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DAVID CONDON WOODCRAFT
Woodturner & Woodturning Teacher | Craft Supplies Ireland
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Woodturning Experience in Tralee | Fun, Hands-On Learning Activity in Kerry
My Woodturning Experiences are practical, instructor-led sessions for complete beginners who want to learn some of the fundamentals of woodturning while enjoying a relaxed, hands-on activity and working towards a simple project.
As we work, I explain the wood, the tools, how each shape is approached and the techniques used to produce it, so you are not simply watching or following instructions—you are learning how the craft works while creating something for yourself.
If you’re looking for a unique indoor activity in Tralee that combines learning, creativity and a bit of fun, my woodturning experience sessions offer a memorable way to try something genuinely different.
Whether you’re local or visiting County Kerry, these sessions are designed to give you a real feel for the craft. They’re ideal for individuals, couples, families or small groups who want an authentic workshop experience in Kerry without it feeling overly structured or staged.
Because every session is tailored and group sizes vary, I handle all bookings personally to make sure the experience suits the people taking part and what they hope to get from it.
Please Note: New buttons added for easy navigation between woodturning pages and listings.
Experience Options for all Interests
Held in my fully functional woodturning workshop/studio, these sessions are:
● Relaxed and beginner-friendly
● Small group based so great for families
● A chance to create your own wooden piece to take home
● Perfect for rainy days, short breaks, or weekend escapes in Kerry
● Single person Experiences also available.
No prior experience is needed—just curiosity and a willingness to try something new!
If you’d like to dive deeper into the craft and spend more time at the lathe, check out my one-to-one woodturning tuition for a more in-depth learning experience. 🧾 If you would like to buy a Gift Voucher, they can be found in 3 of the 4 listings below and you can read more in the FAQ section below or the Frequently Asked Questions page.
🎯 Experience Options for All Interests
Choose from several woodturning sessions tailored to different tastes and skill levels:
●🌀 Try-It-Out Experience – introductory demonstration and guided participation
●🎄 Ornament Making Experience – guided project with practical woodturning instruction
● 🔧 Ornament Making Plus – more hands-on turning and additional technique
● 👥 Standard Group Tuition – Designed for groups of first-timers. Based on feedback, 4 hours tends to be just right—not too rushed, not too long.
📣 What Guests Are Saying
“This experience was the highlight of our trip. David is very knowledgeable and detailed in his craft and yet his explanations made it easy to follow along and create right beside him.”
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Woodturning Experiences for Groups/Families/Tourists - Gift Vouchers Available
🎁 Why Choose These Experiences ?
● Learn in a real working woodturning workshop with personal guidance throughout
● A fun, hands-on and memorable activity for couples, families or solo visitors
● Ideal for tourists and staycationers looking for something a little different from the usual attractions
● Discover how wood is shaped, which tools are used and the techniques behind the finished piece
● An off-the-beaten-path experience that is difficult to replicate outside a genuine woodturning workshop
● Take home something you helped create — and maybe even leave with the woodturning bug
What You Will Learn
● Then bullets such as:
● Basic lathe safety and workshop practice
● How wood is mounted and prepared for turning
● How selected woodturning tools are held and presented
● How basic cuts are made safely
● How a turned piece is shaped, sanded and finished
● How the techniques used relate to wider woodturning practice
✨ Book Your Experience in Tralee Co Kerry Today!
Step into a working woodturner’s real workshop and create something truly unique. Whether you’re exploring Ireland or just looking for something different, these experiences offer a hands-on adventure you won’t forget.
✍️ Check Dates & Book Your Session
✨ Step into the World of Woodturning Experiences!
How to Book Your Session or Purchase a Voucher
● Browse the Experience Listings above & choose the one that suits you best.
🎁 Some include Gift Voucher options—check the dropdown menus.
● Check the Calendar above for availability: 🟢 Green Dot = Available 🔴 Red Dot = Booked
● 📋 Use the Contact Page to request a booking or ask questions.
📝 Please include the full Experience name so I know exactly which one you're referring to.
● 👥 Mention your group size & any relevant details (e.g. participant heights, older guests who may need seating, etc.).
📧 Watch for my reply—it usually arrives within 2 hours.
(✔️ And don’t forget to check your spam/junk folder just in case!)
● Once confirmed, I’ll book you in and send address + directions.
🕙 Please arrive 10 minutes early to get the most from your session. (All Experiences begin at 10am sharp.)
🔁 See my Cancellation Policies if you need to cancel or reschedule.
🎁 Buying a Gift? Read my Gift Vouchers Terms and Conditions before ordering.
🌟 Real Feedback From Real People
This was a great experience! Watching David work was fascinating, we learned a lot, and the hands on components were all fun and just the right level of challenge. For anyone who likes to create, appreciates learning new skills, or takes home Christmas ornaments as travel mementos, this experience is for you!
⭐ Airbnb Experience Review
This experience was truly unique and special. If you enjoy doing something that isn'ta tourist trap or coming away with a one-of-a-kind product that you helped create, then this is the activity for you! on top of the actual wood turning experience, David was very engaging, down to earth, and a great instructor.
⭐ Airbnb Experience Review
🌟 Want to see what others think?
👉 Read more reviews here or check out my Google Reviews.
(And yes—most people don’t leave reviews, so I truly appreciate it when they do!)
🛍 Onsite Shop – Buy Direct from the Maker
Many people enjoy buying directly from an artisan, so I keep a small display of pieces available for purchase during your Experience. There’s no pressure to buy—just an option if something catches your eye.
If you'd like to purchase without attending an Experience, feel free to book a visit through the Contact page.
🧭 Quick Workshop Tours
I occasionally offer 30-minute tours of my workshop and wood drying area for tourists or visitors.
● I don’t charge for the tour itself, but as this takes time away from my normal workshop work, I ask visitors to support the visit with a purchase of €50 or more from the display.
● I hope you understand—this is still a working studio, and while I enjoy meeting visitors, I need to make sure my time is valued.
📝 A Note on Booking & Preparation
Although most Experiences last around 2–3 hours, each session also requires preparation, workshop setup and cleanup before and afterwards.
● Short-notice bookings may sometimes be possible, but please give at least 24 hours' notice where you can.
● Payment can be made through the relevant listing in advance or on the day of your session.
Regular Woodturning Tuition options are also available if you would like to take your learning further.
🎓Hands-On Teaching Experience
Each Woodturning Experience is run as a practical, hands-on teaching session, similar in approach to my regular tuition classes. I demonstrate and explain the tools, techniques and processes throughout, including the timber being used, how I approach each shape, and the different stages involved in producing and finishing the piece.
The aim is to make the session enjoyable and accessible while still giving you a genuine introduction to how woodturning is actually done.
Frequently Asked Questions
🎓 Woodturning Experiences
Q: Do I need any previous woodturning experience?
A: Not at all. These sessions are designed for complete beginners, including tourists, staycationers and anyone who is simply curious about woodturning. Most people arrive with little or no experience, so I explain everything as we go.
Q: What should I wear for a Woodturning Experience?
A: Wear comfortable clothes that you do not mind getting dusty, dirty or occasionally stained. Some Experience sessions use paints or finishes, and although I provide gloves, there is still a chance of getting a small amount on your skin or clothing.
Any paint that gets on your skin will usually wear or wash away over the following few days, and gentle scrubbing can help remove it sooner. Clothing may be permanently stained if exposed.
Please wear closed-toe shoes only — no sandals or high heels.
Please don’t arrive in your best clothes — this is a working workshop and making things can get messy.
Q: Are the Woodturning Experiences educational or just for fun?
A: They are designed to be both. The sessions are relaxed and enjoyable, but they are also hands-on instructional classes. Throughout the Experience I explain the wood, the tools, how I approach each shape and the techniques used to make the finished piece.
Q: What is the difference between a Woodturning Experience and a tuition class?
A: My Experiences are shorter, more relaxed and usually centred around a simple project. They are ideal for someone who wants to try woodturning without committing to a full tuition class.
My regular tuition sessions go into much greater depth and are better suited to someone who wants to develop their woodturning skills properly over time.
Q: Will I actually get to use the lathe?
A: Yes, depending on the Experience you choose. Some sessions involve more hands-on turning than others, but I demonstrate and explain the process throughout and guide you while you take part.
Check the individual listing carefully, as it will explain how much hands-on turning is included.
Q: What will I learn during the Experience?
A: This varies from one session to another, but you will normally learn about the timber being used, basic lathe safety, how the piece is shaped, how selected tools are presented to the wood and some of the techniques involved in creating and finishing the project.
Q: What will I make?
A: That depends on the Experience you book. Each listing explains the project and what is included. Most sessions are designed around producing a finished piece that you can take home with you.
Q: Are these suitable for tourists visiting Kerry?
A: Absolutely. They are particularly suited to visitors looking for something a little different from the usual attractions. You get to spend time in a real working woodturning workshop, learn about the craft and take part in creating something yourself.
Q: Can an Experience lead to proper woodturning tuition later?
A: Yes. One of the aims of the Experiences is to give people an enjoyable introduction to woodturning. Some participants simply enjoy the session for what it is, while others leave wanting to learn more and may later book a full tuition class.
Q: How many people can take part?
A: Most Experience options are for one or two people, with selected group sessions available for larger parties. Please check the individual listings or visit the Group Woodturning Experiences section for the available options.
Q: Are Woodturning Experiences suitable for younger people?
A: I generally recommend age 16 and over. Younger participants may sometimes be considered depending on their age, height and suitability for the equipment, so please contact me before booking.
Q: Do I need to bring tools or equipment?
A: No. I provide the timber, tools and necessary protective equipment.
Please wear comfortable clothes that can get dusty or dirty, along with flat, closed-toe footwear. Avoid loose clothing, fleece and wool around the lathe.
Q: What time do sessions start?
A: Sessions begin at 10am. Please aim to arrive around 10 minutes early so we can start on time and you receive the full value of your booked session.
📅 Booking & Payment
Q: How do I book my Woodturning Experience?
A: Check the Calendar for an available date, then use the Contact Page to send me your preferred date and the exact name of the Experience you want to book.
I arrange bookings manually so I can make sure the correct session and date are reserved for you.
Q: How do I pay for a Woodturning Experience?
A: Payment can be made through the relevant listing in advance or on the day of your session.
Q: What if I become unwell before my Booked Experience?
A: If you have cold, flu, Covid or similar symptoms, please contact me and we can arrange to reschedule. Because I work closely with participants during the session, please do not attend while unwell.
Q: What if I need to cancel or change my booking?
A: Please contact me as early as possible and see my Cancellation Policies for the full details.
💌 Gift Vouchers
Q: Can I buy a Woodturning Experience as a gift?
A: Yes. Gift Voucher options are available through the dropdown menus on the relevant Experience listings.
They are a good option for someone who enjoys crafts, likes trying unusual activities, or may be interested in discovering woodturning for the first time.
Q: How will I receive the Gift Voucher?
A: Gift Vouchers are normally sent by letter through An Post at no additional delivery charge, or collection can be arranged if preferred. There are instructions for sending or collecting vouchers in each listing on the right hand side.
Q: What if I don't know which Experience to choose as a gift?
A: Contact me before buying and I can help you choose the most suitable option depending on the recipient, how hands-on you want the session to be and the amount of time you would like to give them.
Q: I'd like to buy a woodcraft piece or two while I'm there. Is that possible?
A: Absolutely. If you have a few items in mind, let me know in advance and I can have a selection ready for you to view at the end of your Experience.
🛠️ Workshop & Other Questions
Q: Can I buy woodturning tools or supplies while I am there?
A: Yes. If you already know what you need, send me a rough list beforehand because my stock is stored in several locations. If you are unsure, we can discuss suitable options during your visit.
Q: I'm a woodworker too — can I visit your workshop or buy directly from you?
A: Yes, but visits are by arrangement rather than walk-in. Please use the Contact Page to get in touch beforehand so I can make sure I am available.
More FAQ can be found on the Frequently Asked Questions page.