Bere Island Wool Heritage Event

Description

We’re delighted to be bringing the Rathlin Wool Project to Bere Island Cork on Tuesday 18th August as part of our ongoing Future Island–Island collaboration.

Join us for a day of creativity, conversation and collaboration celebrating the heritage and future potential of island wool.

🧶 2:00–3:30pm – Children’s Wool Workshop
Young makers are invited to explore the wonderful world of wool through spinning, knitting and weaving. This fun, interactive session will encourage children to discover traditional skills and experiment with natural materials in creative new ways.

✨ 4:00–5:30pm – Show & Tell for Crafters and Makers
We’re inviting local crafters, makers and anyone interested in wool, textiles and island innovation to join us for a Show & Tell. We’ll share some of the products, prototypes and ideas developed through the Future Island–Island Project in collaboration with Rathlin Island residents, artists, designers and makers. It’s an opportunity to exchange ideas, spark new collaborations and explore how island communities can reimagine the value of local wool.

🎤 7:30–9:30pm – Evening Presentations
Join us for an inspiring evening exploring the collaboration behind the Future Island–Island Project and the journey of island wool from fleece to finished product.

Hear from:

Professor Alison Gault, researcher and educator at Belfast School of Art, Ulster University
Chris Weiniger, General Manager of Donegal Yarns
Jayne Harkness, seventh-generation wool farmer, artist and researcher
Together, they will share insights into the wool supply chain, the opportunities and challenges facing the sector, and the outcomes of this unique island-to-island collaboration. Whether you’re interested in farming, craft, design, sustainability or community development, this promises to be an engaging and thought-provoking discussion.

Period	18 Aug 2026
Event type	Workshop
Location	Bere Island, IrelandShow on map
Degree of Recognition	National