A celebration of blacksmithing organised with James O’ Connor – Blacksmith, Forged in Ireland, ‘forge in’ and iron ore smelting demonstrations with Paul Rondelez during That Beats Banagher festival in July 2023 which over 30 blacksmiths and traditional craft makers demonstrated their skills to the public. This was organised as part of the Annual That Beats Banagher Festival. This event was held on the 15th & 16th of July 2023 and there was an overwhelming interest from locals and beyond. The Battle of the Blacksmiths is supported by Offaly Local Development Company’s “Legacy” training program to preserve traditional skills and ensure they don’t get lost in time. This project is funded through the Leader Rural Development Programme by Offaly Local Development Company. For more information.

This project was funded by the Leader Programme 2014-2020 through Offaly Local Development Company.