Caherconnell Furnace Festival August 23-24 2025
The Caherconnell International Furnace Festival is a one-of-a-kind celebration of ancient craft and experimental archaeology, bringing together iron smelters and history enthusiasts from all over the globe. It’s a unique festival where we dive deep into the fascinating process of iron smelting, teach ancient techniques, make long lasting friendships and discover the rich history of this craft—while having a lot of fun along the way!
Do you want to learn how to smelt iron and refine it?
We offer a Iron Smelting and Refining Course: At our festival, Students will have the unique opportunity to work side by side with Iron Smelters and Blacksmiths, learning how to smelt iron by charging ore and fuel into a bloomery furnace and refine the iron they made into a piece they can take home! This is more than just a demonstration—it’s a true hands-on experience, offering an educational adventure that you won’t find anywhere else.
Fees:
Entry into Caherconnell Fort: To book entry click here
Iron Smelting and Refining Course: €300. To book this course, enter your details into the form at the very bottom of this page
Times: Sat 23rd 10am-5pm (9 spots).
Sun 24th 10am-5pm (9 spots)
Steel toe cap boots REQUIRED, Rain-proof jacket highly recommended. (Entry fee not included).
GoFundMe (optional): If you would like to support the festival, please donate €35 to this GoFundMe link and share it ensure that we can afford all the necessary PPE, safety equipment, shelters and charcoal.
