Host A Forge-In
What is a 'Forge-In'? A Forge-In is a gathering of our members from all over the country (and further affield), spanning the many styles of metalwork and forgecraft, comprising of competitions, demonstrations, classes and public talks with a lovely festival vibe.
Usualy held over a weekend either as a stand alone event, or in conjunction with an existing event. The sight and sound of up to 40 blacksmiths, with fires lit and anvils ringing is truly amazing to witness.
Looking for a single traditional metal worker, for a demonstration at your event ?
Just let us know where and when and we can advise you of suitable smiths, then you can organise terms with the Smith and add some sparks to your event!
We have a wide range of members covering many areas of smithing and crafts related to metal and can put you in touch with the right smith for the job! See below for an overview of ls skills and specialities.
The Forged in Ireland 'Craic Squad'
The Craic Squad is comprised of some of the most talented craftsmen and women in their field.
Tailoring the squad to suit your budget, and event, we will work with you to find the best smiths for your event. This is perfect for showing the diversity of metal crafts in Ireland.
Although if requested some members may have items for sale, or stalls displaying work, the main aim is live demonstration of the craft and engagement with the public.
We have many members of the 'Craic Squad' that specialise in a range of the below skills and subjects which can be displayed at your event:
- Artist Blacksmiths
Using traditional and modern methods to bring beautiful designs to life.
- Modern industrial Blacksmiths
Usually accompanied by some heavy machinery like power hammers and presses, with displays showing the world of the modern industrial blacksmith.
- Silver Smiths
Showing how the gentle touch of the silversmith transforms this amazing material.
- Copper smiths
Sadly this is getting more and more rare to see, the work of the coppersmith is amazing to watch these unique skills turn sheet copper into functional art.
- Farriers
Let our master farriers demonstrate why, in the modern world of equine care, that traditional hot shoeing is still very relevant.
- Vernacular Rural Smiths
The sight of a beautiful wrought iron field gate is a big part of our iron heritage , let our smith show you the techniques used to create them as they have been for centuries. Showing how wrought iron using traditional joinery can outlast modern steel gates by centuries.
- Bronze Casters
Very few things compare with the sight of a solid, hard metal flowing as a liquid.
- Iron Smelters
Ireland is home to one of the purest forms of iron ore on the planet, let our smelters show how the Vikings, Celts and Romans turned dust from the earth into metallic iron in truly spectacular fashion.
- Junior Smiths
Inspire the next generation of smiths by letting them see how age is no barrier to the craft, they may not be master smiths yet, but to see how these talented boys and girls can move metal is real show winner.
- The Kids Corner
Don’t let the lack of heat fool you, with the right choice of metal your young kids can come in free of charge and create lovely items and keepsakes.
- Viking Smiths
Immerse yourself in history with talks and historically accurate Viking forge demonstration.
- Bladesmiths
See the cutting edge of traditional bladesmithing as everything from historic weapons to modern culinary and utility knives are forged and displayed.
- The Forged In Ireland Blacksmith School
Have members of the public come in free of charge (or for fee charged by you) for a hands on lesson in blacksmithing, and go home with a little better understanding of the craft and an item forged in fire on an anvil with their own hands.
Some of our Previous Events
Photos from our Previous Events
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