Ogham Name on Clay Kids Workshop for National Heritage Week
Little hands learn a very old script in this free, 1.5‑hour kids workshop during National Heritage Week. Children aged 6–11 carve their name in Ogham on fast‑drying clay in the castle’s first‑floor Exhibition Room—booking required and materials included.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Hang tight — photos are loading
This usually takes just a second.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
No special fitness required; children should be able to sit and use their hands for the session duration
Wildlife
History
Ogham is Ireland’s earliest written alphabet, used on standing stones and monuments from roughly the early medieval period; learning its marks links children to local inscription traditions.
Conservation
Treat archaeological references and any stones with respect—avoid rubbing or touching protected inscriptions, follow site rules, and take only photographs.
Ardgillan Castle Ltd
Ogham Name on Clay Kids Workshop for National Heritage Week
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.
Book early
Sessions are limited to 10 places and fill during National Heritage Week—reserve your child’s spot online as soon as possible.
Dress for clay
Wear clothes that can get a bit messy and bring a small towel or wipes for hands afterward.
Arrive 10 minutes early
Meet in the first‑floor Exhibition Room so the session can start on time; guardians can stay to photograph.
Combine with refreshments
Brambles Cafe is open 10:00–16:30—plan a snack before or after the workshop for a relaxed family visit.
Washable clothes
Comfortable, older clothes that can tolerate clay smudges make cleanup easier.
Wet wipes or small towel
Useful for quick hand cleanup after handling clay.
Small backpack
Carries spare clothes, wipes and any personal items for the child.
Camera or phone
For parents who want close‑up photos of the carving process and the finished keepsake.