The Creative Trail has some very special places to visit.
Whether pottery is your thing or you fancy visiting a modern day blacksmith workshop, or maybe you want to feel inspired by taking part in a workshop, seeing a show or getting absorbed in an exhibition, there is lots to see and do on each part of the tour.
MOUNT IDA POTTERY
Surrounded by stunning views of fields, gardens, streams and rivers, Mount Ida Pottery presents a range of hand built and thrown earthenware ceramics.
Situated just off the main Belfast to Dublin route, Mount Ida Pottery offers creative experiences for all age groups, whether it is a night out with friends or your child’s special birthday party. www.mountidapottery.co.uk
BALLYDOUGAN POTTERY
The historic Grade II listed Bloomvale House is home to the award-winning Ballydougan Pottery. View the 18th century house or why not stay in the courtyard cottages for a Pottery Class where you can throw on the Potter’s Wheel. A gift shop and restaurant/coffee shop are also on site. www.ballydouganpottery.co.uk
MILLENNIUM COURT ARTS CENTRE
A purpose-built gallery space in Portadown showcasing contemporary design and art and hosting creative events and workshops. A vibrant and unique environment is created via gallery and verbal art space, workshop areas, a darkroom, kiln, and an artist-in-residence studio. www.milleniumcourt.org
MARKET PLACE THEATRE & ARTS CENTRE
The Market Place is Armagh City’s ‘Home Of Entertainment’. The state-of-the-art venue and conference centre presents the best in arts and entertainment from international, national and local artists including ballet, dance, drama, music, and an extensive visual arts and workshop programme. www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre
MONEYPENNY’S BLACKSMITH WORKSHOP
A space for artists who work in metal and plays host to a weekly ‘come and try’ blacksmith group. The Workshop is set in the beautiful Moneypenny’s Lock, on the Newry Canal just outside Portadown. Sessions take place every Saturday from 11am-3pm and open to anyone age 16+. Come and try your hand at this ancient trade, with a modern twist. A wonderful opportunity to learn from professional artist-blacksmiths. T. 02838 311686 or email jonny.kerr@armaghbanvridgecraigavon.gov.uk
HELEN FITZPATRICK JEWELLERY
Helen’s collections are synonymous with delicacy, subtlety and elegance. They are designed to dazzle with a touch of sophistication and tradition for a cosmopolitan woman. A Helen Fitzpatrick purchase is an affordable way for modern women to experience the grandeur of a couture piece. Visits to the design gallery and studio are by appointment. www.helenfitzpatrick.com
FE MCWILLIAM GALLERY & STUDIO
A purpose built gallery celebrating the works of the renowned sculptor FE McWilliam, one of the most important sculptors of his generation. Featuring a permanent display of McWilliam’s work, temporary exhibitions of Irish and international art, a craft shop, café and Tourist Information Centre. www.visitarmagh.com/femcwilliam
WILL HARNETT PHOTOGRAPHY
A photographic and creative media business based in the historical Waring Estate. Will specialises in contemporary landscape, travel and architecture photography and has recently branched out into aerial photography and videography. Visitors are offered the unique opportunity see the Estate and gardens, learn photography and view WHP collections. By appointment only. www.willharnett.com
MAHVASH INTERIORS
The Interior Design Studio is located on the shore of Lough Neagh and opened in 2010. Provides hand made curtains, designer fabrics and wall coverings, occasional furniture and upholstery, lighting and mirrors and soft furnishings. Booking in advance. www.mahvashinteriors.com
KEITH SHEPPARD GLASS ARTISTRY
Keith predominately works with Cooper in glass to create bespoke functional and non-functional glass art. His workshops are ‘hands-on’ and focused on providing the basic skills to produce pieces of hand-crafted work. There are also opportunities to visit the artist’s studio. Phone ahead to check availability and workshop times. www.keithsheppardglass.com
TOMMY MAKEM ARTS & COMMUNITY CENTRE
Irish President Michael D. Higgins officially opened the centre in 2015. This modern, multi-purpose facility commemorates the life and times of the internationally-celebrated Irish folk musician. The centre is a focus for the community and hosts a range of programmes including dance classes, yoga, crafts and sewing, and an Afterschool Club. T. 028 3752 1810
