Forging History: Metalworking and the 1798 & 1803 Uprisings

Tog Hackerspace Dac

Discover the traditional blacksmithing skills behind the material culture of the United Irishmen and Robert Emmet’s 1803 Rising.

Tog Hackerspace

Join us at TOG Hackerspace for a day of traditional blacksmithing, historical interpretation and hands-on heritage craft.Led by heritage blacksmith Fínín Líam Christie, this public workshop and demonstration will explore the metalworking techniques associated with the United Irishmen, the 1798 Rebellion and Robert Emmet’s preparations for the 1803 Rising.Throughout the day, Fínín will demonstrate the principal stages of traditional forge work, including:<ul><li>Setting and maintaining a forge fire</li><li>Controlling heat using bellows</li><li>Heating and shaping metal</li><li>Joining and finishing components</li><li>Tempering and cooling</li><li>Preparing forged metalwork for mounting on wooden components</li></ul>The demonstrations will show how these techniques were used to produce everyday tools and ironwork, while also examining how similar craft skills were applied to objects associated with the uprisings, including pike heads and the metalworking behind Robert Emmet’s experimental rockets.This is a heritage interpretation and skills demonstration. The event will not involve the construction of functional weapons.<h3>Hands-on participation</h3>A limited number of attendees will be able to take part in selected stages of the blacksmithing process under close supervision.No previous blacksmithing or metalworking experience is required. All necessary safety equipment will be provided, and participants must follow the instructions of the blacksmith and event team throughout the workshop.Please select a Hands-on Metalworking ticket when booking if you would like to participate directly.<h3>General admission</h3>General Admission tickets are for visitors who would like to watch the demonstrations, learn about the history and techniques involved, ask questions and see the work develop throughout the day.Visitors are welcome to attend for part or all of the event.<h3> </h3>

This project is funded by The Heritage Council and takes place as part of National Heritage Week 2026.

<h3>About Fínín Líam Christie</h3>Fínín is an experienced blacksmith and heritage craft practitioner and a member of the Irish Artist Blacksmiths Association.He trained at Lucan Technical School and volunteered at the Ulster Folk Museum before establishing his own forge in Coolgreany, County Wexford. His work includes architectural ironwork, tool-making, training and traditional blacksmithing experiences. <h3>Ticket types</h3>General Admission — 30 places Attend as an observer and watch the demonstrations throughout the day.Hands-on Metalworking — 10 places Take part in selected stages of the process under the supervision of the heritage blacksmith.Participants in the hands-on workshop should wear suitable clothing and sturdy, fully enclosed footwear. Further safety and arrival information will be sent to ticket holders before the event.<h3>Open Social Night</h3>The workshop will be followed that evening by TOG Hackerspace’s Open Social Night.The pieces made during the day will remain on display, giving visitors another opportunity to see the work, meet participants and learn more about the history and skills explored during the workshop.The Open Social Night will also feature projects created by TOG’s community of makers, crafters and technologists, along with freshly made pizza cooked on site.

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Forging History: Metalworking and the 1798 & 1803 Uprisings

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Forging History: Metalworking and the 1798 & 1803 Uprisings

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