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 via the link in our bio.
The May edition of our environmental education Field Good Friday’s workshop was all about organic food growing and boosting biodiversity 💚🌱 For the classroom session Ciara and Cearbhuil taught the group all about organic growing principles, and there was a group discussion on the detrimental impacts of herbicides and pesticides to both people and planet 🌍 The rest of the day was spent out in the gardens here at the Common Knowledge Centre- seasonal seed sowing in the stone circle, dead hedge building in the forest garden, plant propagation practice in the polytunnel, compost turning, pollinator friendly planting and nettle tea making in the food growing garden 💚🌱💚. As always, Thanks so much to everyone who came along for a day exploration, education, and community connection! Thanks to our sponsors Airtricity, Patagonia, and the National Philanthrophic Pilot Scheme for helping to make these days possible 💚
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. 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
via the Free Traditional Skills Training Days for Clare Communities link in our bio 👆
This course is fully funded through LEADER and delivered by Common Knowledge on behalf of @clare_local_dev
Our Learning and Sustainability Lead, Aisling Wheeler is on @clarefmradio Morning Focus this morning with Alan Morrisey. She is joined by Bridget 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 @clarefmradio
What an insanely good weekend at @queersheds Faoin Tuath this weekend at @common_k_ in the Burren. Massive credit to the organisers for putting together such a well organised, brilliantly run event which was full to the brim with stuff to do and things to learn and songs to dance to. I haven’t felt so energised in such a long time and at the same time so connected to the land and the queers and to all of it. Just brilliant. Well done 👏
Still meaning to get on top of the energy bills? You're not alone, and we've just launched a course that might help.
Sustainability at Home: A Cheaper, Greener, Healthier Life is a new two-day course, where we'll help you get a clear picture of what your home is actually using, where you can improve efficiencies, and how to tap into SEAI grants you might not even know you're eligible for.
Good food included. Good people guaranteed. Follow the link in our bio for more information and to book your place today.
CK xx
Yesterday we joined the Burren Ecotourism Network for a FAM trip, soaking up the sunshine and connecting with some of the brilliant people and places that make this corner of Ireland so special.
Being part of this network and joining these trips is something we really value. It keeps us connected to the people and up to date on the latest experiences that make the Burren so unique. It also means we can share the very best of the region with every visitor who comes through our doors.
A big thank you to Jarlath @burreneco and Nuala @aillwee_burren for organising the day, and to all the members who hosted us and shared their stories. @mohercottage@doolincave@byrnes_vintage_ennistymon@wildatlanticseaweedbaths@doolinferryco@lahinchleisurecentre@castledarcy_glamping@byrnes_ennistymon
We always leave these trips having learned something new.
#VisitTheBurren #FAMtrip
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 via the link in our bio 👆
CK xx
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 via the link in our bio 👆
Build School Level 1 kicks off this Thursday and with a fine stretch of weather forecast for the week, it's shaping up to be a great few days on site. We can't wait.
Every person who joins the course brings their own story. Some want to make their home warmer and more efficient. Others are lending a hand to a family member who is renovating their first place. Whatever brings you here, there's a place for you with us.
A couple of spots are still open for this week's Build School. The kind of practical knowledge you gain over these five days stays with you for life.
Find out more and secure your place via the link in our bio 👆
A special weekend at the centre as we welcomed our board for their AGM. A positive and productive couple of days full of honest conversations, shared progress, and some exciting changes to share with you all.
Harrison has stepped into the role of Chairperson and Director of our Board, bringing his energy and vision to leading the board, teaching on Build School, and guiding a new skillsharing development group, alongside his own growing media work. We are so grateful for everything he has given to Common Knowledge and are delighted to have him in this new role.
Our co-founder Fionn will now lead as sole CEO, guiding the team and carrying the heart of what we have built together into the next chapter. He steps into it with the full support of the board, the team, and this wonderful community.
We have come a long way together, and honestly, we are only getting started. Thank you for being part of this journey with us.
With love + hope for the future.
CK xx
It's been a busy few weeks at the centre, and we've been making sure there's plenty to look forward to. We're happy to share that new course dates are now live, running right through to the end of 2026. From building and welding to weaving, fermenting, sewing, stonewalling, and growing your own food, there's something for every interest and all levels of experience are welcome.
Whatever's been on your list to learn, now's a good time to take the first step. Head to the link in our bio to see everything that's coming up and save your place.
#CommonKnowledge #NewCourses #DIY #SelfBuild #SelfSufficiency #LearnByDoing
