Fiona Shannon Ceramics

Description

Fiona Shannon Ceramics is an artisan pottery studio and creative workshop space in Portstewart, standing out as one of the best things to do with kids in Portstewart. Operating as a hands-on craft studio and ceramics workshop, it offers children and adults the chance to throw pottery on a wheel, hand-build clay models, and decorate custom ceramic pieces.

Prices start from £20.00 for introductory children's clay sessions, with adult classes and private group workshops priced according to the session length and materials required. Because small group sizes allow for personal instruction, kids receive hands-on guidance as they learn real craft techniques.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, this ceramics studio delivers a rewarding tactile experience. Children can shape wet clay on the potter's wheel, paint their creations, and take home unique handmade keepsakes after firing. It is a fantastic creative stop along the Causeway Coast.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: No

Features

What are the key features for families?

  • Interactive Exhibits: Hands-on pottery wheels and sculpting stations let children mold, spin, and shape raw clay with their own hands.
  • Educational Day Out: Experienced ceramicists teach young creators about clay preparation, pottery wheel throwing, glazing processes, and kiln firing.
  • Sensory Play and Nature: Smooth wet clay, spinning wheels, textured sculpting tools, and colorful glazes offer rich tactile and visual play.
  • Outdoor Exploration: Located in a coastal town, families can easily pair an indoor pottery session with scenic coastal path walks and beach play.

What are the main highlights kids will love?

  • Pottery Wheel Experience: Trying out a real electric potter's wheel to shape bowls, pots, and vases under friendly guidance.
  • Clay Hand-Building Workshops: Sculpting creative animals, monster figurines, plaque tiles, or pinch pots using soft clay.
  • Ceramic Painting & Glazing: Adding colorful glazes and painted patterns to fired clay pieces before final kiln baking.
  • Seasonal Holiday Craft Sessions: Special creative workshops hosted during Halloween, Easter, and Christmas for making holiday-themed decorations.
  • Parent & Child Clay Classes: Collaborative workshops where parents and kids work side-by-side to create matching ceramic pieces.

Beyond the Main Attraction

  • Portstewart Strand: Located 1 mile west, a sweeping National Trust beach featuring golden sand dunes and coastal views.
  • Portstewart Cliff Walk: Positioned along the coast, a scenic walking trail leading past dramatic sea views and rock pools.
  • Flowerfield Arts Centre: Situated 0.8 miles away, featuring art galleries, creative workshops, and a outdoor park area.
  • Barry's Amusements (Curry's Fun Park): Located 3 miles east in nearby Portrush, a classic coastal amusement park.

Facilities

  • Food Options: Hot drinks are provided during adult and private group sessions; local cafes, tea rooms, and ice cream parlours along Portstewart Promenade are a short walk away.
  • Toilets: On-site customer toilets and dedicated handwashing sinks with warm water and soap are available for washing off clay.
  • Buggy Parking: Flat entry areas allow easy pushchair access into the studio, with space to park buggies during creative sessions.

What to see

What Visitors Love

  • Patient, encouraging teaching style that puts kids at ease on the potter's wheel.
  • High quality of finished ceramic pieces that serve as lasting souvenirs.
  • Relaxed, creative environment where children are encouraged to express themselves.
  • Convenient coastal venue location near beaches and cafes for a full day out.

What Visitors Don't Like

  • Pre-booked workshop slots fill up quickly during weekends and school holidays.
  • Finished pottery pieces require a waiting period for kiln firing before collection.
  • Street parking nearby can be busy during peak summer holiday periods.

Top Tips for Your Visit

  • Dress for Mess: Clay can splash, so wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you do not mind getting dirty.
  • Book Classes Ahead: Workshop spaces are limited to keep group sizes small and personal, making early online booking essential.
  • Plan for Piece Pick-Up: Clay items need time to dry, glaze, and bake in the kiln, so plan to collect finished pieces 2 to 3 weeks after your workshop.

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

  • One to One Pottery Lesson: 1 hour 30 minutes @ £65.00
  • Two Person Pottery Lesson: 1 hour 30 minutes @ £120.00
  • Three Person Pottery Lesson: 1 hour 30 minutes @ £165.00
  • Four Person Pottery Lesson: 1 hour 30 minutes @ £220.00
  • Five person pottery lesson: 2 hours @ £275.00
  • Six person pottery lesson: 2 hours @ £310.00
  • Portstewart Pottery Experience: Paint your own Causeway Coast Inspired Mug: 2 hours @ £360.00

Pricing URL: https://www.fionashannonceramics.com/workshops-and-classes

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

  • Studio Operating Schedule: Open by appointment and scheduled workshop times Tuesday through Saturday.
  • Class Slots: Morning and afternoon workshop slots available; closed Sundays and Mondays except for private event bookings.

Address: 185 Coleraine Rd, Portstewart BT55 7HU, United Kingdom

Post Code: BT55 7HU

Council: Causeway Coast and G

County: County Londonderry

  • By Car: Drive into Portstewart via the A2 coastal road from Coleraine or Portrush.
  • Car Parking: On-street parking is available on surrounding town streets, along with public car parks near Portstewart Strand and the promenade.
  • By Bus: Regular Ulsterbus services connect Portstewart Promenade directly with Coleraine and Portrush train stations.

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