August Craft Month opens in Mayo

The August Craft Month festival has opened in Foxford.

From pottery markets, open studios and woodturning exhibitions and craft markets, the annual celebration of Irish craft has officially begun, and will continue through the entire month.

Some of the festival’s events include a wool spinning workshop in Ballycastle, a mosaic tour in Cong Woods, and a ceramic workshop in Castlebar.

The Foxford experience welcomes all to learn from their experienced guides about a century of innovation, forward-thinking, manufacturing and craftsmanship.

Founded in 1892 by an Irish nun, Mother Agnes came to the town of Foxford with the hope of bringing ‘Brighter Homes, Better Work and Greater Happiness’ to the locality and her vision of possibility, tenacity and bravery weaves an intriguing tale through the decades that followed.

Dara Calleary TD, Minister of State at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment with special responsibility for Trade Promotion and Digital Transformation, said the programme's opening in Foxford marked ‘a vibrant celebration of creativity and craftsmanship’.

August Craft Month celebrates the vibrant local craft scene right across the island of Ireland. It provides unique opportunities for people to get involved, as well as supporting makers by buying products and learning more about their work.

Led by Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) in partnership with Craft NI, the month-long celebration, now in its third year, will once again be part of an island-wide summer programme with over 400 eclectic events in all corners of the island.

Celebrating craft in all forms, from traditional to contemporary, August Craft Month is a social and cultural celebration for everyone. As well as giving people the opportunity to immerse themselves in the wonderful visual and hands-on experience of craft, many of the events embody the important contribution that craft can make as a means of cultural and social progression.

Minister Dara Calleary commented: “August Craft Month not only showcases the incredible talent and dedication of our local artisans but also highlights the importance of supporting and promoting our craft industry.

“It's an honour to witness the passion and innovation that contribute so richly to our cultural heritage and economy in Ireland,” he added.

Suzy O’Keefe, Head of Digital & Communications, Design & Crafts Council Ireland, said they are thrilled to deliver a ‘packed programme of events’.

“Now in our third year of celebrating August Craft Month right across the island, everyone can play their part and get involved this summer, with unmissable opportunities to experience, participate in, support, learn about, make, see and buy stand-out local craft,” she continued.

Craft NI and Design & Crafts Council Ireland have come together to deliver this important initiative.

For more information, and to see all events in your area, see the interactive map on the August Craft Month website to find the closest events happening in your local community.