Course Dates

Dates: 11^th – 13^th December 2024
Location & Accommodation (if required): Oakraven Field Centre.
Details: Help build a traditional clochán, learn about the importance of proportion, mindfulness and intent in the creation of these important prehistoric structures. Working in a traditional way and engaging in creative processes stimulates the brain, promotes relaxation, and allows for self-expression. The act of creating grounds us and distracts us from stress and anxiety, providing a sense of accomplishment and focus.

A clochán or beehive hut is a dry Stone hut with a corbelled roof, commonly associated with the south-western Irish seaboard. The precise construction date of most of these structures is unknown with the buildings belonging to a long-established Celtic tradition. Even in areas with few trees there are easier and quicker ways of building a shelter which suggests a ritual purpose. The clochán we will be building is of a style very likely used for some type of meditation or shamanic style practice as much attention was paid to the proportion of the interior space. This particular clochán will be aligned with the rising sun on the summer solstice and aims to be finished for the Summer solstice 21^st June 2025.

Dates: 15^th – 17^th January 2025
Location & Accommodation (if required): Oakraven Field Centre
Details: Join us at Oakraven, nestled near the enchanting St. Anthony’s Well, for a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the ancient art of stone carving! This workshop is specially crafted to celebrate St. Anthony the Great’s Day on January 17th.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, you’ll be guided by skilled instructors as you learn to carve a distinct attribute representing a saint. Choose from a variety of meaningful symbols, including: A Pig, A Staff topped with a Tau Cross, A Bell, A Book, or A Ribwort Plantain. Each symbol carries rich historical significance and is a wonderful way to connect with tradition while creating your own masterpiece.

Don’t miss this chance to explore your creativity and bring home a beautiful stone carving that pays homage to the saints! Reserve your spot today and join us in this artistic celebration!

Dates: 29^th – 31^st January 2025 (Lunar new year 29^th)
Location & Accommodation (if required): Oakraven Field Centre
Details: Help build a traditional clochán, learn about the importance of proportion, mindfulness and intent in the creation of these important prehistoric structures. Working in a traditional way and engaging in creative processes stimulates the brain, promotes relaxation, and allows for self-expression. The act of creating grounds us and distracts us from stress and anxiety, providing a sense of accomplishment and focus.

A clochán or beehive hut is a dry Stone hut with a corbelled roof, commonly associated with the south-western Irish seaboard. The precise construction date of most of these structures is unknown with the buildings belonging to a long-established Celtic tradition. Even in areas with few trees there are easier and quicker ways of building a shelter which suggests a ritual purpose. The clochán we will be building is of a style very likely used for some type of meditation or shamanic style practice as much attention was paid to the proportion of the interior space. This particular clochán will be aligned with the rising sun on the summer solstice and aims to be finished for the Summer solstice 21^st June 2025.

Dates: 26^th – 28^th February 2025
Location & Accommodation (if required): Oakraven Field Centre
Details: Help build a traditional clochán, learn about the importance of proportion, mindfulness and intent in the creation of these important prehistoric structures. Working in a traditional way and engaging in creative processes stimulates the brain, promotes relaxation, and allows for self-expression. The act of creating grounds us and distracts us from stress and anxiety, providing a sense of accomplishment and focus.

A clochán or beehive hut is a dry Stone hut with a corbelled roof, commonly associated with the south-western Irish seaboard. The precise construction date of most of these structures is unknown with the buildings belonging to a long-established Celtic tradition. Even in areas with few trees there are easier and quicker ways of building a shelter which suggests a ritual purpose. The clochán we will be building is of a style very likely used for some type of meditation or shamanic style practice as much attention was paid to the proportion of the interior space. This particular clochán will be aligned with the rising sun on the summer solstice and aims to be finished for the Summer solstice 21^st June 2025.

Dates: 5^th – 7^th March 2025
Location & Accommodation (if required): Oakraven Field Centre
Details: Gargoyles, grotesque and hunkypunks have been protecting us from evil for centuries. In the case of gargoyles they also have a very down to earth purpose. They can be frightening, comical or naturalistic and now it’s your chance to carve your own.

Whether you wish to carve one to your own design or copy and adapt one from a church or cathedral we will help you towards your finished piece. If required please bring any drawings, maquettes, ideas, sketchbook and pencils. Running in conjunction with our one day courses, our three day course allows time for a larger or more detailed piece.

Dates: 11^th – 13^th June 2025 (with aim of finishing the clochán for the Summer solstice on Saturday 21^st June 2025)
Location & Accommodation (if required): Oakraven Field Centre
Details: Help build a traditional clochán, learn about the importance of proportion, mindfulness and intent in the creation of these important prehistoric structures. Working in a traditional way and engaging in creative processes stimulates the brain, promotes relaxation, and allows for self-expression. The act of creating grounds us and distracts us from stress and anxiety, providing a sense of accomplishment and focus.

A clochán or beehive hut is a dry Stone hut with a corbelled roof, commonly associated with the south-western Irish seaboard. The precise construction date of most of these structures is unknown with the buildings belonging to a long-established Celtic tradition. Even in areas with few trees there are easier and quicker ways of building a shelter which suggests a ritual purpose. The clochán we will be building is of a style very likely used for some type of meditation or shamanic style practice as much attention was paid to the proportion of the interior space. This particular clochán will be aligned with the rising sun on the summer solstice and aims to be finished for the Summer solstice 21^st June 2025.

Dates: 18^th – 20^th June 2025 (20^th June Litha/Midsummer )
Location & Accommodation (if required): Oakraven Field Centre
Details: There is not a better time to learn to carve a stone Green Man, the legendary being primarily interpreted as a symbol of rebirth, representing the cycle of new growth that occurs every spring. The Green Man is most commonly depicted in a sculpture, or other representation of a face which is made of, or completely surrounded by, leaves.

The Green Man motif has many variations. Branches or vines may sprout from the mouth, nostrils, or other parts of the face, and these shoots may bear flowers or fruit. You choose the design. Choose a Green man design from our examples on the first day or work to your own design. Please bring any drawings, maquettes, ideas, sketchbook and pencils. By the end of your time with us you’ll be ready to go home and impress your family and friends with your newly acquired skills, knowledge and original work.

Dates: 29^th – 31^st October 2025 (31^st Oct is Halloween)
Location & Accommodation (if required): Oakraven Field Centre
Details: Gargoyles, grotesque and hunkypunks have been protecting us from evil for centuries. In the case of gargoyles they also have a very down to earth purpose. They can be frightening, comical or naturalistic and now it’s your chance to carve your own.

Whether you wish to carve one to your own design or copy and adapt one from a church or cathedral we will help you towards your finished piece. If required please bring any drawings, maquettes, ideas, sketchbook and pencils. Running in conjunction with our one day courses, our three day course allows time for a larger or more detailed piece.

Dates: 12^th – 14^th November 2025
Location & Accommodation (if required): Oakraven Field Centre
Details: There is not a better time to learn to carve a stone Green Man, the legendary being primarily interpreted as a symbol of rebirth, representing the cycle of new growth that occurs every spring. The Green Man is most commonly depicted in a sculpture, or other representation of a face which is made of, or completely surrounded by, leaves.

The Green Man motif has many variations. Branches or vines may sprout from the mouth, nostrils, or other parts of the face, and these shoots may bear flowers or fruit. You choose the design. Choose a Green man design from our examples on the first day or work to your own design. Please bring any drawings, maquettes, ideas, sketchbook and pencils. By the end of your time with us you’ll be ready to go home and impress your family and friends with your newly acquired skills, knowledge and original work.