Craft NI

Christmas Belfast Potter's Market
2024-12-06 10:00 - 2024-12-07 21:00 (Europe/London) | 2 Royal Avenue, 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast, United Kingdom
Following the success of the previous Belfast Potter’s Markets, the date for this year’s Christmas market has been announced: The Christmas Belfast Potter’s Market will take place December 6th (5pm – 9pm) and 7th (10am – 5pm) at 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast!
Come along for some festive music and enjoy browsing and shopping – over 40 potters will have their creations on display in the centre of Belfast.

Adam Frew - Midsummer demonstration evening
2025-06-18 19:30 - 21:00 | Adam Frew Studio, 21 Cullycapple Park, Aghadowey, BT51 4AS, United Kingdom
Adam Frew will be holding his annual midsummer demonstration evening at his studio in Aghadowey on Wednesday, 18th June from 7.30 – 9pm. Join in and enjoy a relaxed evening of watching Adam throw pots as well as decorating. Tea, coffee and home baked treats included. £20, booking necessary.

August Craft Month
2025-08-01 08:00 - 2025-08-31 17:00 | Island of Ireland, Island of Ireland
Established in 2021 and organised by Design & Crafts Council Ireland and Craft NI – the two national bodies for craft in Ireland – August Craft Month is an all island celebration of Ireland’s unique craft sector!
This year’s fantastic August Craft Month programme brings together an array of talented makers hosting over 300 events across the island of Ireland. With the kids off for summer, friends coming to visit or planning staycations for the whole family, there has never been a better time to do something different. From creating your own suncatcher, to sculpting a clay puffin, August is the month to put craft and the joy of making on your radar! That pottery class you’ve always wanted to take? Now’s the time! Whether it’s the excitement of trying your hand at the throwing wheel, catching inspiring exhibitions with friends, seeing makers in action in their studios or finding free activities to occupy the kids during the holidays.

Head over to www.augustcraftmonth.org to browse and book events, and follow @augustcraftmonth25 on social media for all the latest news and updates.

Open Night at The Boat House Gallery
2025-11-21 17:00 - 21:00 | The Boat House Gallery, 60 Causeway Rd, Bushmills, BT57 8SU, United Kingdom
Stop by the Boat House Gallery on Friday, November 21st, 5 – 9pm for a festive evening and soak in the warm, creative atmosphere! A great evening to enjoy live music, browse for works from local makers and see Adam Frew’s live demo at the potter’s wheel!

Crafted on the Coastline
2025-11-22 11:00 - 15:00 | The Courthouse, 75 Main Street, Bushmills, BT57 8QB, United Kingdom
Stop by for a day of creativity at The Courthouse Bushmills with Crafted on the Coastline, a celebration of craft and artistry from makers across the Causeway Coast and Donegal.
On Saturday 22nd November, 11am–3pm, discover a vibrant exhibition featuring nine talented makers, each bringing a unique perspective and skill. The exhibition includes a Mini Makers section, where children of all ages can take part in drop-in creative activities – free, fun and no booking required, all within the same space as the makers.

Made in AND: Pop-Up Christmas Shop
2025-11-27 18:00 - 20:00 | North Down Museum, Town Hall, The Castle, Bangor, BT20 4BT, United Kingdom
The Made in AND Christmas Pop-Up Shop returns to the North Down Museum!

Featuring twinkling lights, live music, and craft demonstrations, it’s the perfect evening to start the holiday magic and get a sneak peek of all the beautiful items available. Discover a beautiful selection of handcrafted gifts and artwork made by over 25 talented local artists and crafters.
Whether you’re shopping for a unique present or simply soaking up the seasonal spirit, this is the perfect place to find something special for your loved ones.

'Cakes to Clay' - talk by James Watson
2025-11-27 19:00 - 20:30 | F.E. McWilliam Gallery & Studio, Banbridge, BT32 3NB, United Kingdom
F.E. McWilliam Gallery & Studio invite you to a talk by James Stanley Watson, ceramic artist and winner of The Great Pottery Throw Down 2025 on Thursday 27 November 2025.
James Stanley Watson is a Northern Ireland-based ceramic artist known for his expressive, story-rich creations that blend imagination and craftsmanship. After discovering pottery just four years ago, James’ creative journey led him to the nation’s screens as the winner of The Great Pottery Throw Down 2025.
A former cake maker and performer, James brings a deep sense of play, narrative, and human connection to his work. His ceramics often explore themes of memory, transformation, and the joy of making – with his signature ghosts becoming beloved symbols of warmth and whimsy.
Event cost: Members £5, Guests £10, Students £5
Please call the gallery on 028 4062 3322 to book your place. 7pm for tea/coffee, talk starts at 7.30pm

The Tedberry Market
2025-11-28 16:00 - 2025-11-30 18:00 | Down Royal Racecourse, Gravehill Road, Lisburn, BT27 5RW, United Kingdom
Don’t miss this exciting Christmas market, showcasing over 150 handpicked vendors which include craft makers such as Moneyvart Ceramics, Mud Ireland, Blackheath Pottery, Bough and Burr Furniture and Natasha Swan Ceramics to name but a few.

Enjoy the lively atmosphere, get acquainted with local craftsmen and just relax in a pleasant company. Tickets must be bought in advance and are limited.
The opening times are: Friday, 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM.

General Admission: £8 Includes entry for one adult, access to all vendor areas, and live entertainment.
Child (2-16): £4 Entry for children.
Under 2’s: FREE

Pottery Studio Open Weekend
2025-11-29 10:00 - 2025-11-30 16:00 | Belfast Ceramics Studio, Unit 10E Owen O'Cork Mill, 288 Beersbridge Road, Belfast, Antrim, BT55DX, United Kingdom
The holiday season is on its way – join the Belfast Ceramics Studio for their Christmas Open Studio days! Stop by for a cozy, creative afternoon filled with festive cheer, pottery fun and handmade pieces that make the perfect gift.
Visitors will be able to try their hand at the potter’s wheel, make Christmas decorations while enjoying refreshments, and browse a Pottery Sale by Studio Members.
Free to attend, no need to book.
OPENING TIMES:
Saturday 29th November 10am – 4pm
Sunday 30th November 12noon – 4pm.

Christmas Art & Craft Fair with North Down Craft Collective
2025-11-30 10:00 - 16:00 | WWT Castle Espie, 78 Ballydrain Rd, Comber, Newtownards, BT23 6EA
North Down Craft Collective returns to the charming setting of Castle Espie for their annual Christmas market – stop by to meet local artists and makers and shop their beautiful, handmade craft pieces – from textiles to ceramics, paintings to prints, and plenty more in between.
Over 30 artists and makers will be showcasing their work making your Christmas gift buying a pleasure this year!
Enjoy festive music, treats from the Kingfisher Cafe and your chance to meet the makers.
Admission to the fair is free of charge (normal charges apply to visit the wetland area)

Creative Peninsula Christmas Fayre
2025-12-05 16:00 - 2025-12-06 16:00 | Ards Arts Centre, Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4NP, United Kingdom
For a unique shopping experience, join the makers and artists of the Creative Peninsula as the annual Christmas Fayre makes a welcome return to Ards Arts Centre!

Be inspired to purchase the perfect, unique, handcrafted Christmas gift in the opulent festive setting of the Georgian and Sunburst galleries of Ards Arts Centre.
All work has been handcrafted and designed by the professionally practicing artists and makers of Ards and North Down.
There will be seasonal live music, complimentary gift wrapping and festive refreshments.

OPENING HOURS:
Late Night Shopping: Fri 5 Dec, 4pm – 8pm
Small Business Saturday: Sat 6 Dec, 10am – 4pm

Vault Christmas market
2025-12-06 11:00 - 2025-12-07 17:00 | Carlisle Memorial Church, Carlisle Circus, Belfast, BT13 1AB, United Kingdom
The Vault Christmas Market is once again returing to the beautiful Carlisle Memorial Church in North Belfast. Over the course of a weekend, the former church will be filled with 60+ stalls selling high-quality jewellery, gilded glass & stained glass, ceramics, macramé & crochet, homeware and so much more.
The Vault Christmas Market is also a fun weekend out with friends and family, with music refreshments and the regular walkabout performers, elves and of course ‘The Santa You Deserve’ aka ‘Bad Santa’ causing havoc, or snoozing in a corner. And new this year is the Godzilla Santa Grotto – it has to be seen to be believed (and explained).

Portview Christmas Market
2025-12-19 18:00 - 2025-12-20 16:00 | Portview Trade Centre, 310 Newtonards Rd, Belfast, BT4 1HE, United Kingdom
Portview Christmas Market returns to Portview Trade Centre on the Newtownards Road, showcasing a great range of local makers of craft, jewellery, ceramics, vintage and so much more. This is a family-friendly event which will also have local DJs and hospitality available.
Please note the following opening hours:
Friday Night December 19th 6 – 10pm
Saturday December 20th 12 – 4pm.

Craft NI Craft Village at Garden Show Ireland
2026-06-12 10:00 - 2026-06-14 18:00 | Antrim Castle Gardens, Randalstown Road, Antrim, County Antrim, BBT41 4LH, United Kingdom
The Craft NI Craft Village returns this year at Garden Show Ireland!
We are once again delighted to partner with Antrim & Newtownabbey Council’s Garden Show Ireland 2026 to bring contemporary local craft makers to this annual celebration of plants and gardens!
In its fourth year at Garden Show Ireland, the Craft Village is now a firm fixture in the show and an integral part of the overall visitor experience, which includes plants for sale, creative garden ideas, artisan foods and a lively programme of demos and masterclasses.
Visitors to the Craft NI Craft Village will be able to browse for and shop a large selection of high quality ceramics, jewellery and textiles, all handcrafted by local makers. Exhibitors include Anna Smyth, Duncan Legate, Erin McCormack, Fiona Kerr, Hannah Grainger, Joel Smyth, Lorna Shannon, Maggie Napier, Rachel Leary, Vine Haugh, Redsmith’s Forge and Snowdrops and Sentiments.
The weekend will also include two days of woodworking, spinning and coppersmithing demonstrations – the demo schedule will be available soon!

Visitors will need to purchase tickets to Garden Show Ireland – link below.

Adam Frew: pottery demonstration evening
2026-06-24 19:30 - 21:00 | Adam Frew Studio, 21 Cullycapple Park, Aghadowey, BT51 4AS, United Kingdom
Come along to Adam’s pottery studio in Aghadowey for an evening of demonstrations and refreshments. Adam will be showing how he throws his unique porcelain pots on the potter’s wheel, as well as decorating them in his signature painterly style.
Participants will be able to relax watching him make while enjoying tea or coffee and some home baked treats. There will also be the opportunity to view and purchase pots.
Booking is essential by purchasing a ticket – see link below.
