Prince August moved its manufacturing operations from Germany to Ireland in 1976.
The factory produces miniature figures using a metal casting process that has remained largely unchanged for decades.
The facility produces figures covering diverse historical periods, including the Irish 1916 Rising and various medieval themes.
The onsite collection includes over 4,000 different types of molds used for creating everything from chess sets to fantasy figures.
Visitors can watch raw metal being melted and poured into vulcanized rubber molds during live casting demonstrations.
The Toy Soldier Factory in Kilnamartyra, Macroom, is Europe's only remaining manufacturer of hand-cast metal toy soldiers and collectibles. Visitors can observe the traditional centrifugal casting process used to create historical miniatures, including figures from the Napoleonic and American Civil War eras. The facility functions as both a production workshop and a visitor center with an extensive display of hand-painted models. Interactive painting workshops are available for visitors to create their own personalized metal figures under expert guidance. The site also serves as a retail hub for Prince August’s full range of casting molds, paints, and completed miniatures.
The display cabinets in the showroom, which feature intricately painted dioramas and historic battle reenactment scenes.
Book your painting workshop in advance if you want to ensure a spot, as these sessions are popular with families.
Check the official website for live demonstration times to ensure your visit aligns with active casting work.
Allow extra time if you plan to paint a figure, as the drying process for the paint can take a moment before you can safely transport your creation.
Do not rush the painting process; it requires patience to achieve detail on small metal surfaces.
Closed on Sundays and select public holidays; check the official website for seasonal adjustments.
