We are sad to announce that we have had to cancel the West Cork Stone Symposium 2020.
Given the evolving situation in relation to Covid-19 (Coronavirus), we need to minimise risk to our community, our guests, and our tutors and limit any pressure our gathering might put on health services.
We had looked forward to welcoming visitors from Ireland, Europe and beyond next weekend, but it would not be sensible for us to create a situation that puts a group of people from a wide range of regions working so closely together given current health guidelines. (The photo we are sharing here give a sense of what is brilliant about the festival and why social distancing would not work at the symposium in the way it might at other events).
If you have booked, we will be in touch shortly with a cancellation notice and details about refund arrangements.
If you have booked accommodation locally we would strongly encourage you to continue with your visit. The quiet beauty of the Sheep’s Head peninsula has always had huge appeal. Today we can add that its walking trails offer you some of the best opportunities for blissful social distancing you will find anywhere.
Huge thanks to our committee – Victor Daly (our director), the The Dry Stone Wall Association of Ireland and the Sheep’s Head & Bantry Tourism Cooperative (Living the Sheep’s Head Way) and the community in Durrus for the voluntary work that has already gone into our event.
Slán – until next year!
The West Cork Stone Symposium celebrates stone as part of our environment and as a source of inspiration throughout the ages
Come to the symposium to be inspired by a rugged coastline that’s home to one of Ireland’s most creative communities. Discover how stone has shaped our lives and imaginations, and unleash your own creativity as you learn from stone masons, carvers, and sculptors and immerse yourself in learning ancient skills.
Learn Traditional Skills From the Experts
Our programme is packed with opportunities for you to work alongside amazing craftspeople, acquiring skills that have been passed down from generation to generation. Talks and walks are on offer over the weekend, and there’ll be music in Durrus village’s pubs each evening.
At each day’s workshop, you’ll get the chance to learn stone carving or dry stone wall building for yourself. These are practical workshops where you learn by doing, with helpful advice from our experienced tutors who’ve worked across the world on heritage restoration projects as well as contemporary designs.
A Welcome for Everyone
Our first three West Cork Stone Symposia saw artists working alongside building contractors, and trained stone wallers striving alongside people wanting to pick up tips for their garden project. The atmosphere was fantastic as everyone shared ideas and insights throughout creative and friendly sold-out festival weekends.
Beginners are welcome. When you book your workshop ticket, choose the level that sounds right for you, and we’ll use that information as a general guide, sorting everyone into the best work group each day on the basis of the work they do within the workshop. If you have questions, please do get in touch. We’ll be delighted to help.
Inspired by Stone
For generations, artists, makers, producers, and dreamers have been inspired by the stone that forms our peninsulas, islands, rolling hills, and valleys. Stone tells a story that unlocks the flavours, textures, landscapes, and creativity of our Wild Atlantic shoreline.
Now it’s your opportunity to help keep stonecraft skills alive.
This event, is directed by Victor Daly, stone carver, and co-organised and supported by the Sheep’s Head & Bantry Tourism Cooperative and the Dry Stone Wall Association of Ireland.