At O’Flaherty Stone, we’ve been shaping, carving & creating stone for generations. Our Ballyknockan workshop, set in the heart of Wicklow’s historic granite quarries, now opens its doors to anyone who wants to experience the timeless craft of stone carving. Whether you are a complete beginner or a creative looking to develop new skills, our Stone Carving Workshops give you the chance to learn traditional techniques with expert guidance in an inspiring setting.
O’Flaherty Stone, 8th generation stonemasons from Ballyknockan (“The Granite Village”), for an immersive Stone Carving Workshop in the heart of the Wicklow Mountains. Learn traditional granite carving techniques in a hands-on setting rooted in your local heritage.
Under the guidance of skilled stonemasons, you’ll develop real stone carving skills including:
All workshops are limited in size to ensure personal instruction and maximum learning.
Whats included: In-depth instruction, larger stone, advanced detail work, extended hands-on time
Whats included: Full-day guided session, tools, stone block & materials provided, take-home carving
Please note that the minimum number of participants in each workshop is 3 people. If the number is not reached, we may reschedule the workshop.
Held in O’Flaherty Stone’s workshop in Ballyknockan, Co. Wicklow, easily accessible from Dublin. Immutable, local granite surrounds you, making carving more than just a course—it’s a cultural experience.
Make it a weekend escape by staying in our family-run Stonecutters Cottage—just minutes from the workshop. Experience Irish hospitality and rural comfort, with cosy amenities and the chance to fully immerse yourself in Ballyknockan’s stone-working heritage.
If you join us for one of our workshops, why not stay an extra day and explore the beautiful and inspiring landscape of Ballyknockan. The village is set, overlooking the stunning Blessington Lakes and offers a quaint and welcoming atmosphere, and provides refreshment from the hustle & bustle of daily life. Nestled at the base of the Wicklow Mountains there are endless opportunities for avid walkers (for the proficient hiker as well as the beginner). If you’re up for a bit of a drive through the mountains, Ballyknocan is a mere 20 minutes from Glendalough (one of the oldest monastic villages in Ireland with beautiful lakes, walking trails & coffee shops). Additionally, Blessington, where there are plenty of grocery shops, restaurants & other local amenities, is just 15 minutes away.
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.
As such have been gaining interest with publicity especially in the following media outlets such as,
The Barn, Ballyknockan, Valleymount, Co. Wicklow, W91 YD6V
