New Pathways for Traditional Skills
Who will become the next generation of heritage craftspeople?
Across Ireland, traditional craft skills are facing a critical challenge. From stained glass making and thatching to conservation and the preservation of historic buildings and objects, many specialist heritage crafts require new practitioners to ensure that knowledge and skills are passed on to future generations.
Hosted by TU Dublin at its Grangegorman Campus, this panel discussion brings together craftspeople, educators, graduates and heritage professionals to explore the opportunities that exist within Ireland’s heritage craft sector and the growing need for new talent.
Through their diverse experiences, the panel will explore how contemporary designers and graduates can build careers within heritage craft, conservation and traditional making practices. From stained glass design and traditional building skills to craft preservation and cultural heritage, the discussion highlights a sector rich in opportunity but in urgent need of new practitioners.
The session will also examine the wider role heritage craft plays in contemporary society. As sustainability, repair, circularity and material knowledge become increasingly important, the traditional skills that shaped Ireland’s built and cultural heritage are finding renewed relevance in addressing today’s challenges.
Aimed at students, graduates, designers, makers and heritage professionals, the event provides a unique opportunity to discover alternative creative career pathways and learn from practitioners who have built innovative careers by combining traditional skills with contemporary design thinking.
Why Attend?
- Discover career opportunities within Ireland’s heritage craft sector.
- Learn how traditional skills can be applied in contemporary contexts.
- Hear first-hand experiences from craftspeople, graduates and conservation professionals.
- Explore the relationship between design, conservation and cultural heritage.
- Connect with practitioners working across heritage craft and traditional building skills.
Event Information
Date: 11 November 2026
Location: TU Dublin, Grangegorman Campus
Format: Panel Discussion
Exploring how a new generation of makers, designers and craftspeople can shape the future of Ireland’s heritage craft sector.
Wheelchair Accessible • Suitable for All Ages
