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From Old to Gold: Repair, Share and Care

Pop Up Art & Social Cafe, 41 Market Street, Downpatrick, Down, BT30 6LP
a before and after image of an old wooden chair upcycled  to a new bright pink modern chair on a background of brightly coloured paintbrushes

About

Discover the creativity and satisfaction of giving old items a new life at From Old to Gold: Repair, Share and Care, a unique four-day upcycling experience taking place in the heart of Downpatrick during Reuse and Repair Week.

Delivered in partnership between the Council and Life Change Changes Lives, this relaxed and welcoming workshop invites participants to transform a piece of unwanted furniture—rescued from the Council recycling centre—into something beautiful, practical and personal. Whether you are a complete beginner or already enjoy crafting and DIY, you will receive one-to-one guidance throughout the full restoration journey, from preparation and repair to painting, finishing and creative upcycling techniques.

Participants will also have the opportunity to explore a range of traditional and sustainable craft skills. Learn basic patchwork using reclaimed fabrics to upholster furniture or create handmade cushions, or take a break from sanding and painting with calming activities such as knitting using recycled wool. The workshop is designed to encourage creativity, wellbeing, confidence and connection in a supportive small-group setting.

With places limited to just 20 participants, the programme offers plenty of individual support and a friendly atmosphere where people can share ideas, learn new skills and enjoy the process together. A cooked lunch, tea and coffee will be provided each day, helping to create a sociable and enjoyable experience.

Located on Downpatrick's historic main street, the fully accessible venue is easy to reach and close to local shops, cafés and attractions, making it an ideal creative short break for anyone interested in sustainability, crafts, heritage skills and mindful making.

Participants must be available to attend all four days in order to complete their furniture transformation project.

Places are limited and are available by completing a registration form on this link

Your booking will be confirmed on receipt of payment of £20.  

Places are limited, first come, first served.

Facilities

Accessibility

  • All areas accessible to disabled visitors

Event Facilities

  • Booking Required

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Adult£20.00 per ticket

The price is £20 for the 4 days, and all four days must be attended.

Book Tickets Online

Add From Old to Gold: Repair, Share and Care to your Itinerary

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Call direct on:

Tel +353879598767

Map & Directions

Opening Times

Season (2 June 2026 - 6 June 2026)
DayTimes
Tuesday - Wednesday10:00 - 16:00
ThursdayClosed
Friday - Saturday10:00 - 16:00

What's Nearby

  1. The Saint Patrick Centre is the only permanent exhibition in the World about Ireland’s…

    0.09 miles away
  2. Located in the heart of Downpatrick, Down Arts Centre is the operational base for the…

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  3. Down County Museum is located in the old county Gaol of Down. It houses fascinating…

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  1. Down Cathedral, a Cathedral of the Church of Ireland with magnificent stain glass…

    0.19 miles away
  2. Built 1954 to the designs of S. McIlveen of Ferguson and McIlveen, Belfast. This is a…

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  3. The foundation stone of this church was laid by Bishop Dorrian in 1886.

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  4. Travel back to the past with real vintage steam trains through St. Patrick's Country,…

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  5. Located on the north bank of the Quoile River, Inch Abbey was founded by John de Courcy…

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  6. Mourne Gullion Strangford Geopark is a UNESCO Global Geopark and recognised Area of…

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  7. The Strangford Lough and Lecale AONB boasts stunning landscapes and includes one of the…

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  8. Struell Wells was built around a stream flowing through a secluded valley. It was a…

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  9. The Reserve provides a relaxing natural retreat and offers visitors tranquil riverside…

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  10. Two miles outside Downpatrick is the replica of St Patrick's first church in Ireland.…

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  11. Castlescreen Farm is a working family run farm with many faces.

    Come and join us for one…

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  12. Situated 8.8km south east of Ballynahinch, on the north east shore of Loughinisland Lake,…

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  13. Restored ruins of a sixth century church of St. Tassach, said to have given the last…

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Map & Directions

Road Directions

Take the A7 from Belfast a 22 mile journey taking about 30 - 40 minutes. Journey from the south is via M1, then NI and A1 to Newry then B8 or A25 to Downpatrick (journey time about 2 hours). Parking is available in the main carpark behind the venue.

Public Transport Directions

The Pop-up Arts Shop is located in Market Street, a 3-minute walk from both the Bus station and Church St bus stops. Regular buses operate from Belfast to Downpatrick. The 215 runs from Cromac Wood, Belfast, into Church St, Downpatrick and the 515 operates from the Grand Central station, Belfast, into the Downpatrick Bus Station.

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