‘Seo é Inis Oírr’, a workshop weekend celebrating island crafts and the traditional skills of Inis Oírr, Aran Islands, takes place from September 19 to 21.
There will be demonstrations and a choice of hands-on workshops taught by locals on Friday September 19, and Saturday September 20, including sean-nós dancing, Aran knitting, cooking with seaweed, and ‘lazy bed’ potato gardening.
“Visitors to Inis Oírr are always asking ‘what do you do in the winter time?’ so the ‘Seo é Inis Oírr’ weekend is about sharing some of our off-season activities and allowing a behind-the-scenes experience of island life,” says organiser Mary McCarty.
This is the second ‘Seo é Inis Oírr’ weekend to be held, the first in 2013 being well reviewed by participants and local teachers alike. Organisers note that custom workshop and demonstration events can be arranged for groups looking for a memorable outing.
“The people of Inis Oírr continue to knit, grow potato gardens, and express themselves through traditional crafts as part of their daily lives. It is far from a textbook learning experience.
“We are delighted to invite our regular visitors to the island or indeed people who haven’t been here before to join us for these very special workshops and to enjoy the many other activities on the island including traditional music sessions, looped walks, children’s playground, and pony and trap tours,” said Ms McCarty.
Price per person is €60 to include two half-day workshops, two demonstrations, and a closing Sunday tea. Anybody interested in attending the workshops must register in advance at www.seoeinisoirr.com, by email at [email protected] or by calling 085-1699145
