Discover the intricate art of traditional Irish lacemaking through an exclusive encounter with the makers behind the Standing Ground couture collaboration.

Crafted Encounter Series In collaboration with Design & Crafts Council Ireland

Date: Wednesday 2 December 2026
Location: Palatine Room, National Museum of Ireland, Decorative Arts & History, Collins Barracks, Dublin
Duration: 3 hours per session
Price: €80 per person

Choose from two separate workshop sessions:
● Morning session: 09:30–12:30 (15 places)
● Afternoon session: 14:00–17:00 (15 places)

BOOK NOW

Each session is a complete, independent three-hour experience. There are 30 places available across the two sessions.

Presented as part of the Crafted Encounter series, this special workshop celebrates one of Ireland's most distinctive textile traditions and its continuing influence on contemporary fashion and design. Each session begins with an exclusive guided tour of the Standing Ground exhibition, led by the lacemakers themselves. Participants will explore the couture creations and hear directly from the makers about the extraordinary craftsmanship behind the work, the intricacy of the lace, the techniques involved and the many hours of skilled hand-making required to bring these designs to life.

The exhibition features the remarkable collaboration between Carrickmacross lace makers and Irish fashion designer Michael Stewart of Standing Ground. The couture gown brought together the skills of 26 women and more than 4,000 hours of lace-making for presentation during Paris Haute Couture Week in July 2026.

Following the exhibition tour, participants will move to the Palatine Room for an introduction to the history and cultural significance of Carrickmacross lace. Martha and Theresa will demonstrate the materials, tools and processes involved in creating this intricate lace, sharing the specialist knowledge and hand techniques passed down through generations of makers.

Participants will then have the opportunity to try the technique themselves through a guided practical workshop. Working with fine net, cotton organdie and thread, they will explore the foundations of Carrickmacross lace-making, from preparing and layering materials to applying the delicate stitches that define the craft.

Each participant will receive a complete Carrickmacross lace-making kit, included in the ticket price, to use during the workshop and take home afterwards. The kit contains the materials, tools, pattern and illustrated instructions needed to continue exploring the technique beyond the museum.

With just 15 places available in each session, this is a rare opportunity to spend time with two accomplished makers, gain an intimate understanding of their craft and experience the relationship between traditional Irish craftsmanship and contemporary couture.

No previous experience is required. All materials are provided.

Crafted Encounter celebrates the meeting of traditional skills, contemporary creativity and material exploration. The series offers opportunities to connect directly with Ireland's makers, discover the stories behind their practices and experience the knowledge, skill and imagination involved in making.

This workshop brings together the heritage of Carrickmacross lace, the contemporary vision of Standing Ground and the expertise of two accomplished lacemakers. It offers a unique opportunity to encounter the exhibition through the eyes of the makers themselves, before experiencing the craft first-hand.

Join Martha Hughes and Theresa Kelly at Collins Barracks for an intimate encounter with the art of Carrickmacross lace, from the exhibition gallery to the making table.