From foraging to photography, and sewing to beekeeping …
With one in three adults actively trying to break up with their phones, according to research, it’s no surprise that quiet hobbies are making a major comeback – here’s some inspiration for upcoming courses to tickle your fancy!
Cooking Courses, Howth Castle Cookery School, Co Dublin
Howth Castle Cookery School has launched a series of autumn cookery classes starting from €95, and in addition offers corporate team day experiences. These can range from Modern Irish Food, Thai Supper Club, Contemporary Cooking, and Modern Irish Fish each offering a fun, hands-on way to cook, connect and create together. @howthcastlecookery
Rooftop Bookswap, Chester Beatty Library, Co Dublin
For bibliophiles, Chester Beatty is organising a Rooftop Book Swap on September 6, one of its many autumnal activities. During this session, you can exchange up to five of your own books (in good condition) for something new. @chester_beatty_dublin
Bee-keeping and Biodiversity Workshop, Phoenix Park, Co Dublin
The Biodiversity Festival and Honey Show, also on September 6, features a series of workshops on the art of bee-keeping. It’s also a chance to see the beautifully restored Victorian Walled Garden with its colourful herbaceous border, dahlias and espaliered fruit trees. @thephoenixparkopw
Print-making, Ink-making, Botanical Casting Workshops, Killruddery, Co Wicklow
This autumn, Killruddery has a series of one- and two-day sessions designed to reconnect participants with the land and their creativity. From botanical ink-making and basket weaving to print-making and photography, each experience celebrates the estate’s values of sustainability, heritage and artistic expression. Highlights include a print-making workshop with David Begley on September 6, while artist Erica Devine will teach how to create a botanical wall on September 21, using flowers from the estate’s gardens. All workshops include materials and refreshments. Many also include a seasonal, garden-to-plate lunch prepared by head chef Niall O’Sullivan. @killruddery
Paint & Prosecco Workshop, The Merchant Hotel, Belfast
Led by Sinéad Dermott from The Art and Design Factory, this workshop on September 7 offers guests the chance to create their own masterpiece while sipping a few glasses of Valdo Prosecco. @merchantbelfast
Photography Workshops, Photo Museum Ireland
For photography fans, Photo Museum Ireland has a four-week online course with award-winning photographer Brendan O’Sé from September 9 to 30. Across this interactive workshop course, you’ll sharpen your eye for composition, explore creative techniques, capture compelling portraits and street moments, and finish with images you’ll be proud to print and share. @photomuseumirl
Foraging, Birr Castle, Co Offaly
Birr Castle has an interesting series of autumn events including Foraging with Mary Bulfin on October 12, where Mary will share her extensive knowledge of wild plants, their uses and sustainable foraging practices. Also of note is the Birr International Steam Festival, during which visitors can celebrate science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics in one of Ireland’s most historic scientific locations. @birrcastledemesne
Gardening Workshop, Kelly’s Resort Hotel & Spa, Co Wexford
For gardeners, join Jimi Blake for a midweek gardening break at Kelly’s Resort in Rosslare on October 12 to 17, when he will be joined by the hotel’s head gardener Deirdre Howlin. Both will share their tips on what to plant and how to create some colour in autumnal gardens. It’s just one of the interesting midweek breaks with others on improving your bridge, wine tasting and painting. @kellysresort
Workship, Boath House, Scotland
Irish photographers Cliodhna Prendergast, Doreen Kilfeather, Ruth Forsyth and Katie Anderson are leading a photography “workship” (not a typo!) at Boath House in the Scottish Highlands from October 17 to 20. It’s the sister property of Connemara-based Within The Village in Roundstone – a captivating backdrop to an enjoyable weekend which will include live shoots, guidance on techniques and advice on portraiture. This is for amateurs and professionals (you can even do the workshop on a camera phone) where you can learn more about how to work with natural light and style a shoot. Also on the menu – fantastic food, fireside chats, lake swims, cocktails and croquet. @cliodhnaprendergast
Heidi Higgins’ Sewing Workshop, Ballingarry, Co Tipperary
Whether you dream of designing your own wardrobe or simply want a productive escape, designer Heidi Higgins is organising a series of weekend sewing workshops. “This is more than a sewing class,” she says. “It’s a celebration of slowing down, creating with your hands, and connecting with others. It’s about learning to make something beautiful – not just the dress, but the whole weekend. Whether you are a complete beginner or looking to build on existing skills, the workshops offer a welcoming and inspiring space to get creative”. The workshops run once a month in the Old School House Living, with all sewing machines and fabric supplied. Next door, you’ll find Old School Living for antiques and Bernie’s Take Out for hearty homemade meals. @heidihiggins
Sketch & Stay, Lough Erne Resort, Co Fermanagh
An autumn retreat with acclaimed artist Eamon Colman, whose colourful abstracts are found throughout the hotel. The three-day artistic package offers hands-on masterclasses exploring handmade milk paints and plein air techniques, in addition to a luxurious stay in the Fermanagh Lakelands. @lougherneresort
SEE MORE: Artistic License – Hazel O’Sullivan
