Visit Medieval Mile Museum in Kilkenny
Every Friday | June 12th – September 4th | 6:00pm
€15 per person
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Friday 12th June
Nålbinding & Cordage Workshop
Begin the series with experimental archaeologist Madison Blankenship and discover the ancient craft of nålbinding, a yarn technique dating back to 6500 BCE, older than both knitting and crochet. Participants will also explore cordage making using nettle and alpaca fibres while learning how ropes and lacing were created by cultures around the world. Participants will take home both their project and their own nålbinding needle to continue the craft beyond the workshop.
Friday 26th June
Illuminated Manuscripts Workshop
Explore the realm of medieval art with artist Jade Butler and create your own illuminated page inspired by the Book of Kells and Ireland’s renowned Insular artistic tradition. This workshop introduces participants to the colours, patterns and decorative techniques used by early Irish scribes and offers the chance to create an illuminated-style canvas to take home.
Friday 10th July
Tudor Blackwork Embroidery
Join Grace Rinehart Macrae, Assistant Manager and historical costumer, for an evening exploring Tudor blackwork embroidery, once popular among the Tudor upper classes. Participants will create their own embroidered sampler while learning about historic clothing, decorative traditions and the beautiful geometric patterns that defined this distinctive craft.
Friday 24th July
Bayeux Tapestry Embroidery
Inspired by the upcoming Year of the Norman 2027 and the 1000th anniversary of William the Conqueror’s birth, this workshop explores the famous Bayeux Tapestry and the stories stitched into its remarkable scenes. Grace Rinehart Macrae and Lyn Keane will guide participants through the techniques and storytelling traditions behind the tapestry as they begin creating their own tapestry-inspired scene.
Friday 7th August
Basket Weaving Workshop
Discover one of the oldest crafts in human history with Madison Blankenship. Dating back more than 10,000 years, basket weaving combines practicality with creativity and tradition. Participants will learn the history and techniques behind weaving while creating their own medieval-style basket to take home.
Friday 21st August
Tablet Weaving Workshop
Dating back to at least the 8th century BCE, tablet weaving has been used throughout history to create decorative trims, belts and textiles. Grace Rinehart Macrae will guide participants through this historic craft and demonstrate how tablet weaving techniques can still be used today, including creating a traditional crios belt.
Friday 4th September
Calligraphy Workshop
The series concludes with Dr Julia Skinner, who will introduce participants to medieval calligraphy and the beautiful uncial script found throughout illuminated manuscripts. Whether continuing illuminated artwork or learning calligraphy for the first time, participants will leave with practical skills and creative inspiration.
