“People are going back to basics”: Blacksmith Brings Ireland’s Ancient Past to Life
Visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for the lives, skills, and stories of the Celts, experiencing history in a way that textbooks alone cannot convey.
“People are going back to basics,” King said. “They want to enjoy a world which is just a disconnect away from everyday life.”
In the scenic Boyne Valley, just a short distance from the legendary Hill of Tara, visitors are discovering Ireland’s past in a hands-on, immersive way. Tom King, widely known as ‘An Gobha’—the Blacksmith of the Boyne Valley—has transformed a quiet farm into a living window into the country’s Celtic heritage. After a 20-year career as a design engineer, King chose to follow his passion for history and craftsmanship during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering an experience that brings Ireland’s Iron Age to life.
Clad in traditional sheepskins and a leather apron, with a striking red beard, King greets visitors and invites them to don period attire. Under his guidance, participants learn ancient ironworking techniques, hammering hot metal on the anvil, while firelight illuminates tales of kings, druids, and warriors from centuries past. “We offer tangible experiences you can taste, touch, smell, and feel,” King explains. “It’s a very different experience from simply standing at a monument for a few minutes.” Many visitors have never held a hammer before, but by the end of the day, they leave with not only a crafted piece of ironwork but also a vivid memory of history made real.
King’s fascination with Ireland’s past began in his childhood. The Boyne Valley, steeped in myth and legend, is where Saint Patrick is said to have confronted druids, and the Hill of Tara served as the ceremonial seat of the high kings of Ireland. For King, preserving these stories and the ancient craft of blacksmithing is not just a hobby—it is a cultural mission. “The myths, the tales, and the skills of ironworking should be protected and passed on to future generations,” he says.
Visitors such as Terri Winter, 68, from Minnesota, share that the experience feels both magical and educational. “I didn’t know what to expect,” Winter says. “It was incredibly informative and yet so magical. You feel like you’re stepping into history.” Along with her friends, she learned to shape glowing iron under King’s guidance, gaining insight into both the craft and the broader cultural history of Ireland. According to King, demand from international visitors, particularly from the United States, is steadily growing as tourists seek experiences that are tactile, engaging, and authentic.
King’s forge is part of a larger movement: a desire to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with hands-on, real-world experiences. “People are going back to basics,” he notes. “They want to enjoy a world that is just a disconnect away from everyday life.” The sights, sounds, and smells of the forge—the crackle of the fire, the metallic ring of hammer on anvil, the warmth radiating from the coals—create an immersive environment that slows time and allows visitors to connect with the past in a deeply personal way.
Beyond the forge itself, King leads visitors on walks through the woods and along ancient pathways surrounding the Hill of Tara, offering context and atmosphere that enrich the experience. These journeys through Ireland’s historic landscape, paired with hands-on blacksmithing, provide a full sensory adventure that bridges past and present. Visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for the lives, skills, and stories of the Celts, experiencing history in a way that textbooks alone cannot convey.
Located just 40 kilometers northwest of Dublin, the Boyne Valley forge combines Ireland’s scenic landscapes, rich heritage, and interactive learning. For participants, it offers more than a simple tourist activity—it is an encounter with living history. Visitors leave not only with a handcrafted memento but also with memories of creativity, curiosity, and connection to a culture that has shaped Ireland for thousands of years.
In an era dominated by screens and fast-paced living, An Gobha’s forge reminds us of the elemental joys of creation, discovery, and storytelling. Through fire, iron, and hands-on experience, Tom King ensures that Ireland’s ancient past is preserved, celebrated, and felt. His visitors don’t just see history—they touch it, shape it, and carry a piece of it with them long after they leave.
