Cork Views: Join us as we pay homage to Cork craft

There’s something quietly powerful about holding a handcrafted object in your hands. There’s a sense that behind its beauty is time, skill, story, and care.

In a fast-moving, mass-produced world, craft slows us right down. It reminds us all that artistry still lives in the everyday. Be that in the curve of a turned bowl, the stitching of a textile piece, or the balance of a well-forged knife.

And here in Cork, that artistry is thriving.

This August, Cork Craft Month returns for its biggest-ever celebration of the county’s vibrant maker community.

It also marks a major milestone: 20 years of Cork Craft & Design – the social enterprise and membership organisation behind the Cork Craft Month Festival and the creative heartbeat of the craft sector in Cork.

This milestone marks 20 years of building community, sustaining careers, and creating visibility for the incredible work happening across studios, workshops, shared spaces, and kitchen tables county-wide.

Craft and design has always had deep roots in Irish life, but in the last two decades, we’ve seen a remarkable evolution. What was once seen as a niche or part-time pursuit has become a dynamic and respected sector, blending traditional techniques with modern innovation.

Makers today are more connected, more entrepreneurial, and more diverse in their practice than ever before.

At Cork Craft & Design, we’re proud to support over 110 makers - from full-time professionals to those who balance their craft alongside other work or caregiving responsibilities.

And crucially, this is not a city-only story. While Cork city is a thriving creative hub, the richness of craft in Cork spans the full county. From West Cork woodworkers and East Cork textile artists. To ceramicists in the city and jewellery designers in the valleys and towns in between.

This is reflected in this year’s Cork Craft Month programme, which brings 99 events – including 80 workshops – to 12 venues across Cork city and county.

We’ll be in Killeagh at Greywood Arts, in Ballydehob with Kilcoe Studios, in Fermoy with Blackwater Valley Makers, and at Benchspace in the heart of the city. From seaweed pressing and spoon carving to embroidery, lampshade making and wheel-throwing, the range of workshops and exhibitions is a testament to the diversity and excellence of Cork makers.

There’s something for families, teens, children, everyone!

One of the most exciting developments this year is the strong shift toward participation. In 2025, 81% of our events are hands-on. This is no accident. People want to be part of the process. They want to experience the texture, the tools, the learning curve.

We’re increasingly hearing from attendees that not only do they come away with a finished product but with a new appreciation for the maker’s mind and hand. That kind of connection is irreplaceable, and it’s at the heart of what we do.

Behind the scenes, Cork Craft Month is a collective effort. Our makers are the core, but surrounding them is a network of collaborators, curators, and coordinators who make the festival possible each year.

As Festival Director, it’s a privilege to witness the energy and generosity that goes into shaping this programme.

One of the highlights this year is Echoes of the Makers, our anniversary members’ showcase at Fota House – a fittingly grand setting to honour two decades of work! Also not to be missed is Voice of the Craft at St Peter’s on North Main Street, and EMERGE, our annual New Makers exhibition at The Gallery at No. 46 on Grand Parade, celebrating the next generation of Irish craft talent.

Our Demo Day on August 9 by the Cork Craft & Design shop in Douglas Court is another chance to see makers in action with live woodturning, pottery, interactive children’s demos and more. Across the road, our neighbours at On The Pig’s Back are showcasing a beautiful, curated collection of locally made craft. A perfect example of how craft lives alongside food, heritage, and community in Cork.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the generous support of our partners and funders. We’re deeply grateful to the Local Enterprise Office, Design & Crafts Council Ireland, August Craft Month, Cork City Council, Cork County Council, Cork Education and Training Board, Creative Ireland, Fáilte Ireland, The Heritage Council, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Munster Technological University, Friends of the Crawford Art Gallery and Benchspace. Their commitment allows us to grow the programme, support our makers, and ensure craft continues to be accessible and visible to all.

As we celebrate 20 years, we’re looking back, but more importantly we’re looking forward!

The next chapter of Cork craft will be shaped by sustainability, community, and creativity. These values have always been present, but are more urgent now than ever.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a curious beginner, or simply someone who loves beautiful things made with care, I invite you to explore what Cork Craft Month has to offer.

Visit corkcraftanddesign.ie to view the full programme and book your place at one of our 99 events. Join us this August across the city, county and community to experience Cork craft at its finest.