INTRODUCTION TO TRADITIONAL CHARCOAL MAKING AND WOODLAND CRAFTS
WITH EOIN DONNELLY, WOODWRIGHT
www.eoindonnelly.ie
AT TOM COYLE WOODS, AUGHRIM, WICKLOW
ON 4-6 July 2025
BOOK HERE
Join us for an immersive weekend retreat learning traditional charcoal making and woodland crafts, led by master woodwright Eoin Donnelly.
The retreat will offer hands-on practical workshops, insightful talks, wild and homegrown meals and the opportunity to explore and unwind in an ancient oak and hazel woodland. Each participant will take home their own bag of charcoal and the items they have crafted over the weekend. The weekend promises a unique blend of learning, crafting and relaxation.
The course will take place in Tomcoyle Woods, an ancient oak and hazel woodland in County Wicklow. It offers the perfect setting to reconnect with Ireland’s rich forestry heritage.
Traditional charcoal making in Ireland is an ancient craft that involves converting wood into charcoal through a process known as pyrolysis. Eoin will use hazel that he coppiced in the same woodland.
The process begins with stacking the hazel inside a large metal kiln in layers. The kiln is then sealed, and
a controlled fire is started. The fire is carefully managed over the next 24 hours to maintain high temperatures without introducing too much oxygen. This controlled environment allows the wood to slowly cook and release volatile gases, leaving behind carbon-rich charcoal.
The kiln’s design includes air vents allowing Eoin to regulate airflow and temperature over a 24 hour period. Once the process is finished, the kiln is cooled, and the charcoal will be harvested.
Whilst charcoal was used historically for metalworking and blacksmithing it is now very popular amongst BBQ enthusiasts. It has a cleaner burn compared to mass produced charcoal and offers a natural flavour to the food. It is a sustainable wood product and is also steeped in tradition and craftsmanship.
The woodland crafts that will also be done over the weekend will be a choice of working on a traditional pole lathe or whittling an item of choice, such as a spoon or any other kind of utensil. There will also be an opportunity to cleave Hazel rods and help construct a traditional wattle hurdle.
Itinerary
Friday 4 July
● From 4:00 PM – Arrival and Camp Setup
● Check in and set up your tents.
● Explore the campsite and surrounding nature trails.
● 7:00 PM – Welcome Dinner
● Enjoy a feast of wild and homegrown food.
● Meet fellow participants and instructors.
● Overview of the weekend’s schedule and activities.
● 8:00 PM – Campfire Gathering
● Storytelling and an introduction to charcoal making.
● Discuss the significance of charcoal in various cultures.
● 9:30 PM – Free Time
● Relax and socialize or retire for an early night.
Saturday 5 July
● 7:30 AM – Morning Wake-Up and Preparation
● Wake up to the sounds of nature and get ready for the day.
● 8:00 AM – Hearty breakfast
● 9:00 AM – Introduction Talk
● In-depth talk about charcoal making.
● Safety briefing for the weekend’s activities.
● 10:00 AM – Loading the Charcoal Kiln
● Hands-on activity with expert guidance.
● Detailed instructions and demonstrations.
● 12:30 PM – Lunch
● Enjoy a lunch featuring wild and homegrown food.
● 1:30 PM – Free Time or Nature Walk
● Optional guided nature walk or free time to relax.
● 2:00 PM – Horse Logging Demonstration
● Traditional horse logging techniques demonstration.
● 4:00 PM – Craft Workshops
● Choose between working on a lathe or carving a spoon.
● All materials and tools provided.
● 6:00 PM – Dinner
● Wild venison.
● 8:00 PM – Evening Activities
● Campfire storytelling.
● Stargazing and optional night-time nature walk.
● 10:00 PM – Free Time
● Relax by the campfire or retire for the night.
Sunday 6 July
● 7:30 AM – Morning Wake-Up and Preparation
● Wake up early and prepare for the final day.
● 8:00 AM – Breakfast
● 9:00 AM – Unloading the Kiln and Bagging Charcoal
● Hands-on activity to unload the kiln and bag charcoal.
● Learn about quality control and storage processes.
● 11:00 AM – Free Time or Guided Activity
● Optional foraging walk or traditional skills demonstration.
● 12:00 PM – Farewell Lunch
● Reflect on the weekend and share experiences.
● Group photo to commemorate the weekend.
● 1:30 PM – Packing Up and Departure
● Pack up your campsite and say goodbye to new friends.
Eoin has spent most of his life working native broadleaved woodlands, managing and utilising their
timbers. His skills include coppicing and coppice management, hedge-laying, pole-lathe turning, charcoal
production, hurdle making, garden products such as brooms, rakes forks, thatching products and many
more. He constructed the Viking long-house at the Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin and was instrumental
in the refurbishment of the Irish National Heritage Park.
This course is offered to anyone interested in learning about traditional woodland skills and anyone who
just wants to spend a day working with like-minded people in a beautiful ancient Irish woodland.
You will be camping in the woodland near the kiln. Bring camping gear such as a tent, sleeping bag, camping chair, flashlight and personal items etc. Bring weather appropriate and comfortable clothing as well as work gloves. As much as we love dogs this course is not suitable for them. Please specify any dietary requirements to the email address specified below. The course is limited to eight participants.
This event is part of Crann’s ongoing focus on promoting woodland culture and heritage, offering an opportunity to deepen your understanding of Ireland’s native woodlands and traditional craft skills. This course is a unique chance to engage with nature and Ireland’s woodland traditions.
BOOK NOW:
Please direct any queries to info@crann.ie. Course fee is €350
Booking link as follows:
https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/1343593507349?aff=oddtdtcreator