For National Heritage Week and Ireland-wide August Craft Month Sam Gleeson of Thisiswhatido we will open the doors of his workshop to some lucky students for a free introductory bladesmiths session – this craft session was a great success last year and saw a huge number of people apply for the limited number of places from all over Ireland and beyond.

In the last 150 years there have been over 17 forges operating in the Ennistymon area, now it is just Sam Gleeson. Historical memory, physical buildings and artifacts remain from these busy times and fortunately to this day Sam can use materials created in these forges for his own work.

We would like to offer the local community (and those beyond should they wish to attend) to reconnect with a skill that has existed for thousands of years but is largely absent from our immediate day to day lives. 

Traditionally, the town smith(es) would have been intrinsic to daily life with many other trades dependant on their skills and services.

By offering this free session, Sam would like to re-ignite people’s interest in working with fire and steel. From his own experience of working with and under other smiths and artisans he knows only too well the pleasure of working outside of your comfort zone to create something with your own hands.

Email Sam Gleeson at hello@thisiswhatido.ie

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.