Learning Holidays in Connemara

Broaden your horzions with a learning holiday in Connemara or the Aran Islands.

Fancy learning something new while you are on your holidays.  From traditional crafts to artistic pursuits and even underwater adventures there is something for everyone to expand their horizons with a learning holiday in the West of Ireland

Wool Craft: Embracing Tradition

Sheep farming is a prominent part of the local economy in Connemara. There is a deep-rooted tradition of wool craft. Travel writers travelling in Connemara often mention the traditional woollen socks sold to supplement their income. Women washed, dyed, carded and spun the wool from their own sheep and knitted socks and jumpers.  Engage in hands-on experiences with Carina Coyne at Joyce Country Wools  or  learn the art of creating an Aran Stitches on Inis Oirr with Cleas Crafts.

Basket Making: Weaving Willow

Discover the ancient art of basket making with Ciaran Hogan. The workshops provide a unique opportunity to learn traditional basket-making techniques. Ciaran Hogan offers a number of popular courses. The One day and two days courses  take place at Ceardlann an Spidéal or a four day course at Loch na Fooey. The four day course is booked out for 2024 but 2025 dates will be listed in June.

             Irish Language: A Cultural Immersion    Tumchlár Gaeilge

Immerse yourself in the rich linguistic heritage of Ireland by participating in Irish language classes.  Follow in the footsteps of Patrick Pease, John Millington Synge, Eoin McNeill, Douglas Hyde, William Butler Yeats, Lady Gregory, Eamon De Valera and head to Inis Meáin to take part in an Irish course.

Tum isteach i dteanga agus i gcultúr na Gaeilge.  Is iad ranganna Gaeilge an bealach is fearr chun na teanga a fhoghlaim. Tá cliú agus cáil ar Inis Meáin mar Ghaeltacht agus ina measc siúd a tháinig go hInis Meáin chun feabhas a chuir ar a gcuid Gaeilge bhí Eoin Mac Néill, Pádraig Mac Piarais, J.M. Synge agus Éamon de Valera.

                                                                    Bodhran: Beat of the Drum  Fuaim na nDrumaí

Feel the rhythm and connect with the soulful beats at  The Craiceann Summer School .It offers workshops from beginners to advanced at the summershool on Inis Oirr from Monday 24th of June to Friday 28th of June 2024

Scoil Samhraidh ‘Craiceann’ ar Inis Oírr a dhíríonn ar ceol an bhodhráin! Beidh ranganna teagaisc ar bun leo siúd a bhfuil fios a gcúram go maith acu agus cúrsa do thosaitheoirí.

Art Lessons: Drawing Inspiration from Nature   Ranganna ealaíne  -Inspioráíd ó Nadúir

Connemara’s breathtaking landscapes serve as a perfect muse for artists. Join art lessons that capture the essence of the region’s beauty, from the seashore to the mountains.  Renvyle House Hotel hosts a Watercolour Painting Break with Grahame Booth in April which is fully subscribed at the moment but content them directly to be put on a waiting list if you are interested.

Is inspioráid tírdhreacha álainn Chonamara d’ealaíontóirí. Glac páirt i ranganna ealaíona agus an tírdhreach áitiúil ón trá go dtí na sléibhte mar spreagadh.

Jewellery Making: Crafting Treasures          Déanamh Seodra -Ag cruthú seoda ealaíne

Join Ruairi O’ Neill and learn how to make your own Silver Jewellery in Two Days!  He runs classes throughout the year from his studios in Carna. You will learn the basics of cutting with a piercing saw, hammering and filing and make some jewelery in brass or copper. After you’ve mastered the basic your final piece with be a pendant made in Sterling Silver with a Semi Precious Stone of your choice.

Ar mhaith leat foghlaim conas do chuid seoda airgead féin a chruthú. Ghlac páirt i gceardlann le Ruairí Ó’ Neill agus tar éis dhá lá beidh do mhuince airgid féin déanta agat.

Photography Weekend: Capturing Connemara

The  Connemara landscape  offers a captivating canvas. Join a photography weekend to hone your skills while capturing the dramatic landscapes and the ever-changing light that defines this picturesque region.  Clifden StationHouse is offering a 4 nights Photography Workshop with landscape photographer Gareth McCormack from March 18th 2024.  Photographer and Food Writer Cliodhna Prendergasts hosts  Workship The event encompasses  travel, learning, photography, friendship, craftsmanship, conversation and food. 

Diving Lessons: Beneath the Atlantic

Explore Connemara’s marine wonders through diving lessons. The coastal waters provide a diverse underwater world, and experienced instructors can guide both beginners and experienced divers through unforgettable aquatic adventures. From their base on the Aran Islands the Dive Academy  Three Day Open Water Diver course.  Located in Carraroe the solar powered dive centre Atlantic Scuba Dive offers a variety of courses  .  Further North ScubaDive West also offers a range of courses to suit all levels.

If diving is not for you then consider conquering the waves with a surfing lession from Connemara Real Adventures.

Writers Retreat  – Cúrsa Scríbhneoireachta

For those seeking inspiration in the written word, Connemara’s is an ideal setting for a writers retreat.  At Notre Dame Education Centre at Kylemore Abbey offers writing workshops with New York Times author Betty Cornwell. For dates and details check the website.  Renvyle House Hotel is the base for the Love Comes in at the Eye writers retreat organised by former NPR host Jacki Lyden.

                                Floral Workshops    Ceardlann Bláthanna

Join Patricia at Sky Lark & Wren  for floral workshops on Inishbofin. Flowers arranging , pressed flowers, sketching and or bouquets making in a two hour workshop. Suitable for day trippers.  Foghlaim conas Bláthfhleasc  agus Crobhaing Bláthanna a dhéanamh.