Lost Crafts Revived in Clare

Ireland’s traditional crafts and trades will be showcased during the 2024 Culture & Crafts Fair at Craggaunowen on July 13th and 14th. Visitors will have the opportunity to engage directly with artists, crafts and tradespeople, storytellers, musicians and dancers from across the Banner County.

This event celebrates Ireland’s lost or traditional crafts and trades. Jack Pinson, a Clare-based maker of traditional and historic longbows, will showcase the ancient skill of timber craftwork on the traditional pole lathe. Michael Foudy from Ruan will demonstrate the ancient craft of basket making and how locally sourced pliable materials such as hazel and willow were used to create baskets for carrying fuel, gathering food or catching fish.

Meanwhile, the ringfort's resident blacksmith and tool maker (Uinseann) will forge jewellery and share his knowledge of the history and mythology of forging in Ireland, and Craggaunowen’s resident craftsman (Arno) will transform animal hide and wood into functional drums for tribal ceremonies.

The 16th-century Craggaunowen Castle will host demonstrations and talks by local artists and craft producers, including artist Helen Lowe, SIAR Photography, Allison Chillice Leatherwork, Wild Atlantic Glass, Palm Oil Free Soaps, Carmel's Cottage Candles, Ramona Mulvey Jewellery, Pricella Crochet and Knitting, Gaelach Candles, Galanta Jewellery and Mona Paper Quilling.