Discover the art of willow basket weaving at North Mayo Heritage Centre. This hands-on workshop combines history, sustainability, and craft in a beautiful rural setting—perfect for a memorable day of learning and creation.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
6–8 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required, but patience helps.
Wildlife
History
Willow basketry has been a vital part of Mayo’s rural life for generations, used for everything from farming to market trading.
Conservation
The workshop emphasizes sustainable harvesting of willow and eco-friendly practices, ensuring this craft remains a green tradition.
North Mayo Heritage Centre
Discover the art of willow basket weaving at North Mayo Heritage Centre. This hands-on workshop combines history, sustainability, and craft in a beautiful rural setting—perfect for a memorable day of learning and creation.
North Mayo Heritage Centre, located in Enniscoe, County Mayo, showcases local craft, culture and community events. The centre presents a program of hands-on workshops, seasonal family activities and short film screenings that explore traditional skills and contemporary craft practices.
Workshop offerings include a one day willow basket workshop led by Kate and Alan from Westcountry Willows, a jewellery workshop with Tracy from Hazelrocks Jewellery to create a Crystal ‘Tree of Life’ pendant, and a needle-felting workshop run by Annie from Killala Woolcraft. The centre also screens Mixie’s Bog, a 45-minute documentary about turf cutting presented with a Q&A, and hosts a Halloween Lanterns workshop and garden walk for children aged 4 to 10.
Each experience is presented with named tutors and clear learning outcomes, making the centre suitable for beginners and families. The mix of practical craft sessions and cultural interpretation supports both creative learning and heritage appreciation. The centre communicates session details, instructor names and activity focus to help visitors choose suitable workshops. Located in North Mayo, the venue connects visitors to regional craft traditions and seasonal community events without making claims beyond the listed activities and instructors.
Location
Enniscoe, County Mayo
Situated in North Mayo
Experiences
5 Offered
Workshops and screenings listed
Event Length
One-day & Short
Day workshops and short film
Named Tutors
Kate, Alan, Tracy, Annie, Mixie
Specific instructors and presenters
Reserve a place for willow weaving, jewellery, needle-felting, Mixie’s Bog screening or the Halloween Lanterns workshop — limited spaces available.
Prepare for a full day of crafting
Bring a picnic lunch and wear comfortable clothes suitable for working with natural materials.
Use sharp tools carefully
Proper knife handling is essential; guidance will be provided, but exercise caution.
Engage with instructors
Ask questions and absorb techniques for future projects.
Enjoy the rural scene
Take time to appreciate the surrounding landscape and tranquility.
Comfortable clothes
Wear clothes you don’t mind getting slightly stained or caught on during weaving.
Sturdy shoes
Closed-toe shoes provide safety and comfort during the workshop.
Sun protection
Sunscreen or a hat can enhance comfort if sunny.
summer
Notebook and pen
Capture notes or sketches for future projects.