Up in Arms – Longbow making in the 15th Century

Facilitator: Jack Pinson

Master bowyer Jack Pinson will once again return to Athlone Castle to demonstrate historical longbow-making techniques, concentrating on the medieval military archery. Jack will demonstrate a depiction of longbow making as it might have looked during the 100 year’s war in the 15th century. Jack is a master bowyer with the Traditional Craft Guild of Bowyers and Fletchers and has been making traditional and historic reproduction longbows for over 10 years. Using a variety of tools, equipment and examples, glean an insight into the various stages of longbow production shaped and tillered from a single stave of timber.

A selection of period costumes will also be available for visitors to try on and a children’s archery area will be set up to give our young visitors and their parents a chance to try their strength at archery.

This free event does not include admission to Athlone Castle Visitor Centre.

This demonstration will be recorded and shared on Athlone Castle’s social media channels.

This event at Athlone Castle, Co. Westmeath is supported by the Heritage Council under the Irish Walled Towns Network 2022 Interpretation Fund.