A creative start to Spring 2026, make a Brigid's Cross in Ardgillan Castle
Learn to weave a St. Brigid's Cross in a single-hour workshop led by castle staff at Ardgillan Castle. This hands-on session pairs historic craft with a castle setting—perfect for visitors wanting a quick cultural experience near Dublin.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1 hour
Fitness Level
Minimal physical exertion required; suitable for most adults comfortable with seated handwork.
Wildlife
History
Making a Brigid's Cross ties to the Irish Imbolc tradition around February 1 and the long-held custom of hanging woven crosses in homes for protection.
Conservation
Use only supplied materials and avoid harvesting plants from the grounds; respect the estate's rules to protect the historic landscape.
Ardgillan Castle Ltd
A creative start to Spring 2026, make a Brigid's Cross in Ardgillan Castle
Ardgillan Castle Ltd, based in County Dublin, manages Ardgillan Castle and its surrounding demesne as a public historic site and events venue. The company offers a range of visitor experiences that showcase the estate's 18th‑century architecture and local heritage.
Visitors can take the Ardgillan Castle Self Guided Tour to explore rooms associated with the Taylor family from 1738 to 1962, with a focused 30‑minute route and free tours for seniors on the first Wednesday of each month. Family-friendly workshops include Create Your Own Castle for children aged eight and up and a Weaving Workshop for Kids that combines storytelling with hands‑on weaving projects. Live cultural programming includes Trad Music in the Drawing Room, featuring performers Eoin, Molly, and Roisin on Uilleann pipes, tin whistle, Trad flute, and concertina. Garden experiences are led by head gardener Dominica McKevitt, who presents seasonal Garden Tours and Guided Garden Tours across the demesne. Ardgillan Castle Ltd emphasizes accurate interpretation and visitor safety, using trained guides and documented historical research. Facilities support accessibility, family visits, and school groups, and programming spans history, horticulture, craft, and music. As a steward of a recognised historic estate in County Dublin, Ardgillan Castle Ltd works with local partners to preserve the mansion, gardens, and community access. Clear schedules, published tour descriptions, and named event leaders provide transparency that visitors can rely on when planning a visit. Tickets and event details are published on official channels and seasonal schedules are regularly updated to reflect garden blooms and program changes frequently.
Tours Offered
6
Varied historic and garden experiences
Tour Length
30 minutes
Self guided castle tour duration
Family Workshops
Ages 8+
Hands-on kids activities
Live Music
Trad Sessions
Drawing Room performances
Book a self-guided tour, join a garden walk, or sign up for a kids workshop — check official schedules and event details before visiting.
Check-in and timing
Arrive 10 minutes early to check in; sessions start promptly and space is limited.
Minimum age 14
Suitable for ages 14 and up; it's an adult-focused workshop so teens should feel prepared for fine handwork.
Small fee for keepsake
There's a €5 charge for your finished cross—carry small change or confirm payment options when booking.
Protect your finished cross
Bring a small flat bag or folder to keep the woven cross flat and dry on the journey home.
Comfortable layers
Castle rooms can be cool; layers keep you comfortable during the workshop.
Small scissors
Optional for finer trimming if you prefer a neater finish.
Small flat bag or folder
Protects your finished cross on the way home.
Camera or phone
Capture close-up steps and the castle setting—respect workshop etiquette.