Ireland’s premier craft extravaganza returns for 2026. August Craft Month is bigger than ever with nearly 500 events, covering every corner of the island.
The largest annual celebration of craft on the island of Ireland has officially launched, unveiling an incredible line-up of almost 500 events taking place on both sides of the border this August.
From centuries-old making traditions to innovative contemporary practices, August Craft Month showcases and brings together the makers, skills and stories that continue to shape this thriving sector.
With hundreds of events taking place throughout August, the jam-packed lineup features a huge variety of crafts and spans every corner of the island.
With hands-on workshops, demonstrations and exhibitions, to open studios and markets, this is your chance to try the craft you’ve always been curious about. Many of the events are free as organisers believe being creative shouldn’t break the bank.
Whether you’re a total beginner or a dedicated enthusiast, August Craft Month has an activity for you. From sustainable sewing in Galway and carving out the Ogham alphabet in Meath, to prehistoric pottery on the Causeway Coast in Antrim, and firing and feasting in Waterford, there really is something for everyone.
There are even fun family-focused events for all ages, which will provide much-needed entertainment during the school break.
With over 2,000 makers taking part and ready to show you what they do, now’s the time to discover creative craft pursuits right on your doorstep.
Brought together by Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) and Craft NI, the programme showcases the exceptional talent, creativity and craftsmanship found throughout Ireland.
Mary Blanchfield, CEO, Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Craft NI to launch the fifth edition of August Craft Month, celebrating craft right across the island of Ireland.
“The enthusiasm we have seen from makers year on year has been really encouraging, and having over 2,800 makers on board this year is something we are incredibly proud of.
“It reflects a genuine surge of interest in craft, particularly among younger people who are embracing hands-on, creative experiences with a real sense of community and connection.
“August Craft Month gives people a wonderful opportunity to discover the amazing craft happening in their own communities and beyond, and to celebrate the rich design and craft
heritage that’s so central to life across the island.”
Katherine McDonald, Director, Craft NI, said: “August Craft Month is such a wonderful platform to shine a light on the incredible talent we have in our craft community across Ireland.
“This year’s programme really does have something for everyone – from ceramics and textile making to making with glass and woodturning, plus lots more, the range of disciplines on show is very exciting.
“There are so many opportunities to get hands-on and try something new too, whatever your level of experience. Making things is good for us! So why not take the time to try a new craft. Or find a handmade piece for one of the most thoughtful and personal gifts you can give.”
Dr Suzanne Lyle, Head of Visual Arts, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said: “The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is proud to support Craft NI and August Craft Month once again this year.
“August Craft Month has become a real highlight of the arts calendar – a month-long showcase of exciting craft events that celebrate the remarkable talent of Northern Ireland’s designer-makers and puts their work firmly in the spotlight.
“It is wonderful to see Craft NI’s continued partnership with Design & Crafts Council Ireland which helps to diversify and widen audiences for craft and grow the appreciation of our talented craft makers across the island.”
Meanwhile, Cork city and county come alive once more this August, as Cork Craft Month, organised by Cork Craft & Design in association with August Craft Month, returns with a rich programme spanning contemporary and traditional craft.
Ava Hayes, Festival Director of Cork Craft Month, said: “We’re proud to shine a spotlight on the breadth of craft being created across Cork and to give people the opportunity to discover, support and connect with the talented makers working in their own communities.”
For the full island-wide programme and to sign up for events, visit www.augustcraftmonth.org. Share your own craft adventures by tagging @augustcraftmonth26 and use the hashtags #AugustCraftMonth2026 #MakeSeeBuy
ENDS
For further information please contact:
NI: Lucy Gibson, 028 9091 8420, [email protected]
ROI: Andréa Ajayi, 089 962 3008, [email protected]
Note to Editors: Craft NI is funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
About Craft NI
Craft NI is the sector-lead body for the promotion and development of the design-led contemporary craft industry in Northern Ireland.
Craft NI supports and promotes the craft industry as an integral, entrepreneurial and vibrant part of the region’s economic and cultural infrastructure. Its key partners include regional government and agencies, local government, cultural organisations, universities and colleges of further and higher education, private business and industry.
Craft NI and its programmes are funded and supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council.
We are grateful to the Wildlife and Wetlands Trust for enabling us to capture the August Craft Month launch photos in the beautiful settings of Castle Espie – check out the craft events happening here as part of August Craft Month and meet Tracey Johnson, Artist-in-Residence at Castle Espie!
About Design & Crafts Council Ireland
Design & Crafts Council Ireland is the national agency for design and craft in Ireland, we support designers and makers to develop their businesses in a sustainable way, and advocate for the societal benefits of design and craft. DCCI’s activities are funded by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment via Enterprise Ireland. DCCI currently has 68 member organisations and over 3,500 registered clients.
About Cork Craft Month
Cork Craft Month is an annual celebration of contemporary and traditional craft across Cork city and county. Taking place every August since 2009, the festival features exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations and events that spotlight the region’s vibrant maker community. Organised by Cork Craft & Design and delivered in association with August Craft Month, the programme connects the public with makers through hands-on experiences and creative showcases in venues across Cork.
About August Craft Month
August Craft Month is an all-island celebration of the vibrant craft sector across the island. Through a packed programme of events held by local craft makers, it provides opportunities for all to learn about, make, see, and buy craft. August Craft Month celebrates craft in all its forms, from traditional to contemporary, through workshops, to demonstrations, to exhibitions and lots more for all ages and all levels.
Follow @augustcraftmonth26 on social media for all the latest news and updates.
Presented by Design & Crafts Council Ireland and Craft NI.
