Top Western Ireland Classes & Workshops

Take in sweeping views of the Irish riverscape, floating by barge along the Shannon river system between Enniskillen and Carrick-on-Shannon during this down-to-earth countryside experience in Ireland. Step inside an authentic houseboat, featuring a fully-equipped and modern kitchen, to join your host Mary who will whisk you through a hands-on, traditional Irish (and Mediterranean-inspired) cooking class.

Enjoy an oyster tour and tasting with your host David on his oyster farm. This is a perfect experience for anyone looking to connect with local culture over food. In 2014, David acquired and started restoring the oyster farm at Ballinakill Bay. With the help of his hard working staff, they have successfully reignited the magical taste of Connemara oysters which have been grown in the area since 1893. Ireland and the Wild Atlantic Way are renowned for its delicious seafood delights and the oysters from David’s farm lives up to this reputation! Their oysters are a pacific oyster (Crassostrea Gigas) and are available all year round. Smell the fresh wild Atlantic air and hear the soothing sounds of the sea. See the farm crew working hard in the water to grow the most perfect, meaty oysters. Touch the oysters when you shuck your own and finish your tour with the taste of a beautiful fresh oyster.

Marjorie is a charming and outgoing Irish woman who loves meeting people and sharing her passion for food. Join your host Marjorie at her small but charming kitchen to learn to cook a traditional Irish meal from recipes out of her own cookbooks, many of which have passed down through generations in her family. Marjorie loves to bake so most of your meal will be straight out of the oven. Enjoy a hands-on Irish cooking class that will last about an hour and a half. Roll up your sleeves and learn to make 2-3 traditional dishes from scratch with fresh ingredients, some that may have even been procured from your Marjorie’s garden. Your baking class will include learning to bake homemade scones, Irish soda bread or a traditional fish pie. Learn from an expert about the tips and techniques involved in home style Irish cooking before you sit down at the table to share the meal you helped prepare with Marjorie.

Immerse yourself in the culture and history of Irish whiskey with this in-home whiskey tasting experience in County Sligo. With a local whiskey-enthusiast as your guide, taste Irish, Scotch, and Bourbon whiskeys and learn about the perfect food pairings. You'll walk away with a lot more knowledge about whiskey to impress your family and friends and inform your future drinking choices.

Take your next virtual happy hour to a whole new level with this live online introduction to Irish whiskey. Join your guide to get a virtual taste of the country's famed pub culture as you encounter a few choice spirits. Learn about the different styles of whiskey, the role of this spirit in the Irish culture, and how it relates to a famous regional term: craic.

Learn about photography from a professional photographer who is local to the area and knows lots of places you would be unlikely to discover on your own.

While exploring the Emerald Isle, you’ll see many pubs and restaurants serving Irish stew, but this Irish stew cooking class allows you to actually learn from a County Galway local just what goes into making this delicacy. All stew ingredients and use of cooking utensils are included in your class price, and you’ll even get to eat some of the stew you help make afterward.

While visiting Galway, opt to spend some time away from sightseeing on the city’s popular coast with this Irish homemade baking scones and bread class. You’ll meet in a local’s home to learn how to bake Irish favorites from scratch. Your guide takes the time to teach you how to bake from a provided recipe, as you learn about Ireland’s baking practices of the past and present.

Try your hand at traditional Irish dance, with a former Riverdancer leading the way! In this afternoon dance experience, learn how to perform dances like the ceili group dance and sean nós, the ‘old style’ of Irish dancing, as well as the internationally popular moves of the Riverdance. Learn about the history behind all these dances and their place in Irish culture from your teacher, an expert in the history and performance of Irish dance.

Hit the waves and explore ancient, prehistoric landscapes on this 2-hour surf lesson and walking tour of Coolera Peninsula from Strandhill Village. Enjoy a morning surf with your guide and practise catching some of Ireland’s rolling waves. Then, following a warming coffee, embark on a guided walking tour on the Coolera Peninsula. Head out along Strandhill Beach and learn of the region’s rich heritage. During your hike, discover top local landmarks including Killaspugbrone, Walkers’ Lodge, Strandhill Cannon and Dolly's Cottage, a stone cottage dating back to the 18th century. 

Meet a master Irish drum maker in his music shop. Learn the history of the unique Irish drum/Bodhran. See how the Irish drum/Bodhran is made. See and hear how the Irish drum/Bodhran is played. Enjoy a cup of tea / coffee and a scone with cream and jam.

Whether you’re a “never-done-this-kind-of-thing-before” novice or an accomplished artist, an oldster or a youngster, there’s a Creative Workshop just for you. Our craft and design workshops cover lots of areas such as batik, felt making, tapestry weaving, printmaking and painting for kids. Imagine creating your own unique piece of art in what is truly one of the world’s most inspirational settings, complete with brooding bogs, ever-changing seascapes, majestic mountains and ancient silent lakes .The workshops are run by an established artist who has specialized in textile art for the past number of years. She holds a degree in design from Dublin Institute of Technology and is a qualified art teacher with several years of experience. She teaches a range of crafts with an emphasis on developing your design and creative skills. Pax - Min 4, Max 12. Available on request.

A wonderful rainy day activity for adults & kids to enjoy. Beginners and experts all welcome for a few hours fusing glass creations or making wire jewellery to take away with you.

Emma hosts the popular “Irish Dance Experience” for visitors to Galway City. An introduction to the basics of Irish dance is followed by a visit to the Irish Music Session where tourists can mingle with Galway dancers and musicians and experience the city as a local.