Get hands on with traditional Irish stonecraft at Tír Chonaill Stone Festival

Bundoran is all set to host the annual Tír Chonaill Stone Festival on August 9 and 10 at West End Cliff Walk, Elaghmore.

Overlooking the Atlantic waves at Bundoran, this annual celebration of Irish traditional stone craft is gearing up for its eleventh year since it was established in 2014.  

A spokesperson said: “It is a chance for stone mad individuals from all over Ireland to gather; a few pilgrims will also travel from New England, Switzerland and Wales to join this year's event.

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“Being that our mission is to keep our ancient stone crafts alive in the community, we run hands-on workshops in both dry stone walling and stone carving, mixed in with a bit of culture and craic. Attendees roll up their sleeves, work and learn together, and often are amazed at how much they can achieve in a day or two. Last year in Ballyshannon festival goers rebuilt 22 metres of wall.”

This year's project is an old dry stone wall which was rediscovered lately beneath a heap of brambles. Attendees will restore a length while learning the principles of the craft with the help of experienced wallers.

In the carving area all that can be heard is the tapping of hammers as learners concentrate on making an individual piece, perhaps a motif or cut letters, under the watchful eye of the master, Seamus Dunbar.

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Booking onto workshops is on Eventbrite under Tír Chonaill Stone Festival 2025. Workshops run from 9am to 4pm with lunch included.

The spokesperson said: “Additionally we are delighted to have a special screening of the documentary 'Man of Stone'. This beautiful film directed by Michael McMonagle sees the life and work of stonemason Patsy McInaw. Patsy is also the President of Tír Chonaill Stone Festival.

“Following the film is a presentation by master craftsman from Wales, Sean Adcock on the stonemasonry of Korea. In 2023 Sean explored Korea along with the late Brendan McGloin, one of the finest stonemasons we had the honour to work with.”

Man of Stone will be screened in Tullaghan Community Centre F91 EVP8 on Saturday August 9 at 4.30pm. Admission is free and open to everyone.

The organisers wish to acknowledge Bundoran Tidy Towns and Drimkeelan Sandstone Quarry for their contribution towards this year's event, and as ever to all the volunteer helpers.