8-Week Tinsmithing Taster Course with Balbriggan Traveller Project

Title: 8-Week Tinsmithing Taster Course with Balbriggan Traveller Project
Date: 16th October 2025 – 11th December 2025
Time: 10:00am-4:00pm
Location: Matt Lane Community Centre, St. Macullins Park, County Dublin, K32 P660
 

This Traveller Tinsmith Taster Course is a community-led initiative aimed at reviving, recording, promoting and preserving the traditional craft of tinsmithing within the Balbriggan Traveller community. This course will provide participants with foundational training in tinsmithing over 8 weeks. 
Tinsmithing is an integral part of Traveller heritage, once a widely practiced trade among Traveller men. Today, only one known practicing tinsmith, James Collins who is in his 70’s, remains active in Ireland. The knowledge, skills, and cultural identity associated with this craft are on the verge of extinction. The Traveller craft of tinsmithing is listed on Ireland’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage as part of the state’s commitment to the 2003 UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Program Description

Tinsmith taster course (8-weeks)
Duration: One day per week for 8 weeks
Participants: 6–8 individuals from the local Traveller community
Trainer: James Collins (Master Tinsmith) 
Course overview
1.    History and cultural significance of tinsmithing
2.    Safe use of tools and materials
3.    Hands-on training in cutting, shaping, and soldering tin and copper 
Objectives
•    Revive and preserve traditional tinsmithing in the Traveller community
•    Provide hands-on, skills-based education to 6–8 participants
•    Support cultural pride, community cohesion, and creative expression
•    Lay the foundation for a longer-term course