Common Knowledge

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Common Knowledge

We empower people to create sustainable, affordable and happy homes. https://linktr.ee/ourcommonknowledge
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25/05/2026

There is something special about a dry stone wall. Shaped by hand, and made to stand for centuries. It is one of those crafts that connects us to the people who worked the land long before us.

This Saturday we are running a Free Dry Stone Walling Training Day for Clare community groups with just a few places remaining. Over the course of the day you will learn everything from stone selection and foundation preparation through to batter, bonding, and finishing. Practical, hands-on, and rooted in tradition.

From restoring an old boundary wall to creating a planter, a seating area, or a simple gateway into a shared space, the skills you learn on Saturday can be put to work in ways that your community will enjoy for years to come.

These training days are for Community Groups in Clare, are run on behalf of Clare Local Development Company and are fully funded through LEADER .

For more information and to book your place, visit ourcommonknowledge.org/clareskills.
CK xx

14/05/2026

Have you ever dreamed of building your own home, or just want the confidence to tackle jobs yourself and keep costs down? A few places are available on Build School - Level 1, running May 25th to 29th here at Common Knowledge and we'd love to see you there.

Over five days, you will work with a group who are on a similar self-build journey to you and together you will build a real structure, learning by doing from the ground up. No experience needed, just the willingness to show up and give it a go.

Here is what you will come away with:
- Hands-on experience with power tools, timber framing, and roof construction
- A solid understanding of foundations, insulation, and structural design
- An introduction to plumbing, electrics, and water management
- The knowledge to have better conversations with tradespeople and cut costs on your own projects
- Incredible memories of community spirit, delicious organic food and connecting with nature here at our 50-acre site in the heart of the Burren.

Becky joined us for Build School in 2025 and kindly shared her experience with us. If this sounds like the opportunity you've been looking for, you can find out more and book your place for this Build School or one of other upcoming course at https://www.ourcommonknowledge.org/course-build-school-level-1

06/05/2026

Hi folks, we have two free Traditional Skills Training Days coming up for Clare Community Groups at the end of May with some spaces available, and we'd love to see you there.

Hand Tools for Community Repair — May 30th and 31st
A practical, hands-on introduction to using, maintaining, and sharing essential hand tools for community projects. From safe use and sharpening to storage and organisation, you'll leave ready to support repair works, build days, garden projects, and much more.

Drystone Walling — May 30th
Step outside and learn the craft of drystone walling, from stone selection and foundation preparation through to bonding and finishing. A wonderful traditional skill that can be put to use building or repairing walls, planters, seating, and shared community spaces for years to come.

Both training days are free and open to Clare community groups. Whether you're part of a tidy towns group, a community garden, or a local volunteer network, these training days are a brilliant opportunity to build skills, connect with others, and bring something lasting back to your community.

Places are limited, so we'd encourage you to get in touch soon to secure your spot at
https://www.ourcommonknowledge.org/clareskills

These training days are fully funded through LEADER and delivered by Common Knowledge on behalf of Clare Local Development Company

05/05/2026

Our Learning and Sustainability Lead, Aisling Wheeler is on Morning Focus this morning with Alan Morrisey. She is joined by Brigid Ginnity, Ennis Sustainable Energy Community and Green Party rep. They had a great discussion on building with natural materials and how to set up the home to be more energy efficient. Tune into Clare FM to listen in.

Photo credit

01/05/2026

We all know we could be doing more at home. The bills, the draughts, the recycling that keeps growing. But figuring out where to start can often be a challenging experience..

That's exactly why we put this new course together. Sustainability at Home: A Cheaper, Greener, Healthier Life is a two day course, where we'll help you get a clear, honest picture of your home and work out how you can make cost-saving measures and improve efficiencies. Knowledge, resources, and tailored practical steps you can take to make a difference.

Our Learning and Sustainability Lead, Aisling Wheeler will guide you through auditing your energy and water use, understanding which SEAI grants you might qualify for, and will help you in developing a plan a plan that fits your life. And as always, there'll be good food, good company, and plenty of tea and coffee.

Whether you own your home or rent, or whether you're already making changes or haven't known where to begin, this one's for you.

Find out more and book your place at https://www.ourcommonknowledge.org/events/sustainability-at-home-aug-2026

With love + hope for the future,
CK xx

27/04/2026

Two great courses coming up this May, if either has been on your mind.

🛠 Project Planning for Self Builders | 14th to 17th May
If you've been thinking about a self-build project, this is the course that takes it from idea to real plan. Over four days, we cover site analysis, budgeting, planning applications, and architectural design. You'll leave with a clear project plan and the confidence to move forward. A natural next step after Build School, though not a requirement.

🌱Grow Your Own Food | 16th to 17th May
A hands-on weekend for anyone who's ever wanted to feel more at home in the garden. Whether you're starting from scratch or picking things back up after a gap, we'll guide you through sowing seeds, building healthy soil, composting, and natural pest control. You'll leave with seedlings you've grown yourself and the know-how to keep going.

Find out more about these courses and secure a place at https://www.ourcommonknowledge.org/full-listings

CK xx

24/04/2026

This Sunday, we'll have a table at the Clare Garden Festival and we'd love to see you there.

It's a day that brings together so much of what we value at Common Knowledge: plants, good food, expert talks, and people who feel a real connection to the land and where they come from. If you're heading along, drop by and say hello.

We'll also be running a raffle throughout the day, with a free place on one of our weekend courses up for grabs. The winner will be announced next week.

CK xx

22/04/2026

Happy Earth Day folks🌱
At Common Knowledge, caring for the land is at the heart of everything we do. From how we teach and run our courses, to how we operate day to day as a centre, we are always looking for ways to reduce our footprint, and live a little closer to nature.

Here are some of things we have implemented at the centre to regenerate and sustain the land around us:

Food Production: Our polytunnel and gardens are full of organic produce, grown on-site and enjoyed by everyone who visits us throughout the season.

Composting: Three stage composting system that stores and matures waste, and turns it into fresh compost that is fed right back into our gardens.

Food Forest: We are steadily developing a layered food forest, planted to imitate the structure of a natural forest, but with edible plants at every level.

Wild Pond: Two years on from its creation, our eco-restoration pond is thriving. Frogs, tadpoles, and a whole host of creatures have made it their home.

Biodigester: One of our latest additions. Food and garden waste goes in, methane comes out, and that gas goes straight to our kitchen for cooking.

Field Good Fridays: Our free monthly ecological restoration workshops that is open to everyone. People connect with nature, and learn practical skills, that they can use at home and in their community.

We are proud of the progress we are making, and we know there is always more to learn and do. Thank you to our visitors and volunteers for the support and work they have given to each of our projects. Here is to the land, and to all of us looking after it together.

If you'd like to learn more about what we do, you can join us for one of our community events or sign up to one of our courses at https://www.ourcommonknowledge.org
CK xx

08/12/2025

Give the gift of learning, connection and hands on joy this season ✨

Our gift vouchers can be used for any of our 2026 courses, from sewing and DIY to weaving, willow, welding, wood turning, tiling and Build School.

Perfect for anyone who wants to grow their confidence, learn practical skills, make more of their own, share good food, or spend time in supportive community at our centre in the Burren. Vouchers are available now and can be used for any upcoming course.

Here is what is already scheduled for 2026:

Introduction to Sewing ✂️
17 to 18 Jan (waitlist only), 7 to 8 Mar

DIY and Repair at Home 🔧
17 to 18 Jan, 14 to 15 Feb, 14 to 15 Mar, 4 to 5 Apr, 16 to 17 May

DIY Tiling 🧱
24 to 25 Jan

A Weekend of Willow Weaving 🧺
24 to 25 Jan (waitlist only), 21 to 22 Mar

DIY Kitchen Cabinets 🪚
7 to 8 Feb (waitlist only), 7 to 8 Mar

Introduction to Weaving (Scarf Workshop) 🧶
7 to 8 Feb

Introduction to Steel Fabrication and Welding 🔨
21 to 22 Feb

Wood Turning 🪵
21 to 22 Feb (waitlist only), 4 to 5 Apr

Build School Level One 🏗️
25 to 29 Mar, 23 to 27 Apr, 25 to 29 May

Brick and Block Laying 🧱
4 to 5 Apr

DIY Concrete Countertops ⚒️
11 to 12 Apr

Project Planning for Self Builders (Build School Level 2) 📐
14 to 17 May

We look forward to meeting your loved ones in 2026!

Address

Ballyteige
Kilfenora
V95DK38

Website

http://ourcommonknowledge.org/, https://linktr.ee/ourcommonknowledge

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