On Saturday, 15 August, TOG Hackerspace will be turning up the heat for a very different kind of heritage event.
As part of National Heritage Week 2026, we will be joined by heritage blacksmith Fínín Líam Christie for a day-long workshop exploring traditional blacksmithing and the metalworking skills associated with the United Irishmen, the 1798 Rebellion and Robert Emmet’s 1803 Rising.
The event will run from 9am to 5pm and is completely free, with places available both for people who want to take part directly and for those who would prefer to watch the demonstrations.
Blacksmithing, history and making
While Robert Emmet and the United Irishmen are familiar names from Irish history, less attention is usually given to the practical skills, engineering and craft knowledge behind the preparations for the uprisings.
During the day, Fínín will demonstrate traditional forge work, including setting and maintaining the fire, controlling heat with bellows, shaping hot metal, joining and finishing components, tempering and cooling, and preparing forged pieces for mounting.
The workshop will look at how these techniques were used for everyday ironwork and tools, while exploring how similar skills were applied to objects associated with the uprisings, including pike heads and the metalworking involved in Robert Emmet’s experimental rockets.
This is a heritage and skills demonstration rather than an attempt to recreate functional historical weapons. The aim is to explore the materials, techniques and practical knowledge behind this fascinating part of Irish history.
Have a go yourself
There will be 10 Hands-on Metalworking tickets available for people who would like to take part in selected stages of the forging process.
These sessions will take place under close supervision, with appropriate safety measures in place. No previous blacksmithing experience is needed.
There will also be 30 General Admission tickets for people who would like to watch the demonstrations, ask questions and follow the work as it develops throughout the day.
The example pike head made by Fínín gives a good idea of the traditional metalworking techniques that will be explored during the workshop.
About Fínín Líam Christie
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 heritage blacksmithing experiences, making him ideally placed to bring the practical side of this history to life.
And afterwards…
The day does not end when the forge goes quiet.
That evening we will be holding our TOG Open Social Night, when the pieces made during the workshop will remain on display. Visitors will be able to see what was produced, chat with participants and organisers, and explore some of the other craft and technology projects being worked on by TOG members.
And, as with any good TOG social night, there will also be fresh pizza cooked on site.
Event details
Workshop on Metalworking of the 1798 and 1803 Uprisings
Saturday, 15 August 2026
9am – 5pm
TOG Hackerspace
General Admission: Free – 30 places
Hands-on Metalworking: Free – 10 places
Advance booking is required.
The workshop will also be professionally filmed, with an edited and captioned video published afterwards. The resulting material will form part of an online heritage resource and will help us continue sharing the project beyond the live event.
This project is funded by The Heritage Council and takes place as part of National Heritage Week 2026.
