A short joinery course using traditional skills and techniques to construct a timber window.

This short course will offer a detailed introduction to heritage joinery, and you will have the opportunity to try traditional joinery techniques using hand tools provided. You will produce your own small window frame using traditional joints to take home. All materials will be provided. No experience necessary!

Please note, lunch and refreshments will not be provided, and participants will need to bring a packed lunch with them on each day.

This course is being delivered as part of the All Ireland Heritage Skills Programme public events series, supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund. These workshops aim to increase opportunities for everyone to get involved with and learn more about heritage skills.

Who should attend?

This course is for anyone who has an interest in traditional joinery. The course would be useful to a variety of attendees, from enthusiasts to those thinking of becoming joiners or introducing traditional joinery techniques into their work. No construction experience is required, and you will be guided by experienced craftspeople with a wealth of experience of maintaining and repairing Northern Ireland’s state care monuments.

Topics Covered

• Approaches to conservation and repair

• Practical joinery techniques

Dates: Tuesday, 3rd November 2026- Thursday 5th November 2026

Time: 10am-4pm

Important information for attendees:

This course is limited to a maximum of eight attendees to maximise safety and opportunities to learn from the craftspeople. Please be aware that this taster day is taking place in a working depot. Attendees should wear sensible footwear, and it is advised that attendees wear warm clothing/ layers as activities will be taking place semi-outdoors. PPE will be provided. You should bring a packed lunch and refreshments with you. You will be able to use the fridge and microwave in the staff canteen.

Getting here:

There is limited parking at the depot, and participants are encouraged to take public transport wherever possible. The depot is located next door to Moira Train station, which has frequent trains to/ from Belfast. If attendees will require a car at the depot, please contact the event organiser to allow monitoring of car parking availability.

Trainers Overview:

The sessions will be led by experienced and skilled craftspeople from Historic Environment Division Moira Works Depot, who are responsible for maintaining and repairing Northern Ireland’s historic state care monuments.

Historic Environment Division within the Department for Communities is the government lead on the historic environment of Northern Ireland.

Description supplied by the event organiser.