Of Interest: Inishbofin Island Creatives Exhibition and Arts Festival – This Weekend

Inishbofin Island is hosting an arts festival this weekend. Amongst the several textile-related activities is an exhibition that includes the work of Feltmakers Ireland guild member Audrey Murray.

Where: The exhibition is at the Dolphin Hotel, Middlequarter, Inishbofin, Co. Galway

When: From Friday, the 1st of May, until Sunday, the 3rd of May.

For more information about the Inishbofin Arts Festival – https://inishbofinexperiences.ie/events/inishbofin-arts-festival-2026

Audrey’s Instagram – @audrey.murray.art

@inishbofinartsfestival @inishbofincraftgroup

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about the content, please follow the link to the organisation hosting the event.

Recap: Opening of ‘Water and Flow’ Exhibition – Phoenix Park Visitor Centre

A man with glasses and a mustache presenting at a wooden podium in front of blue artworks on a stone wall.
Conor O’Brien launched our exhibition

Feltmakers Ireland’s ‘Water and Flow’ exhibition was officially launched on Saturday, 4th April at 3 PM in the beautiful gallery of the OPW’s Phoenix Park Visitor Centre. The event was opened by knitwear designer Conor O’Brien, who shared insights into his creative journey, from studying at the National College of Art and Design (NCAD) to discovering Aran knitting through a college assignment, with guidance from his grandmother. He also spoke about his strong support for using Irish-raised wool in his work, highlighting the importance of local materials and heritage in contemporary design. Learn more about Conor from his website- https://conorobrienstudio.com/

The exhibition features 67 striking pieces of felted artwork, showcasing the breadth and creativity of contemporary feltmaking. The opening was very well attended, with approximately 140 people present to celebrate the occasion. Since the launch, several works have been purchased by visitors.

Water and Flow‘ will continue to run until Sunday, 26th April, offering further opportunities to experience this vibrant and engaging exhibition.

Some Photos of the Launch

Photos courtesy of Tom Macagno, Loli Cox, and members’ contributions.

The Gallery

Artists with their Artwork

Last year, in the blog post about our ‘Common Threads’ exhibition at the National Design and Craft Gallery in Kilkenny, we included a section featuring members alongside their pieces. As this is an engaging feature, we hope to get a photo of each member in the show.

If we overlooked you at the opening, or you have yet to visit, can you please take a photo of yourself next to your piece and email it to the following address: feltmakerIE@gmail.com

Online Catalogue

Here’s a link to Feltmakers Ireland’s online catalogue of ‘Water and Flow’

There is also a PDF version of the catalogue.

Appreciation

Thank you to everyone who helped make this exhibition such a success.

Many thanks to Conor O’Brien for launching the exhibition with his interesting talk, to our members for contributing their fantastic artwork, and to Annika Berglund and Fiona Leech for displaying everything so beautifully. Additionally, we would like to thank Loli Cox for introducing our guest speaker. We’re also very grateful to the committee members for organising and setting up the lovely refreshments. Finally, we want to thank the OPW Phoenix Park Visitor Centre for again inviting us to use their stunning gallery for our annual exhibition.

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about the content, please follow the link to the organisation hosting the event.

News: Guild Member Dr Niki Collier Solo Exhibition – National Museum of Ethnography, Bulgaria

A woman in a grey dress and hat sits in front of a large decorative backdrop featuring colourful, oversized butterfly wings. Behind her, a performer with wings in pink and white poses gracefully.

Recently, the artwork of Feltmakers Ireland guild member Dr Niki Collier has been featured in a solo show, ‘Symbols of Mobility’ in Bulgaria. It has ten installations, including the following: The Phoenix, Children of Lir, The Black Swan, and the newest bird joining the flock- the Flamingo. This travelling exhibition was launched at the National Museum of Ethnography in Sofia on Brigid’s Day, on the 2nd of February, by the Irish ambassador in Bulgaria, Her Excellency Catherine Bannon.

The exhibition has been visited by a record-breaking number of visitors, and there has been coverage on all major television stations: BTV, Nova, BNT, along with many radio stations: Horizon, Focus, BTA, and others.

Dr Collier also held a seminar at Shumen University on Brigid, alongside an exhibition of photographs of her installations. In addition, she led a few workshops at the National School of Applied Art, at the museum, and had an installation at a yarn shop.

There is a video of the exhibition launch on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1163154259226409

More information about the exhibition can be found on the Museum’s website – https://www.bas.bg/?p=62183&lang=en

Here’s a link about the exhibition on the artist’s website – https://www.nikicollier.com/solo-exhibition-ethnography-museum-of-bulgaria/

Her Instagram: @nikicollierfelt

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For content-related questions, please follow the link to the organisation hosting the event.

Exhibition: Feltmakers Ireland Presents ‘Water and Flow’ Exhibition – Phoenix Park Visitor Centre Gallery – Dublin

'Water and Flow' Feltmakers Ireland Group Exhibition poster, featuring felt artwork by Joanne Turner. Details about the exhibition location at Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, dates from 2nd to 26th April, and opening hours. Announcement of a launch event with knitwear designer Conor O'Brien on the 4th.

Feltmakers Ireland is delighted to present ‘Water and Flow’, a vibrant group exhibition featuring the contemporary artwork of 68 members. This showcase explores the many interpretations of water through the rich and versatile medium of felt.

From gentle streams to powerful oceans, ‘Water and Flow‘ explores the many moods of water: its energy and stillness, its capacity for renewal, and its connection to human emotion, from sorrow to joy.

Using fibres ranging from imported Merino wool to locally sourced Irish fleece, members have created a diverse body of work that highlights both traditional and contemporary felting practices. Featuring an array of textile techniques, including wet felting and needle felting, guild members have created three-dimensional sculptures, wall art, and wearable pieces, each offering a unique perspective on the theme, reflecting the creativity and individuality of the artists involved.

The Opening

The exhibition will be officially launched by knitwear designer Conor O’Brien on Saturday, 4 April at 3 PM.

Where and When

The exhibition is at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre Gallery and runs from Thursday, the 2nd of April, to Sunday, the 26th of April. The hours are 9:30 AM to 5 PM, daily, with the exhibition closing on its final day at 3 PM.

The gallery is conveniently accessible by Dublin Bus number 99 and is located within the historic Phoenix Park. There is ample parking near the Centre.

For further details, including maps and directions to the park, visit https://www.phoenixpark.ie/directions.

The artwork featured on the exhibition poster is ‘Waterfall’ by Joanne Turner.

Her Instagram @olannoriginals

We warmly invite you to join us for the opening or visit throughout the month to experience this dynamic and engaging exhibition celebrating feltmaking in Ireland.

Online Catalogue

A link to Feltmakers Ireland’s online catalogue of ‘Water and Flow’

There is also a PDF version of the catalogue (if the above link is not working for you).

Open Call: Reminder to Submit to ‘Water and Flow’ – Feltmakers Ireland Exhibition

Promotional poster for Feltmakers Ireland's exhibition submission, featuring details about the event at Phoenix Park Visitors Centre in April 2026. The theme is 'Water & Flow', inviting personal interpretations.

We wanted to remind you that Feltmakers Ireland members’ exhibition, ‘Water and Flow’, has a submission deadline of Friday, the 13th of March at MIDNIGHT.

Our annual exhibition will be displayed at the beautiful Phoenix Park Visitors Centre gallery from Friday, the 3rd, through Sunday, the 26th of April. The show launches on Saturday, the 4th, at 3 PM.

To learn more and to submit your application, visit our Exhibition page – https://feltmakersireland.com/exhibition-application-2026-water-and-flow/

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For content-related questions, please follow the link to the organisation hosting the event.

Of Interest: Upcoming Christmas Craft Fairs – Part 4

This is the FOURTH in our series on members who are participating in holiday craft fairs. Have a look at our previous posts, as Parts 1, 2, and 3 have events this weekend.

Karena Ryan will be vending on the 5th and 6th of December, Friday 5 – 8 PM, Saturday 11 -3 PM.

Where: Above Niche Burger, High Street, Co Galway, H54AO95

Four members of Feltmakers Ireland West will be vending on Saturday, the 6th, 10 AM – 4 PM.

Where: The Green Market, Unit 13 Cearnóg Nua, Killarainy, Moycullen, Co. Galway, H91 F1PY

Denise Egan and Caoimhe Tuthill will each be vending at the Séamus Ennis Art on Sunday, the 7th, from 10:30 AM to 4 PM

Where: The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre, Main St, Naul, Naul Village, Co. Dublin, K32 AY27, Ireland

Eva Salamon will be at The Hexmas Market on the 7th of December, Sunday, 11 AM to 5 PM

Where: The Grand Social, 35 Liffey St. Lower, North City, D01 C3N0

Denise Egan will be at the Fitz of Inch Christmas Festival on the 13th and 14th of December

Where: Fitz of Inch, Inch House, Inch, Stradbally, Co Laois, R32 P382

Eva Salamon will be at Gauche Market, Sunday, the 14th of December, 12 to 8 PM

Where: Wigwam, 54 Middle Abbey St, North City, Dublin, D01 E2X4

Apologies if we missed your event. Please email feltmakersIE@gmail.com to be included in future Members’ Events posts.

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Of Interest: Upcoming Christmas Craft Fairs – Part 3

This is the third in our series on members who are participating in holiday craft fairs. Have a look, as Parts 1 and 2 list events happening this weekend.

Fiona Leech, Sandra Reynolds, and other members of Sow’s Ear Collective will be vending at the Bayside Community Centre on Sunday, the 30th of November, from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Where: Bayside Community Centre, Bayside Blvd N, Sutton, Dublin, D13 DDF2

Emily Thompson and over 100 other vendors will be vending at the Irish Pop Up Collective event. Emily will be there on Sunday, the 7th of December.

Where: Royal Marine Hotel, Marine Rd, Dún Laoghaire, Dublin, A96 K063

Belinda Reid will be at the Kinvara Community Centre Christmas Fair on the 6th and 7th of December, from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Where: Kinvara Community Centre, Glebe Road, Kinvara, Co Galway, H91 WC64

Caoimhe Tuthill will be vending at the National Botanic Gardens Sustainable Christmas Craft Market on the 13th and 14th of December.

Where: National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, D09 VY63


Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Of Interest: Members’ Upcoming Craft Fairs – Part 2

This Saturday, the 22nd of November, is Fibreshed Ireland’s Textile Market. Their symposium is on Friday.

Volunteers from Feltmakers Ireland will demonstrate felting with Irish-raised wool!

Local fibres and textiles from a selection of Fibreshed Ireland members will be available, including from two Feltmakers Ireland members –

  • Juliane Gorman of FeltHappiness will vend her Cyanotype-printed, Irish wool hats
  • Katarina Hruskova of WoolstoreIreland will vend locally raised wool that she has processed

Where: Richmond Barracks, St Michael’s Estate, Inchicore, Dublin, D08 YY05

More info: https://fibreshedireland.ie/

Caoimhe Tuthill of Boann Irish Felt Designs will be vending at the Meath Made Creates at Christmas at the Swift Cultural Centre, from Friday, the 28th, to Sunday, the 30th of November.

Where: Swift Cultural Centre, High St, Townparks North, Trim, Co. Meath, C15 P668

Margaret Corroon will be part of the Liberties College Christmas Craft Fair on Saturday, the 29th of November.

Where: Liberties College, Bull Alley St, Wood Quay, Dublin, D08 A8N0

Irina Lampadova will be vending at the Aonach Ceirde Craft Fair on Sunday, the 30th of November.

Where: Áras Chrónáin Irish Cultural Centre, Watery Ln, Orchard Rd, Clondalkin, Dublin, D22 X856

Elizabeth Redding will be vending at the Kilbeggan Christmas Market on Sunday, the 7th of December.

Where: Kilbeggan Parish Centre, Harbour Road, Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath

Caoimhe Tuthill of Boann Irish Felt Designs will be vending at The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre on Sunday, the 7th of December.

Where: The Séamus Ennis Arts Centre, Main St, Naul, Naul Village, Co. Dublin, K32 AY27, Ireland

More info: https://www.tseac.ie/event-details/tseac-christmas-food-craft-fair

See our earlier post for other upcoming events – https://feltmakersireland.com/2025/11/12/of-interest-members-upcoming-events/


If you are a member of Feltmakers Ireland and have upcoming craft fairs, exhibitions or events, please get in contact with us at feltmakersie@gmail.com


Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For content-related questions, please follow the link to the organisation hosting the event.

Exhibition: Karena Ryan – Solo Show at The Leitrim Design House

Feltmakers Ireland guild member Karena Ryan has a solo exhibition, ‘Inherited Threads’, at The Leitrim Design House.

Karena’s collection of textile work interlaces together ancestry, memory, and the quiet connections that bind us to the land and to one another. Rooted in stories passed down through generations, her pieces reimagine fragments of the past through fibre, stitch, and texture, serving as acts of remembrance held within cloth.

The show runs until January 30th, 2026.

Where: The Leitrim Design House, The Dock Arts Centre, St George’s Terrace, Townparks, Carrick-On-Shannon, Co. Leitrim, N41 T2X2

For more information, visit the gallery’s website – https://leitrimdesignhouse.ie/blogs/news/artwall-karena-ryan

The Gallery and Karena’s Instagram @theleitrimdesignhouse @karenaryantextiles

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For content-related questions, please follow the link to the organisation hosting the event.

Share this:

Of Interest: Members’ Upcoming Events

Lucia Errity is exhibiting her needle felt art pieces at Art SourceDublin this weekend at stand J144.

The event will be open to the public as follows:

  • Friday 11 AM – 9 PM
  • Saturday 10 AM – 6 PM and 
  • Sunday 10 AM – 6 PM 

Where: RDS, Merrion Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4, D04 AK83

Caitríona Nolan‘s hand-felted and needle-felted piece will be on display at Esker Arts Centre, with the official opening this Saturday, 15th November. Curated by Geraldine Ó Reilly, artist/painter. 

Where: Esker Arts Centre, High St, Tullamore, Co Offaly, R35 NY50

Elaine Peden will be part of Moving Signatures, a unique intergenerational dance performance in response to the IMMA‘s Permanent Collection exhibition. Meeting point, main reception.

When: Sunday, the 16th of November, with performances at 12:15, 1, and 1:45 PM.

Free, but book here – https://imma.ie/whats-on/moving-signatures/

Christine Jordan will be vending felted cushions and rugs made from fibre from her sheep, and Leiko Uchiyama will be vending her felted wearables and art at the Ballymaloe Grainstore Holiday Craft Market, this Friday through Sunday.

Where: Ballymaloe Grainstore, Shanagarry, Co Cork, P25FH67

Karen Bowden is amongst 50 makers and producers at the annual Christmas Craft Fair in King House, Boyle, County Roscommon.

When:

  • Friday evening, November 28th, from 5 PM to 9 PM
  • Saturday the 29th from 10 AM to 5 PM

Where: King House, Military Road, Boyle, Co Roscommon, F52 WR26

Egle Silenaite-Enyed will be vending her needle-felted work at the Naas Christmas Market on the 29th of November and the 6th of December.

If you are a member of Feltmakers Ireland and have upcoming craft fairs, exhibitions or events, please get in contact with us at feltmakersie@gmail.com

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For content-related questions, please follow the link to the organisation hosting the event.