HEMA Ireland member clubs run a variety of HEMA events throughout the year, ranging from elimination tournaments like the Irish Historical Fencing League, to workshop and social based events like Bladeworks. Below you’ll find a little detail on the main recurring events in the Irish calendar, and its always worth keeping an eye on social media for announcements about more.
In addition to these, our clubs and groups also run intermittent smaller events throughout the year, with occasional guest instructors or sparring days. HEMA Ireland itself also organises regular instructor assessments, first aid courses, and referee courses.
Féile na Gaiscígh
The oldest HEMA event on the Island, held in Dublin each year and organised by Dublin HEMA Club, Féile na Gaiscígh is a mix of elimination tournaments (2024 was Beginners Longsword, Women’s Longsword, Mixed Weapon Team Relay), and often workshops.
Bladeworks
The main HEMA event in Northern Ireland, organised by Medieval Combat Group. Bladeworks is a residential weekend of technical workshops taught by guest instructors, along with sparring and socialising.
Blademasters Cup
The Blademasters Cup is an elimination tournament in Cork, hosted by Blademasters Academy, focusing on longsword and sabre.
Irish Historical Fencing League
This is a series of 3 elimination format open longsword tournaments hosted by various clubs around the island throughout the year. You can find more detail on the League here.