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
10am – 4pm 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
10am – 4pm Sun 9th June
Outdoor Museum & Heritage Displays
Guided tours of a 200 year old furnace and an Open Air Museum explaining the production and use of iron in Ireland from prehistoric times until today. Displays celebrating 200 years of Newtoncrommelin village, farming in the area – the mining support industry and a special collection of almost 100 horse drawn carriages
10am – 4pm Sat 8th & Sun 9th June
TALKS AND TOURS
Iron Ore Mining in Glenravel
Learn about the impressive history of iron ore mining in Glenravel in this talk and presentation from local expert and author of the book ‘The Mountains of Iron’, Kevin O’Hagan
8pm Fri 7th June
The Drum Woodland Heritage Site Tour
Once the site of an innovative system to transport iron ore, now a natural woodland reserve. Learn about the mining systems used, how they relied on the woodlands and witness how nature has re-taken ownership
11am Sat 8th & Sun 9th June
Slievenanee Mines Heritage Site Tour
A walking tour around one of the original and busiest mining sites in the Glenravel area. Hear about the history of mining and witness the remnants of mining systems and processes used over 100 years ago.
2pm 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
Iron Oxide Pigment Making Workshop
Make red iron oxide pigment from raw earth material with Tricia Kelly from Ócar. Try out art materials made from this ancient natural colour that lies below the landscape of Antrim and create your own work of art.
10:30am & 2:30pm Sat 8th & Sun 9th June
Ceramics workshop
With Moneyvart Ceramics and Cré Collective NI, manifest your inner Goddess as we approach the Summer Solstice and create a little Goddess talisman to bring those magical qualities into your life.
1pm Sat 8th June
Sculpture Sand Casting Workshop
An introduction workshop into the exciting world of lost foam sandcasting with Jason Hale. Design and carve a sculptural piece out of foam build it into a mold & pour in molten aluminium creating a work of art to take home
1pm Sun 9th June
Kids Activities and Entertainment
Just drop-in for a drawing with iron ore workshop with the Gallagher Girls or environmental art activities with Janet Crymble Art. Enjoy the kids pop-up play area or call in and explore Little World with Sean the Fairy Man
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