Traditional Craft Workshop

Immerse yourself in traditional Irish culture as you learn about and try out ancient crafts and traditions which have been passed down through the generations and are still a vibrant part of Irish life today.

Enjoy a homely welcome from your host, Danny McKinley, and tea, coffee and homemade scones in our centres loft café. After a brief introduction and presentation on what we will be doing today, we will take the short trip up to our highland bog with panoramic views over 5 counties.

Allow Danny McKinley to explain peats links to the ice age and watch as he cuts the bog into fine slices of peat which has been used to heat Irish homes for generations.

We will cut bog rushes or reeds before heading back to the centre to hear the story of one of our patron saints and use the reeds to make our own St Brigid’s crosses. With our crosses made, its time to meet our Irish cobs and Irish draught horses before marvelling as our expert blacksmith puts horse shoes on our fine steeds.

Visitors can also marvel at the relationship between Danny McKinley and his sheep dog as he demonstrates how his trusty collie dog will follow his command to move the farms sheep.

Visitors can also engage in the ancient the sport of hurling, the oldest and fastest field game in the world, with local athletes who were crowned All Ireland club champions in 2012.

We can also return to our loft kitchen where our local bakers can show off Irish bread making recipies which have been handed down through the generations. Have a go at the baking yourself and enjoy the taste and smell of these traditional treats.

What can be Included:

• Welcome from your host, Danny McKinley, to the centre
• Tea, coffee and homemade scones on arrival
• Short presentation on what we will be doing today
• Trip to the bog for peat cutting demonstration and
• Story of St Brigid and St Brigid’s cross making tutorial
• St Brigid’s cross for all members
• Sheep dog demonstration
• Hurling demonstration and opportunity to try it out
• Traditional Irish bread baking
• Introduction to our ancient breed of Irish horse
• Blacksmith demonstration

Duration:

1 – 2 Hours

Suitable For:

Independent travellers, Series tours, Bespoke groups, Comfort stop

Note:

Each workshop can be tailored to meet the size and time requirements of your group.

Venue:

Causeway Coast Discovery Centre

Cost:

From £30pps