GLENRAVEL INTERNATIONAL FURNACE FESTIVAL
Expert smelters and blacksmiths from around the world are gathering in a small village in the Antrim hills to bring traditional iron skills back to life
200 years ago, the founding of a Newtowncrommelin village in County Antrim lead to the area of Glenravel becoming the centre of iron ore mining in N.Ireland, playing a foundational role in the industrial revolution.
Visitors to the furnace festival will see iron smelting in action, learn more about the iron heritage of the area and take part in a program of immersive demonstrations, walks, talks and workshops
Iron Ore Smelting Demonstrations
Watch expert smelters from around the world take iron ore from the Glenravel mines and other varieties of iron ore from across Northern Ireland and smelt it into iron in mud furnaces built from the land around us. Witness this ancient process as it was over 3000 years ago
Sat 8th June
Blacksmithing Demonstrations
Follow the process as expert smiths from around the world take the iron bloom produced in the furnaces and work it into various traditional items. See the first items produced from Glenravel iron in over 100 years
Sun 9th June
Outdoor Museum & Displays
Guided tours of an Open Air Museum explaining the process and the history of the production and use of iron in Ireland from prehistoric times till today. Displays relating to the heritage of the area
Sat 8th & Sun 9th June
TALKS AND TOURS
Iron Ore Mining in Glenravel
Learn about the history of iron ore mining in Glenravel
Sat 8th & Sun 9th June
Walking Tour of Slievenanee Mines
Explore one of the main mining areas in Glenravel and see the remains of the workings of Slievenanee mines
Sat 8th & Sun 9th June
Book Your Place
Smelting Apprentice
Work alongside the expert smelters throughout the weekend, get hands on and learn this traditional skill
Enquire at info@furnacefestival.ie
Sat 8th & Sun 9th June
Clay Modelling
Attend clay modelling workshops and follow the same process used by the smelters to build their mud clay furnaces
Sat 8th & Sun 9th June
Kids Ore Art Workshops
Art and craft activities for kids using natural materials including iron ore and charcoal running throughout the weekend
Sat 8th & Sun 9th June
Schools Program
Immersive activity program for local schools to learn about this historical and geological part of our shared heritage
Thurs 6th & Fri 7th June