Discover Woodturning in Ireland: Then, Now & How to Get Started
- David Condon
- May 21
- 9 min read
Updated: 9 hours ago
Welcome to the fascinating world of woodturning in Ireland. If you’ve found your way here, you’re probably curious about this ancient craft—but maybe unsure where to start. In this post, I’ll walk you through a brief story of woodturning, from its ancient Egyptian roots to how it arrived and evolved in Ireland and then explain how you can make a start on your own woodturning journey. Whether you're exploring the idea of taking up woodturning or simply want to learn more, you'll find helpful advice, practical links, and a clear path to getting started—perhaps even in my own workshop in Tralee.
Woodturning offers a unique opportunity to work with your hands, transforming raw wood into beautiful, functional pieces like the egg cup shown here.
However, before diving in, it’s essential to build a solid foundation of knowledge and skills. Rushing into purchasing equipment and tools without proper guidance can lead to frustration, wasted resources and a big hole in your pocket; especially if you chose poorly and have to buy the same type machines or tools a second time.
Below, I’ll walk you through the rich history of woodturning, the learning options available in Ireland, and how my tuition classes can help you start your own journey with confidence.
Woodturning is a craft of deep antiquity, and as you might expect, exact dates are often hard to pin down. Much of the story is pieced together from scattered accounts and shared knowledge.
Woodturning in Ireland is always evolving. Why not be part of the next chapter?
Woodturning - A Brief History
Woodturning is an ancient craft with roots stretching back thousands of years—possibly even further but since cavemen didn’t have Facebook, Instagram or even smartphones to show off their latest turned piece, we may never know for sure!
I imagine early woodworkers carved platters or shallow bowls from logs until someone figured out that they need a better way—born of necessity more than design.
The earliest recorded origins of woodturning date to around 1300 BC in ancient Egypt, where artisans developed a simple lathe. It took two people: one to spin the wood with a cord, and another to shape it with a tool. Over time, craftsmen refined the process, gradually improving efficiency.
Fast forward a bit: As the skill spread throughout the Mediterranean and into Europe, the Greeks and Romans introduced foot-powered treadle lathes and improved tool design. The introduction of iron, and later steel tools, accelerated the craft even further. Fast forward to the medieval period, woodturners were producing bowls, spindles, and furniture parts with increasing precision using new smelting methods and better quality steel.
Woodturning Comes to Ireland
Still in ancient times, woodturning likely made its way to Ireland through trade, travel, and the slow migration of skills across Europe. As techniques spread outward from Egypt and the Mediterranean, they evolved in tandem with local materials and the needs of each culture. Ireland—with its rich woodland heritage—was no exception.
With native woods like ash, oak, yew, and beech in abundance, early Irish craftspeople would have had plenty of raw material to experiment with. While it’s hard to pinpoint exactly when the lathe first appeared here, archaeological evidence suggests woodturning was known in Ireland over 2,000 years ago, introduced gradually by contact with Roman and continental European settlements.
In early rural communities, wood was used for domestic items, tools, weaponry, and ritual objects. While hand carving was more common, turning offered a way to produce smoother, rounder, and more symmetrical forms—especially for bowls, cups, spindles, and decorative parts. Pole lathes and treadle lathes would eventually become part of the traditional toolkit, though surviving examples are rare due to the perishability of wood and the humble nature of these tools.
Over time, Irish woodturners refined their techniques not just for function but for beauty, drawing on Celtic artistic traditions of flowing lines and natural motifs. The craft evolved quietly in the background of village life, passed from one hand to another, more often by necessity than by title. Unlike stone carving or ironwork, woodturning rarely earned much fanfare—but it was always there, shaping the objects that shaped everyday life.
The World of Woodturners
Moving things along a bit—between the 12th and 15th centuries, many countries began to recognise woodturning as a distinct trade, separate from general carpentry or joinery. In cities with strong guild traditions, turners had their own tools, apprenticeships, and trade protections.
By the 1600s to 1700s, woodturning was likely at its peak. It had become a well-established trade across Europe and the New World. Skilled turners were in high demand, producing everything from ship components and architectural details to furniture parts and everyday utensils.
The 19th century introduced powered lathes and eventually copier lathes, which made production faster and more consistent—but also began to displace traditional turners from their roles.
As demand for handcrafted parts like wooden ship fittings and bespoke furniture declined, so too did the trade. Over the following decades, woodturning as a profession faded, surviving mainly through private practice and hobbyist dedication.
Today, while some countries still have spindle production turners, Ireland itself has largely shifted to CNC machinery for manufacturing furniture components. As a result, hand-turned production work has become increasingly rare.
Woodturning Craft Revival
It wasn’t until the 1970s that woodturning saw a true revival—this time not as a trade, but as a creative craft hobby. It gave enthusiasts the freedom to explore form and function, producing everything from simple bowls to intricate works of art.
Today, thanks to the blend of tradition and modern technology, woodturning remains a vibrant and evolving craft. Every year, it draws in new people—many of whom, unfortunately, discover it later in life and wish they’d started sooner.
For me, it was addictive from the very first time my chisel met a spinning piece of wood.Will it be the same for you, I wonder?
If you’ve ever been curious about woodturning, there’s no better way to experience it than hands-on. Whether you want to make something unique, work with Irish wood, or try a completely new skill, my workshops are a great place to start. You’ll learn the fundamentals, try the tools yourself, and take home a handcrafted piece you can be proud of.
Why not give it a go and see what you can create?
So How Do I Give it a Go?
Now that you've read a little bit about the background of the craft, maybe you're thinking it's time to roll up your sleeves and give it a shot yourself. Great decision—woodturning is incredibly rewarding, but like anything worthwhile, it takes a bit of patience, the right mindset, and a solid foundation.
There are a few different routes you can take depending on where you live.
If you're lucky enough to have a local woodturning club or community college nearby, that's a great place to start. Many clubs offer beginner evenings or short courses where you can get hands-on experience with proper tools and guidance from experienced turners. If you're in Ireland, well—you're in luck—I offer Woodturning Tuition myself, and it's tailored for absolute beginners all the way to those looking to refine their skills. Check out information on my classes here.
You could also explore online courses, YouTube tutorials, or forums if in-person options aren’t available. But be careful—there’s a lot of questionable advice out there. Whatever path you take, make sure it’s grounded in good practice and safe technique.
Don’t half-ass it expecting miracles or instant masterpieces (take it from someone who’s been there!). And whatever you do, don’t blow a tight budget on cheap machinery—that’s a fast track to frustration.
Start slow, learn the basics properly, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly your skills can grow.
How Do I find Woodturning Near Me?
Word of mouth is still one of the best ways to find a local woodturner. Someone always seems to know a neighbour, friend, or relative with a lathe tucked away in a shed!
If that doesn’t turn anything up, try a Google search—but be aware that many woodturners and local groups don’t always have websites or a strong online presence. You might need to dig a little deeper.
The following sections outline some of the best ways to begin your search:
Woodturning Guilds
Local Men’s Sheds
Learning from a Friend or Neighbour
Schools & Colleges
Woodturning Guild Ireland
Getting started on your Woodturning Journey, your first option is probably joining the nearest Woodturning Guild (IWG founded in 1983) where you will meet other Woodturners of various abilities. You will learn new things this way albeit a little slower. You will also have a monthly project to complete if you don't mind doing some homework. With 18 chapters across the country, members can participate in live demonstrations and monthly projects, gaining insights from experienced woodturners and engaging with fellow enthusiasts. This collaborative environment fosters creativity and helps you learn new techniques at a comfortable pace.
Local Men's Shed
If you don’t have access to a Woodturning Guild nearby, consider exploring your local Men’s Shed. These community spaces encourage social interaction and skill-sharing among members, though not all will have access to lathes or experienced woodturners. The available equipment can vary widely from one Men’s Shed to another, so it’s worth checking to see if they have the resources you need to start your woodturning journey. You can still join and learn something about working with wood that will help you.
Learning from a Friend or Neighbour
This is one of the most common ways that Woodturner's learn the ropes early on. Finding out that someone in your town owns a Lathe and some Tools is normally an exciting event in itself. Get in contact with them and see if they are willing to show you some Turning or let you try a bit. Most people are more than willing to show off their Lathe, Tools and Techniques and it can be a great way to get started initially. Learning from someone with experience can provide you with invaluable insights and practical tips that will serve you well as you develop your craft. Be careful though as sometimes bad habits of others can become your bad habits!
Schools & Colleges
Some educational institutions in Ireland, including technical colleges and adult education centers, offer courses in woodworking, often featuring guest instructors with expertise in Woodworking or Woodturning. These courses typically provide hands-on experience with quality equipment, making them an excellent option for those seeking structured learning. These schools or colleges are normally kitted out with fairly decent woodworking equipment and sometimes Lathes. If you come across any local classes that include woodturning, be sure to consider enrolling.
What Comes Next?
By now, you’ve hopefully got a clearer picture of what woodturning is, where it came from, and how you might begin your own journey. Whether you’ve found a local club, know someone with a lathe, or are still figuring out your first step—that initial spark of interest is what matters most.
The important thing is to start somewhere, with good guidance and a focus on building safe, solid skills. Like any good craft, woodturning rewards patience and curiosity. Every turn at the lathe is an opportunity to learn, improve, and enjoy the simple satisfaction of working with your hands.
And if you're ready to take that first hands-on step, I’d be delighted to help you begin.
Join Me in Exploring Woodturning - Book a Class!
Woodturning is a fulfilling and creative pursuit that offers endless possibilities for personal expression and craftsmanship. Whether you want to create stunning home decor, meaningful gifts, or simply enjoy the meditative rhythm of working with wood, I invite you to join me in my workshop in Tralee. Together, we’ll explore the rich history of the craft, build your skills, and unlock your creative potential.
I offer hands-on Woodturning workshops tailored for both beginners and enthusiasts. With a one-to-one or one-to-two teacher-to-student ratio, you’ll always have my full attention. And if formal tuition isn’t quite your thing, you might enjoy one of my Woodturning Experience sessions instead—less structured, but just as rewarding.
I’ve been turning professionally since 2015 and began teaching in 2019, once I felt I had the knowledge and experience to pass on. You’ll benefit from what I’ve learned over the past nine years in business—as well as the lessons I picked up from making mistakes back in the 1990s!
As you begin your woodturning journey, remember: the process is just as rewarding as the results. Take your time, enjoy learning, and discover the unique joy that comes from shaping wood into something truly your own.
I look forward to welcoming you to my classes and sharing the joy of woodturning with you.
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More Woodturning Pages to Explore
Hampshire Sheen - Fine Finishing products that will highlight your project pieces
Hamlet Tools - Fantastic Woodturning Tools from a well trusted brand
Sanding Essentials - Essential sanding products for Woodturners & Woodworkers.
Woodturning Blanks - A fine range of Hardwood Spindle Blanks & a few Bowl Blanks too!
Woodturning Pen Blanks - A huge assortment of Acrylic & Irish Hardwood Pen Blanks.
Crafter's Haven – A vast range of craft supplies for crafters and gift givers!
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