August Craft Month : Snáitheanna/Threads

Celebrate the rich traditions of Irish craft at Snáitheanna/Threads, a one-day festival bringing together four local craft groups:

Friends of Lace Limerick are a group founded in 2017, dedicated to reviving Limerick lace through preservation, documentation, research, teaching resources, and inspiring contemporary interpretations and uses.

The Irish Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers was founded in 1975 by Lillian Mitchell. The aims of the Guild are to promote the crafts of weaving spinning and dyeing and to encourage people to learn the crafts. The Guild organises group meetings around the country. All welcome!

The Mid-West Patchwork Branch of the Irish Patchwork Society are a group of approximately 50 enthusiastic Patchworkers and Quiltmakers who enjoy sharing our makes every month from September to June on the third Saturday of the month. Our meetings take place at Ballybrown Community Centre in Clarina (V94 F5EY) and our meetings start at 10.30am; guests are very welcome.

The Limerick Craft Meetup is a group for anyone who is interested in any hand craft (e.g. knitting, crocheting, felting, embroidery) with like-minded creative people. All crafts, skill levels and people are welcome.

What to expect
Pop-up exhibitions showcasing local craftsmanship
Meet-the-maker sessions
Live demonstrations
Hands-on workshops (registration required)

Workshops
11:00–12:00 – Crochet Granny Square workshop (Limerick Craft Meetup) (max 6 participants)
12:00–1:00 – Try out Limerick lace stitches (Friends of Lace Limerick) (max 10 participants)
1:00 -2:00 – The Traditional Aran Motif workshop by designer Jessica Jeong (Limerick Craft Meetup) (max 6 participants)
2:00–3:00 – Learn a hand quilting technique (Midwest Branch of the Irish Patchwork Society )(max 10 participants)
3:00–4:00 – Spindle Spinning Workshop ( The Irish Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers )(max 10 participants)

Places are limited and registration is required via Eventbrite . Workshop tickets cost 10€/person/workshop.

The Crochet Granny Square workshop will be taught by Sara from the Limerick Craft Meetup.
Join us for a fun and relaxing 1-hour crochet class designed for absolute beginners! Learn the timeless art of making granny squares: the perfect project to start your crochet journey. In this hands-on session, you’ll master the basic stitches and techniques needed to create your very first square, all while enjoying a supportive and creative atmosphere.

All materials are provided, including yarn and crochet hooks, so just bring your enthusiasm! By the end of the class, you’ll have a beautiful granny square to take home, plus the confidence to continue crocheting on your own.

Spaces are limited, so sign up today and start your crochet adventure!

The Try out Limerick lace stitches workshop with Eva Ryley from Friends of Lace Limerick will offer an introduction to materials and techniques used in Limerick lace, followed by the practical application of a chosen stitch. Materials will be provided.

The Traditional Aran Motif workshop will be led by designer Jessica Jeong (Limerick Craft Meetup). Learn how to knit traditional Aran knitting motifs and how to assemble it. In this workshop, you will make a swatch of beautiful Aran motifs.

The Learn a hand quilting technique is based on and adapted from Manx Quilting by Paula Rafferty. Developed on the Isle of Man, with some quilts dated earlier than 1850, this folded log cabin was locally called the “Roof Pattern”. This is a reversable block with no wadding, pieced with folded strips and was traditionally made using the hand and fingers as a measuring tool. The island was fairly isolated and rural, without easy access to modern tools and equipment. Lacking scissors and rulers in the past, quilters tore fabric into strips and used the length of their fingers, thumbs and size of hand-spans as measurements for the parts of the block.

Paula will demonstrate two methods; the traditional one, and her version. You can then choose which one to use. How to join blocks and finishing options will be demonstrated. Detailed fully illustrated step by step notes provided. Materials will be provided.
In this hour long Spindle Spinning Workshop you will learn how to spin wool into yarn on a drop spindle with Elizabeth O’Connor. Spindles and wool are provided for the workshop. Spindles can be purchased after class, if desired, at €15 per spindle.

August Craft Month
Last year, August Craft Month gathered over 1,500 makers island-wide, with more than 350 events and 53,000 visitors to the 2025 programme. Building on this momentum, we’re hosting a cluster of activities so visitors have plenty to see and do—and crafters can share the bright, beautiful setting of King John’s Castle for the day.

Plan your visit
Entry to Snáitheanna/Threads is free. We encourage you to join us in the space above the shop to meet makers, try something new, and discover the artistry of Irish craft.
If you haven’t been there recently, consider this opportunity for visiting King John’s Castle. Discover 800 years of history at Limerick’s most iconic landmark! Walk ancient castle walls, explore immersive exhibitions, and enjoy panoramic views over the River Shannon – all in the heart of the city. You can book a tour online in advance or just buy your tickets at the Castle’s entrance.