Do I need prior experience?

No experience is required; the class is designed for complete beginners and covers basic strokes through letterforms.

What does the price include?

The €40 fee covers instruction, all materials during class, and a calligraphy pen holder and nib to take home.

Is the workshop accessible?

Yes — the workshop cabin is accessible by ramp and the museum’s ground floor facilities are fully accessible; entry for wheelchairs is via the Café.

How old do participants need to be?

The workshop is for ages 18 and up, per the listing's age guidance.

Where exactly is the meeting point?

Classes meet in the portable cabin outside the main National Print Museum building; staff will direct participants on arrival.

How do I book and cancel?

Book through the museum’s booking link (referral provided) and check the museum’s cancellation policy when you reserve; slots can fill quickly on weekends.

Learn Modern Calligraphy with Sarah O’Dea at Dublin’s National Print Museum

Step into a two-hour modern calligraphy workshop led by Sarah O’Dea at the National Print Museum in Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland. Designed for adults (18+), this hands-on class breaks down the fundamentals of contemporary lettering in an accessible, focused setting. You’ll learn how to mount a nib into a pen holder, manage ink flow, and practice the basic strokes that form every letter. The session moves from warm-up drills to letterforms and simple words, with instructor demos and one-on-one feedback so you leave ready to practice at home. Classes take place in the portable cabin outside the main museum building. The ground floor of the museum — where the Reception, Museum Shop, permanent exhibition, Café, and toilets are located — is fully accessible; entry for wheelchairs is via the Café and the cabin is reachable by ramp. Workshops are supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport through the After Hours at the Museum Scheme, and its €40 price covers all materials plus a calligraphy pen holder and nib to take home. What makes this workshop stand out in Dublin’s cultural landscape is its connection to print history. Taught beside a museum devoted to printed media, the class gives immediate context: the nib you use echoes the tools on display in the permanent collection; the pen’s marks evoke centuries of lettercraft that shaped how information moved through the city. For visitors who spent the morning walking the Docklands or wandering medieval streets, this two-hour pause is a tactile, low-impact way to learn a craft linked to the city’s communication history. The pace is deliberate and practical. Expect a mix of instructor demonstration, focused practice, and time to work on individual letterforms. Sarah’s approach is friendly and detail-focused — students in recent sessions praised her clarity and encouragement. Small class sizes mean personalized attention and quick correction of common grip and stroke issues. This workshop is ideal for travelers seeking a quiet indoor activity that still connects to Dublin’s cultural fabric: it’s short, bookable, and returns a tangible souvenir — a pen and a set of practiced strokes. Whether you’re gifting yourself a new skill or marking a trip with personalized stationery, the class offers technique over flourish and an introduction to a craft that rewards repetition. Book with the museum for an evening slot after exploring nearby museums, and bring reading glasses if you prefer close work. The cabin’s setup and the museum amenities make the whole visit straightforward and welcoming. Reserve a spot in advance through the museum booking link; classes fill quickly, especially on weekend evenings, and arriving a minutes early gives time to settle, choose your nib, and enjoy a coffee in the museum Café beforehand.

Difficulty

easy.

Duration

2 hours.

Fitness level

No special fitness required; participants should be comfortable sitting for short focused periods.

Wildlife

Pigeon
House sparrow

History

The workshop is supported by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport through the After Hours at the Museum Scheme, linking contemporary craft to the museum’s printed heritage.

Conservation

Participants are encouraged to use supplied materials to minimize waste; the museum emphasizes reuse of practice papers where possible to reduce environmental impact.

The National Print Museum in Dublin preserves and presents the history and craft of printing for visitors of all ages. Located in Dublin, County Dublin, the museum offers guided tours, family activities, hands-on workshops, and live demonstrations that showcase historic printing equipment and contemporary graphic design. Exhibits include working machines and archival material that illustrate the development of movable type and mechanical printing from Gutenberg-era influences to modern letterpress practice. Visitors can join structured experiences such as a Family-Friendly Tour that lets children create printed posters and printer’s hats, a Guided Historical Tour that features an original 1916 Proclamation and printing demonstrations, and specialised workshops like letterpress Christmas card sessions for beginners. Monthly live demonstrations are conducted by retired printers who operate machines such as the Linotype and Wharfdale press, making complex processes accessible and engaging. The museum also hosts illustrated talks and design-focused events, connecting historical printing techniques with Irish graphic design movements. On-site café service offers homemade food and refreshments for a comfortable visit. Educational programmes accommodate school groups and families, while workshops welcome adults seeking practical print skills. As a dedicated cultural institution, the National Print Museum prioritises conservation, interpretation, and public engagement. Information is provided by experienced staff and volunteers, and activities are designed to be informative, hands-on, and safe. The museum’s combination of original artefacts, working machinery, and instructional experiences makes it a reliable destination for anyone interested in the history and practice of printing. Visit to explore prints, learn skills, and appreciate craftsmanship today.

Base locationDublin, County Dublin

Tours offered6+

Specialtyothers

StewardshipLeave No Trace

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