Learn traditional skills courses in Ireland

These holidays offer an opportunity to mix enjoyment of the local heritage and culture with actual hands-on learning of traditional skills from a local craftsperson. The theme is sustainable living and visitors can learn a skill such as blacksmithing, coppersmithing, basketry, herb lore, eco-building, silversmithing, wood carving or sugan chair making (those lovely old-fashioned chairs with woven string seats). The tutors use locally sourced materials - either natural or recycled - and there is plenty of one-to-one tuition to help beginners as well as improvers.

The other part of the holiday involves walking amongst the beautiful scenic hills, woodlands and lakes of East Clare. Trained guides Andrew or Bob will help you discover the rich heritage of the region and will explain the ecology, history and geology that we do our best to care for - with the help of income from the holidays which goes towards local education and training programmes in environmental conservation and sustainable living. There is also the unmissable opportunity to enjoy a local traditional music session in one of the many music pubs for which this region is renowned.

Accommodation is locally owned and selected for using good environmental practices such as recycling, composting and use of eco-friendly cleaning materials and we use only locally sourced materials, organic produce and transport. Course fees go towards local education and training programmes in environmental conservation and sustainable living. Accommodation is locally owned and selected for using good environmental practices such as recycling, composting and use of eco-friendly cleaning materials and we use only locally sourced materials, organic produce and transport.

As a company, we use recycled paper and energy-saving electrical appliances in our office and we support local projects such as Tuamgraney Community Wildlife Park, Scariff Community Garden, Irish Seedsavers Association (a registered charity) and Irish Coppice Association (non-profit, non-governmental woodland skills organisation). All visitors receive a Responsible Travel Code of Conduct.

Visitors are encouraged to travel by train, bus and car-share. Holiday information provided includes details of ferry, train, bus schedules. We also ask visitors to let us know if they would be willing to share the cost of local travel with other visitors so that we can hire a minibus or people carrier to move them around locally. We promote local businesses and encourage visitors to use local restaurants, shops, cinema, pubs, entertainment so that their spending is going into the local community.

We make a difference by encouraging and promoting sustainable living and nature conservation both locally and globally. We add a new dimension to eco-tourism by combining hands-on learning experience with training in ecology provided by knowledgeable local guides. The whole experience is beneficial to both the visitor and the local community and environment.