Lorcan Dunne is a Westmeath-based stone carver and sculptor with over twenty years of experience working in architectural stone carving, restoration and sculpture. Working primarily with Irish limestone, Lorcan combines traditional stonemasonry skills with artistic craftsmanship, creating both decorative and sculptural pieces by hand. During his demonstration, visitors can watch the ancient craft of stone carving in action and gain an insight into the skill, patience and precision required to transform raw stone into lasting works of art.

At last year’s hugely successful Iron Ore Smelting demonstrations during the That Beats Banagher Festival, the Shannon Iron Smelters were created. This year will again see several clay furnaces pumping out true Banagher iron, with ore from the nearby bogs and possibly from the base of the Shannon! The Furnace Festival takes place next to the amazing blacksmiths of Forged in Ireland who demonstrate the skills involved in modern forging.