Snáitheanna/Threads Craft Festival | Heritage Week

As part of National Heritage Week 2026, this year’s theme “Heritage at Risk” shines a light on traditional skills, crafts and practices that are at risk of disappearing — and the importance of the people and communities who keep them alive.

At Snáitheanna/Threads, a one-day festival at King John’s Castle , visitors can explore pop-up exhibitions, watch live demonstrations, meet skilled craftspeople and discover the techniques behind some of Ireland’s most treasured textile traditions. From lace-making, weaving, spinning and knitting to other traditional crafts, the festival provides an opportunity to experience these skills firsthand and learn directly from the makers who continue to practise and pass them on.

By bringing craftspeople, communities and audiences together, Snáitheanna/Threads celebrates the importance of intergenerational knowledge and the passing of skills from one generation to the next. It highlights how sharing, demonstrating and learning traditional crafts can help ensure they are not lost.

Throughout the day, visitors can explore pop-up exhibitions, watch live demonstrations, meet skilled craftspeople and discover the techniques behind some of Ireland’s most treasured textile traditions. Whether you’re an experienced maker or simply curious to try something new, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Featuring

• Friends of Lace Limerick – Founded in 2017, the group is dedicated to preserving and promoting the unique tradition of Limerick lace through research, education and contemporary interpretation.
• Irish Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers – Established in 1975, the Guild encourages the practice and appreciation of weaving, spinning and dyeing through demonstrations, workshops and community events across Ireland.
• Mid-West Patchwork Branch of the Irish Patchwork Society – A vibrant community of patchworkers and quiltmakers who meet regularly to share skills, ideas and inspiration.
• Limerick Craft Meetup – An inclusive group welcoming anyone with an interest in handcrafts such as knitting, crochet, embroidery, felting and more, regardless of experience.

What to Expect

• Pop-up exhibitions showcasing local craftsmanship
• Meet-the-maker sessions
• Live craft demonstrations
• Hands-on workshops (advance booking required)

Workshop Schedule

11:00am – 12:00pm – Crochet Granny Square Workshop

12:00pm – 1:00pm – Try Limerick Lace Stitches

1:00pm – 2:00pm – Modern Knitting Patterns Workshop

2:00pm – 3:00pm – Learn a Hand Quilting Technique

3:00pm – 4:00pm – Spindle Spinning Workshop

Booking Information

Admission to Snáitheanna/Threads is free, and visitors are welcome to explore the exhibitions, demonstrations and meet-the-maker sessions throughout the day.

Places for the workshops are limited and require advance booking via Eventbrite. Workshop registration opens on 15 July.