The Irish Community Archive Network (iCAN)
The Heritage Council co-funds the Irish Community Archive Network (iCAN); the leading organisation championing and supporting digital community archives in Ireland.
A collaboration between The King’s Foundation, The Heritage Council and the Department for Communities’ Historic Environment Division (HED) which aims to elevate individuals within the construction sector to the status of master craftspeople.
Aim of the Programme
Many of our traditional skills are in danger of being lost. The All-Ireland Heritage Skills Programme aims to address the shortage of skilled craftspeople in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland by providing training in heritage building skills for those already working in the construction sector. These skills, such as stonemasonry, carpentry, joinery, bricklaying, blacksmithing, plastering, thatching, roofing, tiling, painting, and decorating are needed for the conservation, repair and maintenance of historic buildings and structures in Ireland. Additionally, the programme aims to showcase the substantial contribution that traditional craft skills can make in shaping and creating new spaces and places.
The programme is not an entry-level programme, to be successful in gaining a place on the course, candidates must have prior experience in their craft area of choice, either via college or onsite working experience.
In the video below recent graduate Hannah Glass speaks about her experience as a participant in the programme.
What's involved?
The programme offers a 12-month course which supports those working in the construction sector to push their skills to the next level and continue on their journey to becoming the next generation of traditional master craftspeople.
Participants gain hands-on experience in traditional building techniques, conservation, and repair, along with interdisciplinary training through residential schools, industry placements and collaborative projects. Additionally, they have the opportunity to pursue a Level 3 NVQ Diploma in Heritage Skills (Construction), further enhancing their expertise and credentials in the field.
The Programme is delivered across different locations in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.
How to Apply
Each year the programme hosts up to a maximum of 8 participants. Participants are selected via a process of application, shortlisting, and interview. A call-out for applications is announced annually in February/March with the course typically commencing in mid-July of that year. Successful applicants are awarded a full scholarship and will be provided with a monthly bursary to help cover the cost of travel and accommodation.
2026/2027 Programme
Applications for the 2026/2027 programme will open in early 2026. Please check back here for information
Congratulations to our Course Graduates
Congratulations to the first course graduates of the All Ireland Heritage Skills Programme. Ollie Flood (Blacksmith), Hannah Glass (Decorative Finisher), Anthony Duignan (Joiner), Jack Murphy (Blacksmith) Mary Hallinan (Blacksmith) and Emmanuel Buule (Joiner).
