About us
The aim of Peannairí is to encourage and develop the practice of calligraphy in Ireland. We introduce calligraphy to anybody who is interested through classes and workshops, in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. We organise weekend and one-day workshops on a variety of related skills: gilding, bookbinding, illumination, paper crafts to enhance the calligraphic work. The group welcomes everyone from complete beginners to enthusiasts who want to revive a skill. Peannairi is dedicated to advancing education, participation and qualification in the artform of calligraphy.
We offer high quality classes (all levels) led by enthusiastic teachers.
2026
Current schedule
We are already preparing our classes!
Please use the link in each one of the offerings below to access their full details.
Uncial, Half Uncial & Pointed Pen Uncial
Tutor: Noeleen Frain
These classes will be delivered over 8 days, and are suitable for all improvers and for the more advanced students in the art of calligraphy.
RETURNING STUDENTS: In this term, we will concentrate on project work, making use of the calligraphic hands, uncial, half uncial and pointed pen uncial, which were introduced over the spring and autumn terms of 2025.
NEW STUDENTS: If you are proficient in a hand other than uncial, you may also join this class and use your preferred hand to complete the projects.
Click here to access class full details
Introduction to Italic Calligraphy
Tutor: Jane Connolly
This Introduction to Italic Calligraphy course is designed for both Novice calligraphers and Beginners wishing to learn the basics of the Italic hand.
It will include letter proportions, achieving writing rhythm and using a pen with a broad nib which we use to achieve thick and thin lines over the course of 8 sessions.
Click here to access full class details
How to do things with Capitals
Tutor: Kevin Honan
We have an exciting two-day workshop coming up on Saturday, February 28th and Saturday, March 28th.
In this workshop the aim is to develop our use of capitals – writing a salient word completely in capitals, with colour– as a focal point in a calligraphic composition.
We will extend the range of capital styles at our disposal and incorporate them into calligraphic compositions that can then, at a later stage, be bound in a single volume to be displayed at future classes and at the Mini Festival.
We could bind good quality colour copies of the images so that you can keep your own original.