'This festival brings the past to life': Two-day Iron Smelting event returns to the Burren

One of Europe’s most unique heritage festivals is set to return to the heart of the Burren  this August 23 and 24.

The International Furnace Festival will see traditional iron smelters, blacksmiths and other traditional craftspeople gather for a two-day extravaganza. 

Held at the ancient Caherconnell Stone Fort in County Clare—a site steeped in over a thousand years of history—the festival will feature live demonstrations of medieval iron smelting. The historic ring fort, once the stronghold of Gaelic chieftains, will become a living, open-air museum where raw Irish iron ore is transformed into replicas of artefacts such as arrowheads, knives, and belt buckles found during archaeological digs on-site.

The two-day event showcases bloomery iron, the form of iron used in Ireland from 500 BC to 1500 AD—an essential material in everything from weapons of war to agricultural tools and domestic items.

“This is more than a festival—it’s a live experiment in archaeology,” said Gwilym Stanley of Irish Bloomery Iron, who organises the event. “We’re not just demonstrating old techniques—we’re reconstructing the technological history of Ireland in front of a live audience.”

Supported by the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark, Clare County Council and the Irish Iron Heritage Foundation, the festival aims to bring this ancient craft into modern conversation.

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Dr Eamon Doyle, geologist with the Geopark, said the event is also about preserving and celebrating living heritage. 

“Iron smelting is an ancient skill that had been lost in Ireland for hundreds of years, but it is now alive again thanks to the dedication of a small number of people who have re-learned the craft.” said Doyle. “This festival brings the past to life and reminds us of the role iron played in shaping medieval society.”

Festival co-host Seán Davoren, co-founder of Caherconnell Stone Fort and Sheepdog Demonstrations, added: “It’s a privilege to host this event where real evidence of historic ironworking has been uncovered. The festival connects the craft to the landscape and the stories of the people who lived here centuries ago.”

Visitors will have the opportunity to observe traditional iron smelting in action, guided by expert commentary throughout the weekend. The event is designed to engage all ages and for those interested in trying their hand at ancient smelting techniques, Irish Bloomery Iron is offering a one-day hands-on workshop, where participants can join smelting teams and learn the fundamentals of bloomery iron production.

In the festival’s forging zone, experienced blacksmiths will transform newly made iron into tools, decorative pieces, and replicas of archaeological finds from Caherconnell.

For more details and to book your one-day hands-on workshop, visit www.irishbloomeryiron.com. Spaces are limited, early booking is advised.

The Furnace Festival coincides with all the other activities at Caherconnell Stone Fort and visitors are encouraged to book tickets at www.caherconnell.com in advance.