The Main Guard

25/08/2026

Thank You for a Golden Heritage Week!

A huge thank you to the wonderfully talented Agnieszka Krym for sharing her expertise and passion with us at The Main Guard during Heritage Week with her fascinating workshop, “The Hidden Layers of Gold: Discovering the Traditional Art of Gilding.”

It was a wonderful opportunity to discover the intricate and beautiful traditional craft of gilding, learn about its history and techniques, and see first-hand the skill and patience involved in this remarkable art form.

A very special thank you also to everyone who attended and took part. Your enthusiasm, curiosity and willingness to have a go helped make the workshop an enjoyable occasion.

We hope you enjoyed uncovering the hidden layers of gold as much as we did!

Missed out this time, keep an eye on the What's On page on the Heritage Ireland website for upcoming OPW run workshops and events. https://heritageireland.ie/whats-on/

21/08/2026

A huge thank you to the wonderful ladies from Limerick Lace Makers for a truly special evening at The Main Guard during Heritage Week!

Their “Discover the Art of Limerick Lace: A Beginners Workshop” was a fantastic opportunity to step into the elegant world of this beautiful Irish craft. From learning about the fascinating history and tradition of Limerick Lace to having a go at creating those all-important first stitches, it was an evening filled with creativity, skill and inspiration.

We are incredibly grateful to the ladies for sharing their knowledge, passion and expertise with everyone who took part. It was wonderful to see a traditional craft being passed on to a new generation of enthusiasts.

A very special thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the workshop such a success.



Limerick Lace

20/08/2026

Heritage Week Colouring Competition featuring Barryscourt Castle, Co. Cork💚

To enter, please take a photograph of your entry and email it to [email protected].
➡️Closing date for entries is 26 August 2026 and the winner will be announced 31st August 2026.
🔗Terms and Conditions apply, please visit heritageireland.ie for more details.
🔗Download your copy at https://heritageireland.ie/heritage-week-2026/

14/08/2026

🎉 FULLY BOOKED! 🎉
We’re delighted to announce that our Discover the Art of Limerick Lace: A Beginners Workshop is now fully booked!

Thank you to everyone who has registered for this special National Heritage Week 2026 event. We’re looking forward to welcoming our participants to an evening of creativity, craftsmanship and heritage as we explore the fascinating story of Limerick Lace and learn the first steps of this beautiful Irish tradition.

📅 Thursday 20th August 2026
🕕 6.00pm–9.00pm
📍 The Main Guard, Clonmel

We’re thrilled by the fantastic response and interest in keeping this wonderful craft tradition alive.

There are still some spaces left on our Gilding Workshop but if you missed out this time, keep an eye on our page for future workshops and heritage events.

12/08/2026

29/07/2026

Discover the Traditional Art of Gilding at The Main Guard.

This hands-on workshop invites participants to discover the traditional techniques of gilding used by artists and craftspeople for centuries. Rather than focusing only on the final layer of gold, we will explore the entire historical process—from preparing a wooden panel with traditional gesso made from rabbit skin glue and whiting, to sanding the surface, applying red Armenian bole and finally laying imitation gold leaf.

Along the way, participants will learn about the purpose of each layer, the materials used by historical craftsmen and the remarkable skill, patience and precision required to create gilded works that have survived for generations. Inspired by historic decorative motifs and symbolism, each participant will create their own unique gilded panel while gaining a deeper appreciation of traditional craftsmanship, artistic heritage and the hidden processes behind some of history's most beautiful objects.

Booking essential.

Over 18s

The Main Guard
Clonmel

🗓 22nd August 2026
⏰️ 2:30pm

27/07/2026

Free admission for all visitors under the age of 18 to OPW heritage sites this August!

This initiative aims to encourage young people to explore their heritage and enjoy all that Ireland has to offer. From the summer cultural programme of music and events at Castletown House in Kildare to the stories of prehistoric Ireland at Carrowmore Megalithic Cemetery in Sligo - there is something for everyone to enjoy.

🔗Our itineraries can help offer inspiration for day trips or for those longer adventures: https://heritageireland.ie/itineraries/

🔗Pre-booked tickets are required in order to manage capacities at sites for the duration of the pilot scheme, and all children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Free admission to all fee-paying sites with the exception of Kilmainham Gaol and Brú na Bóinne. For further details on the pilot scheme visit https://www.gov.ie/en/office-of-public-works/press-releases/minister-kevin-boxer-moran-announces-free-admission-for-all-visitors-under-18-to-opw-heritage-sites-for-the-month-of-august/

OPW - Office of Public Works Fáilte Ireland Tourism Ireland Discover Ireland

📸Barry Cronin

24/07/2026

Fully Booked

Step into the elegant world of Limerick lace with this hands-on workshop for complete beginners at The Main Guard in Clonmel. Discover the fascinating story of one of Ireland's most celebrated lace traditions through a short illustrated talk and a small pop-up exhibition of antique and contemporary lace.
Learn the basics of this unique craft in a relaxed, friendly workshop where you'll
create your first stitches under expert guidance.

No previous experience is required, and all materials will be provided.

The workshop is organised by the OPW in collaboration with Friends of Lace Limerick,
Limerick Lace.

Advance booking essential.

Register with The Main Guard:
052 6127484
[email protected]

🗓 20th August 2026
⏰️ 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Clonmelonline What's On Clonmel