https://cuilcaghlakelands.org/event/rush-basketmaking-workshop-national-heritage-week-2026/
| When? | Saturday 15th August 2026 |
|---|---|
| Where? | Belturbet Town Hall, The Diamond, Belturbet, County Cavan, H14 VH57 |
| Tickets | Free |
Join local basketmaker and Geopark Ambassador Stephen McQuaid for a unique one-day workshop exploring the endangered traditional craft of rush basketmaking. Taking place during Heritage Week in the beautiful surroundings of Belturbet Town Hall, this hands-on experience offers participants the opportunity to learn age-old weaving techniques and create their own small round rush basket using locally harvested materials.
Basketmaking is recognised as one of Ireland’s oldest crafts, yet many traditional methods have declined in recent centuries as handmade baskets have been replaced by mass-produced alternatives. While willow basketry remains widely practiced, basketmaking with Scirpus lacustris (common bulrush or club-rush), known in Irish as bogshifín, has become increasingly rare. During this workshop, Stephen will share traditional skills and knowledge while guiding participants through the process of weaving with rushes sustainably harvested from locations along the Erne waterway.
Suitable for both beginners and those with some previous weaving experience, the workshop provides all tools and materials required. As rush is a natural material that is worked while wet and may be muddy, participants are advised to wear old clothing or bring an apron.
Tea, coffee and biscuits will be available throughout the day.
There will be a break for lunch, and there are several venues serving lunch within easy walking distance of Belturbet Town Hall. Participants are also welcome to bring a packed lunch.
Admission is free, but booking is essential. Participants must be 16 years of age or older.
To reserve a place, email basketmaking@proton.me and indicate your preferred session (A or B). Places are limited to eight participants per session and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
This venue is wheelchair accessible.
This event is organised by Cuilcagh Lakelands UNESCO Global Geopark Community Team in partnership with Geopark Ambassadors. This project received funding through a joint initiative by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and the National Monuments Service to support practices
inscribed on Ireland’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Ireland’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage is managed by the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport and can be viewed at https://nationalinventoryich.ccs.gov.ie/. The National Monuments Service is delighted to support this initiative that highlights the strong relationship between tangible and intangible heritage.
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This is a cooperation project between Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and Cavan County Council.
This element of the project is part funded under Priority 6 (LEADER) of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the European Union. We would like to acknowledge the assistance of County Cavan Local Community Development Committee (LCDC), Cavan County Council, Breffni Integrated CLG, Department of Rural and Community Development, the EU and EAFRD in part-funding this project. Funded by the Irish Government Under the Leader Programme 2014-2020.
