11 new off The Factory in Fivealley outside Birr.

Line-up of events for Irish Design Week 2023 in Offaly announced

Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) has announced the line-up of events for Irish Design Week 2023 which will take place across Ireland with events in Offaly from Monday, November 13 to Friday, November 17.

The theme of this year’s Irish Design Week is, 'Is Folklore the Future?' Throughout the week, DCCI is curating and hosting a series of events focusing on Ireland’s rich heritage of folklore and storytelling which are currently hot topics in international design circles.

A handmade papermaking workshop will take place at The FACTORY in Fivalley, Birr on Monday, November 13 and Thursday, November 16, starting at 11am. Tickets cost €10 and can be purchased on www.dcci.ie.

Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to expand your creative skillset, this workshop is the perfect place to start. In this hands-on experience, participants will explore the techniques for crafting beautiful papers from a range of recycled materials and dried plants and flowers. From pulp making to sheet forming, embossing, inclusions, and decorative techniques, they’ll gain a comprehensive understanding of the paper-making process. All equipment, materials and lunch will be provided and the workshop is suitable for all ages.

The FACTORY is an eco-print and graphic design studio, now generating 65% of its electricity on-site via wind and solar power. It has installed LED lighting, an air-to-water heating, a solar PV array, a small wind turbine and invested in an electric vehicle for local deliveries. Other measures implemented include a four-day work week and managing five acres of land for biodiversity.

Design & Crafts Council Ireland is the national agency for craft and design in Ireland. They support designers and makers to develop their businesses in a sustainable way, and advocate for the societal benefits of craft and design.

DCCI's activities are funded by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment via Enterprise Ireland. DCCI currently has 64 member organisations and over 3,600 registered clients.

To find out more how to book events during Irish Design Week, visit www.dcci.ie/whats-on/ The majority of the events are free.