Hard on the heels of Halloween come the craft fairs. They crop up across Ireland in the run up to Christmas and one of the nicest – especially in terms of ways to treat yourself – is at the Grainstore and Big Shed, Ballymaloe in East Cork.
Next weekend, November 15th and 16th, you'll find work by more than 100 makers, with everything from felts to fine art, ceramics to cosmetics. As a new addition, there are tastings and makings so you can watch craft in action. As it's at Ballymaloe, bring your appetite, or work one up with a woodland walk, as there's a space devoted to coffee and hot food. Admission free, ballymaloegrainstore.com
Also in Cork this weekend is the Craft and Design Fair 2014 at the Glucksman Gallery, glucksman.org.
Gemma Tipton
