Dry Stone Walling
A Two-Day Workshop on the timeless craft of traditional stone walling

Discover the timeless craft of traditional dry stone walling and gain the practical skills and confidence to repair existing walls or construct new ones using time-honoured techniques.

Course Overview

Join us for an immersive two-day practical workshop and discover the traditional craft of dry stone walling in one of Ireland’s most spectacular landscapes. This ancient craft is now recognised by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritate.

Whether you’re a farmer, landowner, homeowner, conservation volunteer or simply someone with an interest in traditional rural skills, this hands-on course will teach you the principles and techniques of constructing, repairing and maintaining dry stone walls using traditional methods.

Working alongside an experienced instructor, participants will gain practical experience rebuilding an existing dry stone wall while learning techniques that have been passed down through generations.

No previous experience is required.

Why Learn Dry Stone Walling?

Dry stone walls are one of the defining features of Ireland’s rural landscape. Built without mortar, they have stood for centuries, providing durable field boundaries while enhancing the beauty, biodiversity and heritage of the countryside.

Learning this traditional skill allows you to:

• Repair damaged dry stone walls on your own property.
• Build new walls using traditional techniques.
• Preserve an important element of Ireland’s built heritage.
• Improve wildlife habitats and landscape character.
• Develop a rewarding practical skill that can last a lifetime.

What’s Included?

Your course fee includes:

• Two full days of expert practical tuition
• Hands-on experience rebuilding a traditional dry stone wall on a farm
• Lunch and refreshments on both days

Location

Ballinacarriga, Garnish, Co Cork P75 YR77

Set against the stunning scenery of the Beara Peninsula, this practical workshop provides the perfect setting to learn one of Ireland’s oldest traditional building skills.

Full venue details and directions will be provided to registered participants in advance of the course.

What Should I Bring?

Please wear suitable outdoor clothing, as the course will proceed in most weather conditions.

We recommend bringing:

• Safety Boots
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Warm layers
• Durable work clothing
• Work gloves (optional)
• Refillable water bottle
• Sun protection, if required

Important Information

• This is an outdoor practical course.
• Participants should be comfortable undertaking manual work.
• Places are strictly limited to ensure plenty of individual instruction.
• Early booking is strongly recommended.

About Your Instructor – Karl Kennedy

Karl Kennedy is an experienced dry stone waller based in Castletownbere, Co. Cork, and an active member and Director of the Dry Stone Wall Association of Ireland (DSWAI). He has been involved in promoting and preserving the traditional craft of dry stone walling through practical workshops, heritage projects and community training initiatives across Ireland.

Originally from Dublin, Karl completed an apprenticeship in bricklaying before pursuing further studies in horticulture and traditional dry stone construction. Since becoming self-employed, he has specialised in landscaping and dry stone wall building, working on a wide range of projects throughout West Cork and beyond.

Karl has delivered beginner workshops in partnership with the Dry Stone Wall Association of Ireland and the National Organic Training Skillnet, helping participants develop the practical skills and confidence to build, repair and maintain traditional dry stone walls. He has also contributed to a number of heritage stonework events and restoration projects, sharing his knowledge with landowners, community groups and those with an interest in Ireland’s built heritage.

Passionate about preserving one of Ireland’s oldest rural crafts, Karl enjoys passing on traditional techniques in a practical, supportive learning environment. Whether you are completely new to dry stone walling or looking to improve your existing skills, you’ll benefit from his hands-on approach and extensive experience working with the varied stone and walling styles found across Ireland.

Exclusive to IFA Countryside Members

Access to IFA Countryside training courses is an exclusive benefit of membership. Our Countryside Skills Programme has been developed to provide members with practical, high-quality training in traditional rural skills, conservation and countryside activities.

If you’re not already a member, joining is quick and easy. Membership gives you access to a growing programme of subsidised courses, along with a range of additional benefits.

How to Join

You can become an IFA Countryside member online in just a few minutes by visiting https://ifacountryside.ie/membership/#quote or by calling 0818 924 982, where our team will be happy to assist you.

Once your membership is confirmed, you’ll be eligible to book this course and enjoy all the benefits of IFA Countryside membership.