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Meet the flagbearers of traditional Irish culture

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Ashford castle Spa background pattern

Fire & 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.

The chef

To further enhance your day of craft, enjoy a private lunch inspired by the lush fields, wild mountains, and rich waters of the West of Ireland. Every country has its own culinary interpretation of the craft of cooking, here you will explore and take away some new skills to try at home.

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.

The organic grower

To further enhance your day of craft, join this organic and biodynamic vegetable grower who has spent a lifetime working with nature, crafting amazing tasting food. Enjoy a private lunch in the grower's home inspired by the bounty of the season.

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Forbes Five-Star Award
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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

Guernsey

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

Edinburgh

  • 100 Princes Street

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

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