What's New

Transition Year students participated in a willow weaving and basket making workshop this week with Helena Golden “The Willow Woman”.  This was part of an initiative ran by the Heritage Council allowing specialists to share their expertise on Ireland’s cultural, built, and natural heritage with Transition Year students 

At the start of the workshop Helena explained to the students how she grows 10 different varieties of willow. She went through the process of harvesting the willows and how she prepares them for use in basket making. She also showed students the charcoal she makes with any leftover pieces, so waste is at a minimum.

 Each student was then given the chance to make their own baskets, learning how to select the best pieces of willow for the different parts of the basket. It was a great opportunity for students to take part in this ancient craft,

The students found it a very relaxing way to spend a few hours, and everyone had a basket to bring home at the end of the day. Many thanks to Helena for her patience in passing on this wonderful skill to our students.