International Woodworking Courses

NCFS Woodworking Study Abroad Returns with trip to Ireland!

We are proud to announce that the NCFS Study Abroad initiative is back in full tilt. The program was suspended in 2019 when we moved NCFS to Farmville. Just as we were getting started in the new building the pandemic began, and we’ve been busy with classes and projects in the years since.

So with all of that behind us, we relaunched the NCFS Study Abroad initiative with a trip to Ireland for a woodturning class with my friend Glenn Lucas. We kicked things off with some time in Dublin, then traveled south to visit Cork, the Ring of Kerry, and Killarney before heading to see Glenn in the quaint village of Borris in County Carlow. Along the way we toured museums to learn about Irish history and culture. Toured the St. James’s Gate Guiness Brewery and had a pint in the Gravity Bar overlooking the city. We saw several famous churches and castles including the famed Blarney Castle where a few of our travelers got the luck of the Irish with the gift of elequence after kissing the Blarney Stone! We lodged in fine hotels and quaint B&B’s like group favorite; Joyce’s Pub, enjoying authentic food and local experiences daily. Everyone got to do some shopping, enjoy scenic walks, live traditional music, and have a few pints along the way!

In Borris, Glenn masterfully guided our students through a class in the art of sharpening and using traditional gouges. Spouses and friends that traveled with the turners enjoyed a few excursions to neighboring communities, a sheep farm, and the famous Cushendale Woollen Mills to learn about wool and fine milling. On our return trip to Dublin, we visited the Newbridge Silverware silver manufactory and showroom. It was a grand time for all – on every level!

We are now planning the next trips and want to hear from you. Several folks have asked about another trip to Ireland, and we are considering a woodworking trip to Japan with ShopBot. If you are interested, send us an email – we are close to having another group big enough for a return trip to Ireland.