Create your own solstice clay tile.
Spend 90–120 minutes with Jean Ryan Ceramics crafting a glazed clay tile inspired by the Burren and coastal textures. Small classes, all ages welcome, and finished pieces are glazed in-studio and returned to the Castle for collection.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5–2 hours
Fitness Level
Minimal physical exertion; good for most ages and mobility levels though some standing is required
Wildlife
History
The workshop is offered as part of a Summer Solstice weekend and draws on coastal craft traditions and Jean Ryan’s interest in west‑coast forms, especially the Burren.
Conservation
Jean works in small batches and completes glazing and firing in a studio to limit waste; visitors are encouraged to respect site grounds and minimize single‑use packaging.
Ardgillan Castle Ltd
Create your own solstice clay tile.
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 for solstice weekend
Summer Solstice sessions are popular and classes cap at 15—reserve your spot in advance via the booking link.
Wear clothes you don’t mind getting clay on
Clay and glaze can splash; choose layers or bring an apron to protect clothing.
Bring simple reference images
A phone photo or a small sketch of a coastal motif helps when decorating your tile.
Supervise young makers
Minimum age is 5; children may need help with finer steps and should be accompanied by an adult.
Apron or old shirt
Protects clothes from clay and glaze splatter during shaping and decorating.
Closed-toe shoes
Keeps feet protected in a studio environment where tools and clay may be on the floor.
Sketchbook or phone photos
Reference images speed up design decisions and help you capture landscape motifs.
Phone or small camera
Document your process and take detail shots of textures and glazing results.