Traditional Skills Day

Discover building heritage skills and Ulster’s building traditions at the Ulster Folk Museum

Date

Saturday 8th August 2026

Time

10:00 to 17:00

Age group

All

Event type

Free for members

Traditional skills are woven into life all around Ulster, from stained glass windows and thatched roofs, to the fire poker beside the hearth and the ancient stone walls dotted around the countryside.

These heritage skills are the foundation of the Ulster we live in today, but in the modern world, these skills are at risk of being lost. At the Ulster Folk Museum, we help keep them alive through talented crafters who demonstrate skills unique to this place.

At Traditional Skills Day, discover how local heritage and traditional skills can shape how we live today - from reconnecting with the land around us to keeping traditions alive for future generations.

What to expect

Watch craft demonstrators at work, get hands-on with activities and learn how you can get involved in heritage skills. You'll see demonstrations of...

Traditional Musical Instrument Making
Fife and Drum Making Demonstrations and Sessions
Stone Masonry
Decorative Plaster Casting
Lime Mortars
Dry Stone Walling
Wood Graining
Thatching
Green Woodworking
Signwriting
Stained Glass Making
Blacksmithing
Willow Work
Straw Rope Making
Nettle Cordage

Plus traditional music sessions, performances by the Armagh Rhymers, fiffing and drumming demos, kids crafts stations, archive screenings in our Picture House and storytelling sessions!

Getting here from Belfast

Planning your visit to Belfast for the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026? You can take public transport straight to the Ulster Folk Museum from Belfast City Centre - and save 20% when you do! You can travel to the Ulster Folk Museum by train and bus.

Book Traditional Skills Day Tickets

Get tickets for Traditional Skills Day on Saturday 8th August here!

What to know

Everything you need to know about Traditional Skills Day

Taking public transport? Get one of our green tickets for a 20% discount on admission to Traditional Skills Day at Ulster Folk Museum (proof of transport ticket required on arrival).

Planning to attend the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026? Take the train or bus right from Belfast City Centre to Ulster Folk Museum in Cultra - only 15 minutes away!

This is a popular event and parking can be limited. There will be driving restrictions across Belfast City Centre due to Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 so we recommend taking public transport if you're coming from this direction. An accessible bus will be available to support with movement from the train station to the Ulster Folk Museum.

Members go free! If you're a member, please still book a free members ticket to make sure you get entry as this is a busy event.