Cybersecurity to blacksmithing: Ireland’s most unusual and intriguing third-level courses – The Irish Times

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With so much focus invested in retaining vast swathes of exam-relevant information, Leaving Cert students often complete their studies and realise that they haven’t fully considered what comes next.

There are those who know their path well in advance, long sure of a dream course or route to employment and ready to embrace the future with open arms. Many do not happen upon that level of certainty until further down the line, simply because they need time to develop and figure it all out.

For those who are not yet fully decided, it may be worth casting an eye over some of the less conventional options for study after secondary school. Perhaps they won’t provide a direct answer, but may serve as a reminder of the scope of possibilities.

Courses listed below vary between Further Education Training (FET) and higher education programmes, encompassing colleges, universities, and education and training boards (ETBs). Where past CAO points are listed as a requirement, remember that alternative routes do exist, and consider reaching out to the relevant institution for guidance.

Blacksmithing at Limerick and Clare ETB’s Cappamore campus

Requirements: Junior Certificate standard or equivalent at a minimum.

Duration: One year.

Does the thought of an office nine-to-five dispirit you, when deep down you know that the cold clang of ferrous physical metallurgy is your true calling?

If so, a range of blacksmithing skills can be honed at Limerick and Clare ETB’s Cappamore campus, some non-certified and some earning a City & Guilds level 2 qualification. Blacksmithing is an ancient profession, and while the community of industry professionals in Ireland is small, it is alive and filled with devoted craftspeople.

Graduates can progress to an apprenticeship in blacksmithing or an advanced apprenticeship in farriery

Cappamore is Ireland’s only accredited blacksmith training college, offering a nine-month blacksmith and iron craft course that teaches students to forge hearths…

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