Ukrainian Art Group – West Cavan: Celebrating Heritage, Culture, and Community

This year’s Heritage Week was a time of creativity, learning, and connection for the Ukrainian Art Group in West Cavan. Through a series of workshops, participants from multicultural communities came together to explore both Irish and Ukrainian traditions, finding common ground through art, history, and storytelling.

During the classes, participants learned how to draw ancient symbols and create beautiful art deco–inspired and symbolic jewellery. Much more than an arts and crafts project, these workshops became a living classroom where people discovered the meaning of Celtic symbols connected to the Book of Kells and the great passage tomb at Newgrange.

The group also enjoyed visits to important Irish heritage sites. At Newbridge Silverware, participants heard the story of how a small factory with a proud local history transformed into a worldwide brand. The journey continued at the Hill of Tara, one of Ireland’s most sacred landscapes, where past and present seemed to meet.

Behind these workshops lies not just the creativity of the participants, but also years of hard work and support. Thanks to the commitment of CCLD.ie and the resources of the SICAP Programme (Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme), groups like this one are possible. These initiatives provide more than classes—they offer a bridge between cultures, a platform for inclusion, and a chance for people to feel at home in their community.

The Ukrainian Art Group in West Cavan is just one shining example of how sustained effort and community partnerships can create real opportunities for people to share skills, heritage, and friendship. It reminds us that every drawing, every symbol, and every shared story brings us closer together.

“The Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme (SICAP) is co-funded by the Irish Government, through the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, and the European Social Fund Plus under the Employment, Inclusion, Skills and Training (EIST) Programme 2021 -2027.”

“Tá an Clár um Chuimsiú Sóisialta agus Gníomhachtú Pobail (SICAP) cómhaoinithe ag Rialtas na hÉireann, tríd an Roinn Forbartha Tuaithe agus Pobail agus Gaeltachta, agus Ciste Sóisialta na hEorpa Plus faoin gClár Fostaíochta,