Book of Kells Style Writing Workshop at Ardgillan Castle

What to Expect

This two-hour workshop at Ardgillan Castle walks participants through creating their own name in the style of the Book of Kells, starting with an illuminated Celtic initial letter and continuing with the remaining letters written out in traditional Irish script. Everything is done in watercolour pencil on quality paper, and the finished piece is mounted and framed by the end of the session, so participants leave with a proper keepsake rather than just a practice sheet.

No previous artistic experience is required, which makes it a genuinely accessible way to try a form of art that most people only ever see behind glass in the National Museum or a heritage centre. Set inside Ardgillan Castle itself, overlooking the Irish Sea from its clifftop demesne near Balbriggan, it’s a good match of setting and subject matter for anyone interested in early Irish manuscript art, calligraphy or just a relaxed, creative couple of hours.

Workshops like this tend to attract a broad mix of ages and backgrounds, from people with a general interest in Irish heritage to those looking for a specific craft session as a gift or a personal project, and the small-group format keeps it hands-on rather than a lecture. Ardgillan Castle regularly hosts similar craft and heritage workshops through the year, so it’s worth checking the wider events listing if this particular date doesn’t suit.

Good to Know

• Sunday 16 August 2026, 10:30am to 12:30pm
• Ardgillan Castle, Balbriggan
• Two-hour illuminated lettering workshop
• No artistic experience necessary; all materials supplied
• Finished piece is mounted and framed
• Book in advance; see the Ardgillan Castle events listing for pricing

Getting There

Ardgillan Castle sits on a clifftop demesne between Balbriggan and Skerries, reached by car via the coast road or by Dublin Bus routes serving Balbriggan, from where it’s a short taxi ride. There is parking on site within the castle grounds.