Weave a Willow Potato Basket Workshop in the Walled Garden

---

Join us in the beautiful surroundings of Old Mill House, Helen’s Bay, for our Weave a Willow Potato Basket Workshop in the Walled Garden and celebrate the arrival of the new season’s Irish potatoes and the much-anticipated harvest of our delicious local PGI-status Comber Earlies.

The workshop is on Saturday 26 July 2026 | 10.00am – 4.00pm

Spend a magical day learning the timeless craft of traditional willow weaving with talented willow artist Heather McDermott.

Under Heather’s expert guidance, you’ll master the fundamental skills and techniques needed to create your own traditional Irish potato basket or Sciathóg (pronounced skeeogue).

Named after the Irish word for shield (sciath) because of its distinctive shape, the Sciathóg has helped generations of Irish cooks strain fluffy, freshly boiled potatoes. Today, this versatile basket also makes a beautiful bread basket or fruit bowl instead.

Using sustainable willow grown in our own Salley Garden, you’ll weave a sturdy and practical basket to take home and enjoy for years to come.

Weather permitting, you’ll also visit the Salley Garden to discover how we grow willow and learn about its sustainable and renewable qualities.

Set within our historic walled garden, you’ll enjoy good company, delicious homemade refreshments and the satisfaction of mastering a traditional craft while creating something both beautiful and useful.

No previous experience is necessary, although some manual dexterity is helpful.

Bring a friend or loved one and share this creative experience together.

Workshop Details

Tickets: £95 per person
Limited places available

Your ticket includes:

• Personalised tuition and guidance from Heather McDermott
• All tools, materials and pre-formed basket loops
• Homemade morning and afternoon tea, including freshly baked scones and cake
• A delicious seasonal homemade lunch
• A visit to our Salley Garden (weather permitting)
• Your own handmade Sciathóg to take home and use

Finding Us

Access Craigdarragh Road from the A2 Belfast-Bangor carriageway and follow the signs for Helen’s Bay.

Continue for approximately 0.8 miles until you see the Walled Garden on your left.

Please do not take the narrow laneway immediately beyond the garden.

Continue to the 30mph speed limit and turn left onto the clearly signposted temporary driveway.

Follow the lane straight ahead to the car park located directly outside the Walled Garden.

Accessibility

Please note that ongoing restoration works at Old Mill House currently limit wheelchair access via the main entrance.

For more information about our other events and workshops CLICK HERE