What is Blacksmithing?
A blacksmith is a metalsmith who forges metal using tools like a hammer and an anvil to repair and make tools, ornamental objects, hardware, and more. Some of these techniques date back to the Bronze Age. The art of blacksmithing is beautifully illustrated in this short video featuring programme tutor Eric O’Neill and some of the learners at the ETB’s centre of excellence for Blacksmithing, College of Further Education and Training, Cappamore Campus.
Blacksmithing Skills Taster Class
Taster Programme – Uncertified
This 1-day taster course will introduce each learner to our forge facility, Ireland’s only accredited blacksmithing training forge.
The course will cover health and safety in the forge, followed by two, two-hour practical lessons demonstrating how the full-time City & Guilds Blacksmith and Ironcraft programme is taught, including its first practical modules.
This taster course is aimed at beginner and intermediate blacksmiths who would like to explore what City & Guilds Blacksmithing is all about and the skillset the programme offers.
To apply, click on one of the Apply Now buttons below. Or, for more information, call us on 061 381 272
City & Guilds – Blacksmith & Iron Craft
City & Guilds – Level 2 Certified
This 9-month programme will equip you with bridging skills and knowledge in forge work. You will learn introductory forging skills, which will start you on your journey to training as a blacksmith or farrier. You will learn how to use forge hearths, forge metal and use specialist blacksmith’s tools.
Progression/Employment Opportunities
On completing this City & Guilds programme, you can progress to an apprenticeship in Blacksmithing or an Advanced Apprenticeship in Farriery.
To apply, click on one of the Apply Now buttons below. Or, for more information, call us on 061 381 272
Blacksmith Toolmaking Course
Taster Programme – Uncertified
This 10-week part-time, evening course is designed for learners that have completed the Introduction course. This course will deal with all aspects of toolmaking, the tempering process, working with carbon steels and you will be given hands-on tuition that will stand to a budding blacksmith. It will furnish them with the capabilities and knowledge essential at this stage to further develop their blacksmithing skills.
Progression / Employment Opportunities
On completion you may wish to progress to our 1-year City & Guilds-accredited Blacksmithing programme.
For more information, call us on 061 381 272
Introduction to Blacksmithing
Summer Taster Programme – Uncertified
This 1-day taster programme will introduce you to different types of forges, fuels, fire, a fire set-up, anvils, hammers, tongs and the approach a blacksmith takes to develop each. This programme is for you if you have some or no experience but would like to experience the creative world of blacksmithing.
Progression / Employment Opportunities
On completion you may wish to progress to our 1-year City & Guilds-accredited Blacksmithing programme.
This programme usually runs in the summer months. For more information, call us on 061 381 272
Â
Evening Courses
Blacksmith Tool Making Course
Our evening classes are designed for learners who cannot commit to daytime training but still wish to explore and develop their blacksmithing skills. Each course is structured, progressive, and sequenced to support steady skill development. Learners are encouraged to follow the full pathway to gain the greatest benefit and maximise their progression.
Classes run one evening per week from 7:00pm to 9:15pm, typically over a 10‑week period. Each session includes hands‑on forging activities, delivered at a comfortable pace to ensure that all learners can follow along and complete the projects. Across our three modules, novices will develop solid hand‑eye coordination, fundamental fire and forge management skills, and complete a range of practical forging exercises.
To maintain quality and individual support, class sizes are kept small with a maximum of seven learners. This ensures the tutor can give focused guidance to each participant — and based on our feedback to date, learners thoroughly enjoy the experience.
Importantly, this structured series of evening modules provides learners with a strong foundation in core blacksmithing techniques, making it an ideal preparation route for those who wish to progress to the City & Guilds Level 2 programme. The skills developed throughout the evening classes help learners build confidence, competency, and the practical understanding needed to transition into further accredited training.
Ignite your creative spark – and give forging a try!
| Introduction to forging | ||
| Tool Making | ||
| Decorative forging | ||
Clicking on any of the APPLY links above will bring you to FETCH (the national Further Education and Training Course Hub) where you can apply directly for the course. Otherwise, click on the Enquire Now button and complete the form. You will then be contacted by a member of our team who will assist you with your enquiry.