Crafted Creatures is the first big public event of the Year of Craft 2011, a celebration of craft on the island of Ireland organised by the Craft Council of Ireland and Craft Northern Ireland. The exhibition is open to everyone, with self-guided “treasure trails” for families who want to explore under their own steam. A series of guided workshops, meanwhile, will give children the chance to try out a range of materials, from clay and wire to rubber and plastic – and to leave the Ark with their very own crafted creature.

On the opening weekend, there’ll also be a rare opportunity to touch some stuffed animals from the Natural History Museum. This event (Saturday 19th, 2pm – 3.30pm) is free, but entry is on a first-come, first-served basis. There’ll also be a free talk by curator Brian Kennedy (Sunday 20th, 2.30pm) for which you need to register in advance.

Workshops are available for toddlers (Saturdays, 10am–11am), four to seven-year-olds (Saturdays, Sundays and mid-term break 12.30pm–2.30pm) and eight to 12-year-olds (Saturdays, Sundays and mid-term break, 3pm–5pm). The price is €10, concessions €8.

A variety of artists will be conducting workshops including ceramic artists Terry O’Farrell and Clare Turley, weaver Lian Callaghan, textile artists Gina Faustino and Liadain Butler and jeweller Angela O’Kelly. For details on individual workshops or to book, see ark.ie or call 01-6707788.