South West Ireland Classes: Top 5 Workshops You’ll Adore

Planning a visit to South West Ireland? Or, are you perhaps a local looking to explore fresh interests? Whatever the case might be, there’s a diverse selection of classes and workshops waiting, and they could really open up a whole new side of the region for you. From mastering the art of Irish cuisine to getting those hands dirty with pottery, the South West is, in some respects, a total hub for experiential learning. What follows, very basically, is a list of the top 5 workshops that, arguably, offer unforgettable moments and, too, new skills to bring home. Read our full review: South West Ireland classes Full Review and Details

1. Celtic Jewelry Workshop: Wearable Art from the Heart

If you feel that you’re the crafty type or perhaps you just want a truly individual souvenir, the Celtic Jewelry Workshop is, apparently, just the ticket. Situated near Dingle, this workshop invites you to craft your own piece of Celtic-inspired jewelry. Now, you won’t just be stringing beads, of course; you’re going to get familiar with ancient techniques like hammering, soldering, and stone setting. First, the instructors—usually local artisans—share the story behind Celtic art and its symbolism. They go through the different knot patterns, spirals, and animal motifs, that you might see carved on old stones all over Ireland. Anyway, what’s pretty cool is that, unlike other classes, the jewelry piece that you finish is something you can literally wear. It will be a reminder of your travels that will look cool, in some respects, and also mean something special. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Celtic Jewelry)

2. Traditional Irish Bread Making: Bake Like an Irish Granny

Think of the smell of warm, newly-baked bread filling a country cottage and you kind of start to get a sense for what this workshop is all about. The Traditional Irish Bread Making workshop is typically found in farmhouses, or local culinary centers, offering participants a sensory experience that’s a lot more than just baking. After a bit of an intro by your host about the history of bread-making in Ireland, you can start learning how to bake soda bread, brown bread, and perhaps even a few sweet treats like Barmbrack. Actually, this type of cooking is super tactile, and, what’s more, after the session, you usually get to enjoy the food you’ve prepared with some local butter and jam. That way, you get the real flavor of Ireland. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Irish Bread Making)

3. Landscape Photography Tour: Capture the Wild Atlantic Way

Forget your ordinary snapshots and Instagram filters. A Landscape Photography Tour across South West Ireland brings photography lovers right into the heart of some stunning natural beauty. You see, this is so much more than pointing and shooting. The tours, which might be led by experienced local photographers, are more about learning the techniques you require to capture scenery at its most eye-catching. From the Skellig Islands rising up from the ocean to the rolling green hills of Kerry, they’ll help you to learn everything regarding composition, lighting, and how to work with the Irish weather, which is, you know, very changeable. In that case, you should prepare yourself. Also, by the way, what’s nice is, whatever the level of your skill set, there is so much to take away; so, that no one should feel intimidated. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Landscape Photography Tour)

4. Irish Whiskey Tasting and Blending: A Sensory Deep-Dive

For folks with an interest in trying and knowing the actual ins and outs of Irish whiskey, what about the Irish Whiskey Tasting and Blending workshop? Generally, these workshops can be found at distilleries located in County Cork or County Kerry. Plus, they go over the different types of Irish whiskey and then explain what makes each of them distinct. And then, very carefully, under expert guidance, you go through all the steps. Actually, you’ll discover the unique tastes related to single malts, grain whiskey, and pot still whiskey. The next step is to learn to blend those spirits together; something that gives you the knowledge to, seemingly, come up with your unique creation. It sounds exciting. But, be aware that some do not permit consumption of the whiskey if you are below legal drinking age in your residing location; therefore, be sure to clarify the details beforehand. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Irish Whiskey Tasting)

5. Coastal Foraging Experience: Eating from the Seashore

Think outside of restaurants and markets, alright? The Coastal Foraging Experience delivers, you know, a unique, nature-focused way to understand the Irish coastline. Led by, more often than not, a local forager with great familiarity with marine flora and fauna, this class actually teaches you to locate, sustainably harvest, and, obviously, enjoy wild food right from the ocean’s edge. Anyway, so, as you stroll down shorelines in places like the Dingle Peninsula or along the Ring of Kerry, you’ll discover about different kinds of edible seaweed, coastal plants, and perhaps even some shellfish. At the end of it, you may have a cooking lesson where you’ll turn your foraged bounty into tasty snacks, offering a literal “taste of the coast”. Apparently, you must check if there’s specific requirements on weather to deliver this experience to evade hazards and for greatest enjoyment and protection; therefore, being vigilant of those guidelines. See Prices, Availability & Reserve Now (Coastal Foraging Experience)