Here at O’Flaherty Stone we are a proud, family-owned stonemasonry business based in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains, spanning over eight generations. We are honored to have Ireland’s first registered female stonemason in over 30 years as part of our legacy. With a rich heritage & craftsmanship passed down through centuries, we are excited to announce that we are now accepting applications for Internships and Apprenticeships!
Experience the art of stonemasonry in the heart of Ireland’s Wicklow Mountains. Join O’Flaherty Stone for a unique 2–3 month apprenticeship program designed for aspiring stonemasons and sculptors. Immerse yourself in local history, develop your craft, and create lasting connections in a breathtaking location. We worked on Ireland’s long-standing and famous heritage buildings, and continue to maintain them today.
Ireland’s heritage is deep-rooted literally in the very same stone of its hostoric & magnificent buildings – its everything you think it is! Here at O’Flaherty Stone, we are proud to be part of that legacy. As an 8th-generation family run stonemasonry business, our roots run deep in preserving Ireland’s historic architectural past & continuing the story! In fact, my great-great-great-grandfather worked on many of the iconic Irish structures that me and my team continue to restore & maintain to this day! From ancient castles to timeless churches, our craft allows Irish history & practices to remain active for the future generations. We welcome international applicants to join us, offering a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the artistry of Irish stonemasonry and the unparalleled cultural experience that comes with it. This is more than just an apprenticeship—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be part of Ireland’s story, its history, craftsmanship & world-wide famous tradition.
Succesful applicants have the opportunity to work alongside our experienced & deep-rooted Irish team for four days a week, with the remaining time dedicated to your coursework. Enjoy full access to our state-of-the-art workshop to refine your skills and learn how Irish stonemasons operate!
You will live onsite (County Wicklow, Ireland) deep in the Wicklow Mountains. Your accommodation is based in our fully equipped location that includes cooking facilities, a shower and a toilet. This accommodation is situated within the grounds of the workshop.
Not only will you live on the grounds of the workshop while waking up each morning to the beautiful Wicklow Mountains, but you will also enjoy reserved car parking, WiFi and access to a laundry room with a washing machine and dryer. And you will be a short drive away from cafes in Ballymore!
You will have unique, once-in-a-lifetime, opportunities to participate in exhibitions and live demonstrations. O’Flaherty Stone have a wide scope of the stonemason market due to decades of experience, meaning you get to showcase your work and gain valuable experience at the rare events we our invited too!
The lucky successful candiate will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to not only learn from the longest-standing Irish stonemason family but they will have access to visit Ballyknockan – nestled in the tranquil Wicklow Mountains. Ballyknockan offers an inspiring landscape that isn’t seen anywhere else in the world. The beautiful setting is nearly unrealistic, in which you will be lucky to work and learn in! Overlooking the stunning Blessington Lakes, the village is a mere 15-minute drive from Blessington town & its amenities.
O’Flaherty (Middle Irish: Ua Flaithbertach; Modern Irish: Ó Flaithbheartaigh), is an Irish Gaelic clan, based most prominently in what is today County Galway. We are known as the Ferocious O’Flaherty’s.
As well as up scaling my business to take on bigger commissions and investing in its growth, Over the next 5 years I will grow my team and be in a position to take on another apprentice. Taking on another apprentice for 4-5 years through Kerry college is something I am passionate about doing as it continues the craft in a professional setting. I believe it’s important for the next generation of craftspeople to be taken on as working professionals and as such more responsibility needs to be taken by working practitioners in continuing their craft by giving back in this significant way. I am also collaborating with several institutions to facilitate erasmus and internships on an ongoing basis. Over this past summer I had an intern from the American College of Building Arts (ACBA) and currently have a Journeyman from Les Compagnon du Devoir in France join me and am also involved with the heritage council providing workshops to showcase this craft. Since then I have set-up my own Masonry Conservation and Craft company and taken my Sister Petra on as my Apprentice. She is the First registered Female Stonemason Apprentice in Ireland in over 30 years and also an 8th Generation Stonemason.
As such have been gaining interest with publicity especially in the following media outlets such as,
We have limited positions available & accept both international and national applicants. Don’t miss out on this opportunity, contact us today!
We are 8th-generation Stone Masons/Stone Cutters based in Ballyknockan (“The Granite Village”). Nested in the Wicklow mountains, the O’Flaherty Family continues our historical family stone-cutting practices, keeping The Granite Village traditions alive.
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