Contact Modify Booking
BOOK
Skip to main content
      • 800 years of hospitality
      • Reasons to love Ashford Castle
      • The Ashford Castle community
      • Our partners & suppliers
      • Live webcam
      • Image gallery
      • Sustainability
      • The Red Carnation Hotel Collection
      • Awards & accolades
      • Location & directions
      • Families
      • Pets
      • Meet our team
      • Covid-19 update
      • Accessibility
      • FAQs
      • Rooms
      • Suites
      • Hideaway Cottage
      • Offers
      • Gifts
      • Discover all activities
      • Falconry
      • Traditional boat trips
      • Lake cruising
      • Walking & hiking
      • Estate gardens
      • Family activities
      • Fishing
      • Equestrian
      • Tennis
      • Golf
      • Clay shooting & archery
      • Zip-lining & tree climbing
      • Cycling & kayaking
      • Stand up paddle boarding
      • Cultural experiences
      • The Cinema
      • Meet the makers
      • A taste of the West of Ireland
      • Ireland's ancient music & story
      • The real Connemara
      • Dining & drinks
      • What's on
      • Breakfast
      • Afternoon Tea
      • Private dining
      • Midleton Whiskey
      • Our partners & suppliers
      • George V Dining Room
      • The Dungeon
      • Cullen's at the Cottage
      • The Drawing Room
      • Stanley's
      • The Connaught Room
      • The Prince of Wales Bar
      • The Billiards Room & Cigar Terrace
      • Wine tasting
      • Wellness & Spa
      • Spa facilities
      • The Salon
      • Spa brands
      • Spa etiquette
      • FAQs
      • Spa enquiry
      • Weddings
      • Conferences & meetings
      • Shopping at Ashford Castle
      • Mrs Tea's Boutique and Bakery
      • The Boutique at Ashford Castle
      • The gift shop
      • Gift vouchers
  • Discover
Loading...
    Select Date

    Carnation SVG

    No request is too large,
    no detail too small

    A vision for service excellence.
    A passion for generous hospitality.

    Meet the flagbearers of traditional Irish culture

    Enquire now
    Ashford castle Spa background pattern

    Fire, stone & wood: Itinerary 1

    Blacksmith hammering an iron rode with sparks

    The blacksmith

    Visit a working forge and learn how the bars of metal are transformed into the most ornate contemporary artwork by this internationally acclaimed blacksmith. Work the blacksmith’s bellows to redden the fire, take up the hammer and work metal on the anvil to make your own piece of artwork.

    irish craftmsan carving wood

    The furniture maker

    Follow the journey of our native Irish trees from sawn planks through the workshop to their final iteration as a beautiful piece of furniture. Learn the time-honoured skills of craftsmanship that shape this natural medium, find a real appreciation for the almost meditative qualities of working wood with hand tools.

    Man chiseling stone with a hammer and iron rod

    The stone carver

    A giant in the Irish craft scene for many years, this is a special opportunity to visit a stone carvers’ workshop and understand the inspiration behind his work, from sculptures made from limestone 25 tonnes in weight to the finest Carrara marble, creating the most delicate figures.

    Chisel, clay & cloth: Itinerary 2

    Cutting out a section of Irish tweed

    The textile designer

    A veritable force in Irish textile design, this local designer is pushing the boundaries of contemporary Irish fashion. Explore how Irish textiles are used to create handmade, one-off pieces that combine beautiful Irish fabrics with modern tailoring - a must-see for fashion aficionados.

    Spinning wet pottery on a pottery wheel

    The ceramicist

    Visit a local ceramicist's studio and peruse her collection of stoneware and porcelain inspired by the Connemara landscape. Known for experimenting with smoke-firing techniques and making her own glazes, join our ceramicist at her potter’s wheel and get a hands-on feel for throwing Irish pottery.

    Man drawing a line on wood with a ruler and pencil

    The contemporary carpenter

    Visit a woodwork designer at his intimate workshop and discover the long legacy of wood craftsmen in his family, fused with his own sense of contemporary design. As well as learning about the craft and his passion for woodwork, you will have the opportunity to try your hand at using traditional tools and working with Irish hardwood.

    Stay in touch

    Sign-up to our newsletter

    Subscribe to receive the latest news, announcements, and special offers

    We are proud to be part of a number of select and exclusive collections and memberships that share our values of outstanding service, exceptional guest experiences and generous hospitality.

    • Careers
    • Legal
    • Contact us
    • Covid-19 update
    • Media
    • Covid privacy notice

    London

    • Hotel 41
    • The Milestone Hotel & Residences
    • The Rubens at the Palace
    • The Egerton House Hotel
    • The Chesterfield Mayfair
    • The Montague on the Gardens

    Dorset

    • Summer Lodge Country House Hotel & Restaurant
    • The Acorn inn

    Ireland

    • Ashford Castle
    • The Lodge at Ashford Castle
    • Hatch Hall

    Edinburgh

    • 100 Princes Street

    Guernsey

    • The Old Government House Hotel & Spa
    • The Duke of Richmond Hotel

    South Africa

    • Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Wellness Retreat
    • The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa
    • The Oyster Box

    Botswana

    • Xigera Safari Lodge

    Geneva

    • Hotel d'Angleterre

    Florida

    • The Chesterfield Palm Beach

    By using this site you are accepting our use of cookies to help provide the best possible service & experience.
    Please refer to our privacy and cookie policy to read more about the cookies we use and how to change your settings.