August Craft Month is back this August with its largest programme to date, bringing together more than 3,500 makers across the island of Ireland for a month-long celebration of contemporary and traditional craft.
Now in its fifth year as an all-island initiative, the events span all 32 counties and features almost 600 events, including workshops, exhibitions, demonstrations, open studios, markets and maker talks. With many events free to attend, the programme offers opportunities for people of all ages and experience levels to discover, make, see and buy craft.
Visitors can explore a wide range of disciplines, from ceramics, jewellery and glassmaking to woodturning and textiles. Whether you’re trying a craft for the first time or looking to develop an existing interest, August Craft Month offers hands-on experiences and opportunities to meet talented makers from across Ireland. Family-friendly events will also take place throughout the month, providing creative activities during the school holidays.
Delivered by Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) in partnership with Craft NI, August Craft Month celebrates the creativity, skill and innovation of Ireland’s craft sector while encouraging more people to engage with craft in their local communities.
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 3,500 makers on board this year is something we are incredibly proud of.
Mary Blanchfield
CEO of Design & Crafts Council Ireland
She added that the growing participation reflects increasing interest in craft, particularly among younger people seeking creative, hands-on experiences and opportunities to connect with others.
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..
“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? It might even become a lifelong passion.”
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.”
Cork Craft Month also returns this August as part of the wider programme. Organised by Cork Craft & Design in association with August Craft Month, it will feature exhibitions, workshops, demonstrations and events celebrating both contemporary and traditional craft across Cork city and county.
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.”
The full August Craft Month programme is now available, with events taking place throughout August in locations across Ireland. Explore the programme and register for events at: 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]
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.
www.dcci.ie / @dccireland
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.
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.
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.
