Makers & Museums: Announcing Ireland 2023
We announce our upcoming Makers & Museums tour of Ireland in May 2023, celebrating the best of Irish craft and design
Monday 08 May – Monday 15 May 2023
Loch Na Fooey, near to Joe Hogan’s studio
Ireland – Where time-honoured traditions are kept alive in Craft and Design
Discover why Ireland is such a melting pot of creativity, brimming with rich history, inspirational landscapes, language, music and vibrant Irish imaginations.
Willow basket by Joe Hogan, working near Loch Na Fooey
On a truly special tour, experience the best of Irish craft and design. Toss down a pint of Guinness and let the warmth and the smiles of the Irish sweep you away on a journey across the country to see the work of the most talented designers and craft artisans, inspired by Ireland’s striking landscape.
Ceramicist Derek Wilson in his Belfast studio
Makers & Museums, assisted by The Design and Crafts Council Ireland, have created an itinerary that takes you to every corner of the country to meet Ireland’s best makers, and the opportunity to be expertly guided through the finest galleries and related museum collections.
Ceramic sculpture by Derek Wilson, Belfast
Irish craftsmanship is intimately entwined with the nation’s majestic natural scenery. We travel from Belfast to Ballintoy and wind our way through iconic coastal landscapes to the start of the northern section of the Wild Atlantic Way at Ardara, where we see the majestic Slieve League cliffs. From there we head south to Galway, Kinsale and back round to Dublin. At every corner of the country, we discover pockets of vibrant creativity.
Wood Furniture by Alan Meredith, based near Mountmellick, Co. Laois
The itinerary of studio visits will provide a window into the artists’ worlds, and an exclusive insight into their practice. Among the artists we will visit are the glass-blowing duo Scott Benefield and Andrea Spencer in their studio on the north Antrim coast, the highly-esteemed basket weaver Joe Hogan, and the celadon glazed porcelain and stoneware by ceramist Derek Wilson, as well as countless others.
While in Belfast, we will have a curator-led tour of the prestigious Ulster Museum’s Craft and Design Section and the Craft NI Gallery, showcasing emerging local artists and designers. In Dublin, our visits will include the Collins Barracks: part of the National Museum of Ireland where collections of contemporary craft and design are displayed, including those of the famous modernist Irish architect and designer, Eileen Gray.
When visiting the makers’ studios there will be opportunities to purchase works directly from the artists.
Wood wall sculpture & vessel by Alan Meredith
In Belfast, we will be based at the luxurious Fitzwilliam Hotel near the Opera House, and in Dublin at Dylan Hotel, a 5* Boutique set in historic buildings.
Join Flow Gallery owner, Yvonna Demczynska and museum adventurer, Cathy Giangrande and discover why Ireland’s craft is full of joy and spirit. And, that’s why they say, ‘All you want is in Ireland’!
Glass blower Andrea Spencer at work in her studio on the North Antrim coast
What’s Included
Overnight stays, highlights include:
- 2 nights’ accommodation at 5* Fitzwilliam Hotel, Belfast on a B&B basis
- 1 night at Dean Hotel, Galway
- 1 night at Absolute Hotel, Limerick
- 1 night at Dean Hotel, Cork
- 2 nights’ accommodation at 5* boutique Dylan Hotel Dublin
Private group curator tours:
- The Ulster Museum
- Craft NI Gallery
- The Hunt Museum
- National Design & Craft Gallery
- Limerick School of Art & Design
- Collins Barracks at Decorative Arts & History Museum in Dublin
Glass sculptures by Andrea Spencer
Fine Dining, including:
- Breakfast, lunch & dinner throughout
- Welcome dinner in the Great Room at the Merchant Hotel Belfast
- Michelin Bib Gourmand ‘Home’, in Belfast
- Award winning ‘Dax’ and ‘Glas’ in Dublin
Studio & exclusive visits, including:
- Over 15 artist studio visits, showcasing ceramics, wood, furniture, glass, silversmithing, weaving, and more
- A basket weaving masterclass and visit to the the studio of esteemed basket weaver Joe Hogan
Ceramic sculptures by Mike Byrne, based in Limerick
For Further Details
For further information and a full itinerary, please contact Yvonna at Flow, info@flowgallery.co.uk or Cathy, cathygiangrande@gmail.com.
Numbers on this tour are limited to 12, so early enquiries are essential.
Loch Na Fooey, near to Joe Hogan’s studio