Looking for things to do in Kilkenny this summer or a creative evening experience with a difference? The 6 After 6 Summer Cultural Series returns to the Medieval Mile Museum with a unique programme of hands-on workshops inspired by medieval skills, traditional crafts and historic creativity.
In the photo, Martina Comerford (Tourism Officer, Kilkenny County Council), Cllr John Coonan (Kilkenny City Mayor), Grace Rinehart Macrae and Debbie Mangan (Medieval Mile Museum), and Feargus Dunne (Night Time Advisor, Kilkenny City)
Taking place on selected Friday evenings from June to September, this much-loved series invites adults to slow down, learn something new and explore the remarkable traditions that shaped life centuries ago, all within the atmospheric surroundings of St Mary’s Church in the heart of Ireland’s Medieval Mile.
From ancient textile techniques and embroidery to illuminated manuscripts, basket weaving and calligraphy, the 6 After 6 Summer Cultural Series offers an engaging and welcoming space for creativity, learning and conversation.
Led by archaeologists, artists, historical costumers and experienced practitioners, each workshop combines history with hands-on making and offers participants the opportunity to leave with both a finished project and a new skill to continue at home. All workshops are suitable for participants 18+, with materials included and no previous experience required.
Nålbinding & Cordage Workshop
Friday 12 June | 6 pm | Madison Blankenship
Begin the series with experimental archaeologist Madison Blankenship and discover the ancient craft of nålbinding, a yarn technique dating back to 6500 BCE, older than both knitting and crochet. Participants will also explore cordage making using nettle and alpaca fibres while learning how ropes and lacing were created by cultures around the world.
Participants will take home both their project and their own nålbinding needle to continue the craft beyond the workshop.
15 places available | €15 per person
Click Here to Book Your Place
Illuminated Manuscripts Workshop
Friday 26 June | 6 pm | Jade Butler
Explore the realm of medieval art with artist Jade Butler and create your own illuminated page inspired by the Book of Kells and Ireland’s renowned Insular artistic tradition.
This workshop introduces participants to the colours, patterns and decorative techniques used by early Irish scribes and offers the chance to create an illuminated-style canvas to take home.
15 places available | €15 per person
Click Here to Book Your Place
Tudor Blackwork Embroidery
Friday 10 July | 6 pm | Grace Rinehart Macrae
Join Grace Rinehart Macrae, Assistant Manager and historical costumer, for an evening exploring Tudor blackwork embroidery, once popular among the Tudor upper classes.
Participants will create their own embroidered sampler while learning about historic clothing, decorative traditions and the beautiful geometric patterns that defined this distinctive craft.
20 places available | €15 per person
Click Here to Book Your Place
Bayeux Tapestry Embroidery
Friday 24 July | 6 pm | Grace Rinehart Macrae & Lyn Keane
Inspired by the upcoming Year of the Norman 2027 and the 1000th anniversary of William the Conqueror’s birth, this workshop explores the famous Bayeux Tapestry and the stories stitched into its remarkable scenes. Grace Rinehart Macrae and Lyn Keane will guide participants through the techniques and storytelling traditions behind the tapestry as they begin creating their own tapestry-inspired scene.
20 places available | €15 per person
Click Here to Book Your Place
Basket Weaving Workshop
Friday 7 August | 6 pm | Madison Blankenship
Discover one of the oldest crafts in human history with Madison Blankenship.
Dating back more than 10,000 years, basket weaving combines practicality with creativity and tradition. Participants will learn the history and techniques behind weaving while creating their own medieval-style basket to take home.
15 places available | €15 per person
Click Here to Book Your Place
Tablet Weaving Workshop
Friday 21 August | 6 pm | Grace Rinehart Macrae
Dating back to at least the 8th century BCE, tablet weaving has been used throughout history to create decorative trims, belts and textiles.
Grace Rinehart Macrae will guide participants through this historic craft and demonstrate how tablet weaving techniques can still be used today, including creating a traditional crios belt.
20 places available | €15 per person
Click Here to Book Your Place
Calligraphy Workshop
Friday 4 September | 6 pm | Dr Julia Skinner
The series concludes with Dr Julia Skinner, who will introduce participants to medieval calligraphy and the beautiful uncial script found throughout illuminated manuscripts.
Whether continuing illuminated artwork or learning calligraphy for the first time, participants will leave with practical skills and creative inspiration.
15 places available | €15 per person
Click Here to Book Your Place
Event Information
Location: Medieval Mile Museum, Kilkenny
Time: 6 pm
Price: €15 per workshop
Suitable for: 18+
All materials included
Places are limited and early booking is recommended.
A Different Kind of Evening in Kilkenny
The 6 After 6 Summer Cultural Series offers a unique opportunity to enjoy creative workshops and evening cultural experiences in Kilkenny within some of the city’s most historic and inspiring settings.
Featuring 36 free and ticketed events from June to early September, the Six After 6 – Summer Cultural Series brings many of Kilkenny’s leading visitor attractions to life after hours, creating memorable evenings for both locals and visitors throughout the summer.
The six attractions taking part in the series are:
◆ Medieval Mile Museum
◆ Butler House & Garden
◆ Smithwick’s Experience
◆ Rothe House
◆ St Canice’s Cathedral
◆ Butler Gallery
Whether you are seeking a new hobby, a cultural evening out or simply looking for something different to do in Kilkenny, the Six After 6 programme offers a rich mix of creativity, heritage and discovery across the city.
At the Medieval Mile Museum, our workshops provide an inspiring opportunity to connect with medieval history through making, learning and creativity in the remarkable surroundings of St Mary’s Church.
Join us this summer and discover the stories, skills and creativity of the past in the heart of Medieval Kilkenny.
The Six after 6 – Summer Cultural Series is supported by Kilkenny County Council, Fáilte Ireland – Ireland’s Ancient East and the Kilkenny Night Time Economy Pilot.
Discover more about Medieval Kilkenny through our
guided tours, immersive exhibits, and special events.
Click here to book your visit today.
For more info
Visit: www.medievalmilemuseum.ie
Call: 056 781 7022 | Email: info@medievalmilemuseum.ie
