Dry Stone Walling for Beginners
Weekend Workshop
Learn the ancient skill of traditional dry stone walling and leave with the ability to carry out repairs and new builds yourself
The earliest evidence of dry stone field enclosures in Ireland date from over 4000 years ago, in the Ceide fields of County Mayo, and these iconic features of our landscape have become a defining part of the scenery of the west of Ireland. This workshop is aimed at the beginner or novice who has an interest in understanding these age-old techniques for modern application.
Want to gift this skill to someone? Vouchers available here
On this course, you’ll learn:
The skills and knowledge involved in creating a standing structure without mortar
How to set profiles
How to create foundation layers
Terminologies used in walling
How to use face bonding to add strength
What will I leave with?
You’ll leave with the confidence to start creating and repairing your own dry stone structures, and a deeper understanding and appreciation of the landscape around them.
You will also leave with a connection to other likeminded learners, who you’ll be able to keep in touch with through a 12 month membership of our community app The Commonage (worth €40) included in your course fee.
What’s included?
The course fee of €380 fees cover tuition, the use of tools and materials, and two wholesome and nutritious daily meals each day curated by our on-site chef, as well as tea, coffee and cake when it is most needed. *There is mandatory site safety gear required to participate in this course, please see below.
Additional Information
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We will provide you with a loan of a hi-visibility vest for use when on-site. For your own safety, no loose-fitting clothing or shorts are permitted, and you should wear long sleeves.
The following safety gear is required and mandatory to participate in the course:
Steel toe-capped boots. No trainers, shoes or wellies will be allowed on site due to risk of injury.
Protective gloves*
Safety glasses*
Goggles*
Knee pads are also useful and will provide greater comfort. You may already have many of these items or want to pick them up yourself. These items are available in our optional Stonework Site & Safety Kit. This is available to purchase as an add on to your course ticket.
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For more information about booking a course, accommodation options, and preparing for your course at Common Knowledge, see our FAQs page.
Staying at The Common Knowledge Centre
We now have a range of accommodation options on site to suit all budgets and needs. You can view available accommodation on our booking page.
Instructing this course
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Dominic Keogh
Dominic Keogh is a master stonemason who originates from East Mayo where he began experimenting with local dry stone building techniques, gaining knowledge from older farmers in the Kilmovee area. Dominic’s passion for dry stone walling gave him a thirst for knowledge in all aspects of stonework, and his love of vernacular buildings led him into historical conservation, training in architectural, monumental masonry and letter cutting, and lime mortars to conserve and restore everything from humble cottages, to grand tower houses.