions to interactive pop-ups; family-friendly workshops to inspiring demonstrations.

Over 20,000 people are expected to attend the month-long all-inclusive event, which kicks off on July 29th with a launch party, craft fair, music and demos at the Cork Craft & Design shop in St. Patrick’s Woollen Mills, Douglas.

Picture: Clare Keogh

The best bit? Of the full schedule of events, 40 per cent are free to enjoy, so there’s no excuse for not treating yourself to a bit of crafty culture from July 29th to August 31st, 2024.

Here are seven key Cork Craft Month dates to add to your calendar now:

• Launch Party: Craft fair, demos, food and music (July 29th at the Cork Craft & Design shop in St. Patrick’s Woollen Mills, Douglas.
• Glimmers Exhibition: Coastal-inspired crafts by 20 Cork makers (James O’Neill Building, Kinsale, August 2nd-31st)
• Reverie Showcase: Dreamy and thought-provoking pieces (Lewis Glucksman Gallery, UCC, August 6th-31st)
• EMERGE New Makers: Exhibit celebrating graduating craft and design students (The Gallery at No 46, Grand Parade, August 3rd-24th)
• Past Present – Future Perfect: Exhibition celebrating 15 years of Cork Craft Month (National Design & Craft Gallery, Kilkenny, August 10th-October 31st). Cork Craft & Design was selected by the Design & Craft Council to have an exhibition in the space.
• Blackwater Valley Makers Demo Day: Felting, woodwork, and slip-casting demonstrations (Fermoy, August 17th)
• Workshops: Ceramicist Orla O Visual will hold a workshop on creating your own masterpiece in porcelain (August 15th); quilter and textile artist Mary Palmer will concentrate on the basic skills used for free motion quilting (August 18th); and there will be lino printing for beginners with artist John Bastow (August 9th).

A landmark year 

“This festival is a fun and interactive occasion for the entire family — from toddlers to teens, parents to grandparents,” said Craft Month Festival Director Ava Hayes.

Picture: Clare Keogh

“Our programme is curated to emphasise the connection between traditional and contemporary crafting, inspiring the next generation of makers, and supporting local communities. We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who has contributed to making Cork Craft Month 2024 a reality through their dedication, financial support, and recognition.”

Visit corkcraftanddesign.com or follow Cork Craft Month on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for all the latest #corkcraftmonth2024 updates.