We have some fantastic news to share! TOG Hackerspace has been named the Dublin City County Award winner at the 2026 National Heritage Week Awards for our Forging History: Metalworking and the 1798 & 1803 Uprisings workshop.
The awards, organised by the Heritage Council, celebrate the work of groups and volunteers across Ireland who bring our heritage to life. We are delighted to see our event recognised.
Bringing History to Life at TOG
Back in August, we turned part of TOG into a working blacksmith’s forge for a very different kind of workshop.
Led by heritage blacksmith Fínín Líam Christie, the day explored the traditional metalworking skills behind the United Irishmen uprisings of 1798 and 1803. From forging pike heads to learning about Robert Emmet’s experimental rockets, we explored the engineering, craftsmanship and history behind these events.
Visitors had the chance to see traditional blacksmithing up close, with some getting their hands on the tools and trying the techniques for themselves.
It’s the sort of event we love running at TOG. Bringing people together to learn something new, try their hand at making, and discover skills they might never otherwise get the chance to experience.
Watch Our Forging History Film
We were lucky enough to capture the day on film, so even if you missed the workshop, you can still get a look at what went on.
The film follows the forging process, explores the history behind the pikes and rockets, and hears from some of the people who took part.
A Big Thank You
A huge thank you to Peter Nolan, Fínín Líam Christie, all our volunteers who helped make the day happen, and everyone who came along to take part or watch.
We would also like to thank the Heritage Council, whose funding made the workshop and film possible, and for recognising our event with this award.
At TOG, we’re used to making things with modern tools and technology, but it’s just as important to keep traditional skills alive and share them with a new audience.
We’re delighted to have played a small part in bringing this piece of Irish history to life, and even more delighted to see it recognised.
You can read more about the award and the event on the National Heritage Week website, or look back at our original workshop announcement.