Welcome to Classical Fencing Ireland

This site is intended as a resource center to those interested in both Classical and Historical Fencing in Ireland

What is Classical Fencing?

Classical Fencing is the study of foil, epee and sabre according to the styles of the 19th century. During this period the sword was no longer an item of dress and its use restricted to the formalised combat of the duel with its various conventions. The techniques reflect this, focusing on the swords use on the duelling ground, rather than general self defence.

What is Historical Fencing?

Historical Fencing is the study of the weapons and associated styles through the 14th to the 18th centuries. The main weapons being, single-handed sword, longsword, side sword (spada da lato), rapier and small-sword.

What is not Classical or Historical Fencing?

Classical or Historical Fencing is not:

• Modern Olympic Fencing.
• Theatrical or Choreographed Swordplay
• Reenactment
• Role Playing

The Irish and Fencing?

While the pistol was the preferred duelling weapon at home many an Irishman acquitted himself in the use of the sword.
Included in Classical Fencing Ireland's aims is the research of the Irish involvement in the History of fencing; from Donald McBane's first fencing school in Limerick, to Alexander Doyle teaching french smallsword to germans, and the printing of the english translation of L'Abbat's smallsword treatise in Dublin.