The hackerspace in Dublin TOG are running a series of seminars and workshops showcasing Open Source as part of Engineers Week.  On Monday 8th of February they have a seminar showing how to create a  circuit board using open source tools. The cost of commercial software is usually the big barrier to entry in designing your own circuit boards.Did I say this was free? All the seminars they are running for this week are free but you need to prebook your place.

On the Wednesday 10 of February, they are also showing open source hardware with the Arduino Platform. The  Arduino is
a microcontroller that has become very popular with artists and electronics tinkerers alike. The seminar is an introduction to Arduino and a great chance for people to make a start with Arduino. Again this event is free.

On the weekend, Sunday 14th of February, they are having a hands on Arduino workshop. Where people will be doing all sorts of things with Arduino’s. In the afternoon you can get you chance to build your very own Arduino. There is a materials fee for the workshop.

These events are being organised by the folks over at TOG.  All of the information is here.  As they pointed out you do need to register for a place at these workshops.