This study aims to interrogate to what extent can engaging with traditional Irish hand craft practices, when creating and making a contemporary garment, enhance students’ appreciation of craft education? It explores the utilisation of craft to aid students’ cognitive development, and appraises craft as a rich and fitting creative discipline apt to develop students’ historical and cultural knowledge.

The study considered the extent to which an improvement in skills, patience, dedication and confidence can be achieved through engaging in craft and deepening students’ appreciation for craft based learning. Field trips were an imperative part of the research as they demonstrated the importance of engaging with museums and educational institutions. From these excursions students learnt the value of history and past cultural traditions, and gained an appreciation for tradition textiles and its ability to be utilised in contemporary design.