This short course delivered by Hot Milk Forge will offer an in-depth introduction to the basic skills of blacksmithing. You will get an opportunity to create your own decorative bracket to take home, which will employ a variety of traditional blacksmithing techniques. All materials and PPE will be provided.

Who should attend?

This 2 day course is aimed particularly at those who have previously attended a short taster day and would like the opportunity to further their basic skills. However, the event is open to all and no previous experience is necessary.

Date: Wednesday 22nd and Thursday 23rd October 2025

Time: 10am-4pm

Places are limited to 6 attendees per session in order to maximise participant learning and safety. If you are no longer able to attend, please notify the organiser as soon as possible to allow your place to be released.

Important information for attendees:

This event is limited to a maximum of six attendees at one time. Please be aware that this taster day is taking place in a working forge. Attendees should wear sensible thick soled shoes/boots and sensible non-flammable clothes, (natural fibres are the best i.e. no fleeces or shell suits etc.) PPE will be provided. The sessions are open to those aged 16 and over.

Getting here:

There is on-site parking at the forge. The forge is located in Martinstown in the Glens of Antrim, approximately a 15 minute drive from Ballymena. There are also regular buses to Martinstown from Ballymena.

Trainers Overview:

The session will be led by Eamonn Higgins of Hot Milk Forge. Eamonn is an experienced tutor, and a professional Artist and Sculptor, with blacksmithing being an integral part of his work. He established Hot Milk Forge in 2014, and has offered blacksmithing classes on site for the past nine years. Prior to this, he was the founding tutor of Tannaghmore Blacksmiths Workshop.

Blacksmithing: 2-Day Course