Bored of the beach?

If your ideal weekend involves getting your hands dirty, discovering local makers or finding something to keep the kids entertained that’s not another trip to the soft play centre, you’ll want to bookmark this.

Cork Craft Month is returning this August with its biggest programme yet, bringing together more than 90 exhibitions, workshops, markets and live demonstrations celebrating some of the county’s most talented artists and craftspeople.

Design maker and lino print artist, John Bastow of Solas Agus Scáth. Photo: OSM PHOTO

Running throughout August, the festival is essentially a month-long excuse to get creative, whether you’ve always fancied trying pottery, want to learn lino printing or simply love browsing beautifully made things.

This year’s programme is packed with experiences across Cork, and the best part? Around a third of the events are completely free.

Markets and pop-ups

One of the biggest new additions is an Open-Air Makers Market taking over Douglas Court Shopping Centre on August 7th, where visitors can meet local artists, shop handmade pieces and chat directly to the people who created them.

Meanwhile, The Glucksman Gallery will host a month-long pop-up shop filled with work by Cork makers, while St Peter’s on North Main Street will once again become home to the annual Cork Craft & Design members’ exhibition, celebrating 21 years of the organisation.

Fancy trying something yourself?

Rather than just admiring other people’s talents, two-thirds of this year’s programme is made up of hands-on workshops.

Design maker and weaver, Sabina Lucas. Photo: Michael O’Sullivan / OSM PHOTO

You could spend two days learning porcelain techniques with ceramic artist Sara Roberts, have a go at willow weaving, try your hand at embroidery, or carve and print your own lino artwork under the guidance of professional makers.

Plenty for the kids, too

Parents looking to fill a few days during the summer holidays are spoilt for choice.

Some of the family-friendly highlights include a Make Your Own Puppet Workshop in Fermoy, a Felting Camp at Greywood Arts, a family Lino Print Workshop at Fota House and what might be the most nostalgic event on the programme — a Heritage Week Rope Day in Ballydehob, where families can try skipping, tug of war and even learn how to make rope using traditional Irish flax.

It’s wholesome in the best possible way.

Whether you’re looking to pick up a new hobby, support local makers or simply spend a few hours doing something completely different, Cork Craft Month is shaping up to be one of the city’s most creative calendars yet.

Just don’t be surprised if you leave convinced you need a pottery wheel in the spare room. The full programme is available at corkcraftanddesign.ie and at Cork Craft & Design’s stores at Douglas Woollen Mills and Douglas Court Shopping Centre.