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Crafts

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Ireland – one hell of a place for adventure
If you find that the ideal way to switch off is to turn on your adventure and activity mojo, Ireland offers the perfect natural playground. Get a fresh view of our mountains, lakes and coastline with easy-going options like hiking, biking, sea kayaking and angling. Or unleash that inner adrenalin junky with pursuits ranging from white-water paddling to wake boarding and sky diving to surfing. Why not visit one of Ireland's many outdoor adventure centres...

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Cycling & Biking learn more »

Cycling & Biking

Plan your cycling break in Ireland - choose from cycling routes, including mountain bike trails, long-distance options and family friendly jaunts.

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On the Water learn more »

On the Water

Whether you’re a born water baby or simply want to dip your toe into the water sports world, check out a host of great activities. Will you learn to surf or sail, wakeboard or windsurf? Whatever you pick, we reckon it’s time to dive in!

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Equestrian Adventures learn more »

Equestrian Adventures

There is maybe no better way to connect with the Irish landscape than by travelling on horseback. Whether you're an experienced rider or a novice, you’ll be matched up with the perfect mount to show you the way.

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Walking & Hiking learn more »

Walking & Hiking

There’s nothing quite like taking a walk in a new area to really get a feel for the place. From the Sunday stroller to the hard-core hiker, we’ve got the perfect walk for you. So be sure to pack those walking shoes!

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More Activities & Adventure

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Time for a few holes?

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Lets go surfing!

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Find out more about fishing

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Find a unique Adventure

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Precious Gems
Old and new, Ireland’s landscape of arts, culture and heritage offers a kaleidoscope of delights. Get in touch with the energy of the past when you visit treasures like the Skelligs and the Carrowkeel Tombs. And feel that same creative vibrancy within the modern scene where artists as diverse as Philip Treacy, Graham Knuttel and Roddy Doyle thrive.

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Uniquely Irish learn more »

Uniquely Irish

Want to hear the bodhrán? Or have a go at sean nós dancing? Go to a GAA match, to your local for a trad session or chat as Gaeilge on a Gaeltacht island. You don’t have to go far, the sporting and cultural events unique to Ireland are all around you.

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Ireland through the Ages learn more »

 Ireland through the Ages

The story of Ireland and her people through the ages is a rich and diverse one, with many influences, having shaped our Landscape, our People and our Society. Nowhere is this more visible than in our historic castles, towns, sites and attractions.

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Natural Ireland learn more »

Natural Ireland

When the New Seven Wonders of Nature are announced on 7th November 2011, will the Cliffs of Moher be among them? The Clare landmark is Ireland’s entry to the global competition, joining other famous attractions like the Grand Canyon and Kilimanjaro.

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Explore the Arts learn more »

Explore the Arts

Look to Ireland's unique culture and heritage for an unforgettable holiday experience. Awaken your senses at one of the many cultural events happening around the country, whether by day or by night.

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More Arts, Culture & Heritage

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Find out about literary festivals

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Take a walk on the wild side

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Get a taste for genuine Irish food.
Discover Ireland’s restaurants, enjoy regional dishes or sample local fare from passionate artisan producers. From food festivals to farmers markets, restaurants and cookery schools, read on and find out more about Irish food.

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Food Festivals learn more »

Food Festivals

Fresh local produce and celebrations of great Irish food, here’s our pick of upcoming Irish foodie festivals.

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Food Trails learn more »

Food Trails

Choose from a selection of Ireland’s tasty food trails in Dublin, Cork, and Kilkenny to name a few.

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Cookery Schools learn more »

Cookery Schools

Search through our selection of Cookery schools and cooking courses in Ireland.

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Food & Farmers Markets learn more »

Food & Farmers Markets

Natural ingredients and fresh produce at your fingertips… great places to see, taste, and talk to producers about local food.

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More Food

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Go on, you’re worth it...

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Treat yourself to a nice meal out.

Crafts

Calling on a tradition of Celtic design that goes back to the Irish crosses and beyond, craftspeople throughout Ireland are creating contemporary designs with an Irish twist in everything from woodturning to jewellery. And many makers have opened their doors to visitors! Don't miss your chance to include that very special craft experience while on holiday in Ireland.

To see more of the finest contemporary craft, visit the National Museum of Decorative Arts & History in Dublin, the National Craft Gallery in Kilkenny, and the Leitrim Design House.

Pottery in Ireland

Irish Pottery

There are so many studios and workshops all over Ireland where you can see skilled artisans at work: ceramicists and jewellers, fabric artists and furniture designers, quilters and basket makers, all producing unique pieces and future collectibles, using natural native materials.

In Connemara, Joe Hogan makes baskets from willows grown at Loch na Fooey. Visitors to the ancient monastic site of Clonmacnoise should make a point of stopping at Celtic Roots Studio in Ballinahown where handcrafted sculptures are made from bog oak that is over 5,000 years old. Nicholas Mosse’s pottery celebrates the simplicity of Irish spongeware, while each piece in Louis Mulcahy’s workshop on the spectacularly beautiful Dingle peninsula is made by hand.

Una Burke craft designer

A piece by Una Burke, whose work has recently been commissioned by Lady Gaga!

Craft Trails

There are certain areas around the country where the craft tradition is particularly strong, and visitors can now avail of one of the many craft trails that have appeared over the last few years:

Made in Kilkenny A craft trail of 26 artisan makers located all within stones throw of the home of the Irish craft tradition.

West Cork Craft & Design Guild. 21 craftmakers situated in the stunning surrounds of West Cork, also known as a foodie and sailing paradise!

Leitrim Design House. Follow this craft trail through the drumlins and lakes of County Leitrim.

Made in Sligo. Whether you're into jewellery, ceramics or furniture, find it all here in Yeats Country.

South Wexford Craft Network. Take a trip around the sunny South East to see some fine craft on offer.

Visitors should also make a stop at one of the many galleries who showcase the wealth of local craft in their areas, such as:

Louth Craftmark at Highlanes Gallery, Drogheda, bringing the rich variety of craft in the wee county to the public.

Ceardlann Spiddal Craft & Design Centre, Galway. Come and visit the 10 craft makers who design, create and sell their work here on the premises.

The Kerry Craft Trails (1MB PDF). The coastal county of Kerry has always had a very strong craft tradition. Now visitors can get closer to the creative side of Kerry by taking one of the three new Kerry Craft Trails.

For more information on craft in Ireland and for listings of makers who offer courses, please visit the website of the Crafts Council of Ireland