About Blarney & District Historical Society
Explore the rich history of Blarney and its surroundings with us.

Founded on July 12, 1985, by Griffith O’Driscoll and a dedicated group of local historians, the Blarney & District Historical Society has been preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Blarney and its surrounding areas for over four decades. As a non-political and non-denominational organisation, our mission is to document and safeguard local history, ensuring that the stories of the past remain accessible for future generations.
Through an engaging program of public lectures, field trips, exhibitions, and historical publications, we strive to share our research and discoveries with the community. Our ‘Old Blarney’ journals, first published in 1989, compile in-depth studies, essays, and rare photographs, capturing the essence of Blarney’s historical landscape.
The Society actively contributes to heritage preservation initiatives, including the documentation of local cemeteries, genealogical indexing projects, and collaboration with local authorities on historical conservation efforts. Our participation in events such as Heritage Week and our guided historical tours further reinforce our commitment to educating and inspiring both residents and visitors.
With a growing membership and a dedicated team, we continue to evolve, integrating modern technology to enhance our archives and outreach. Whether you are a history enthusiast, researcher, or a curious visitor, we invite you to join us in exploring the fascinating past of Blarney and its district. Stay informed about our events and publications by visiting www.blarneyhistory.ie.
Journals of the Blarney & District Historical Society
To date, the Society has produced fourteen journals titled ‘Old Blarney‘. They are exceptionally well produced and have been very well received. In addition, the Society has also published five ‘Old Blarney‘ photo-journals which contain photographs dating from the 1870’s up to the early 2000’s.
They are an important and very valuable source of information and study to locals, pupils and visitors on what life was like in our area. Please check the ‘Journals’ drop-down menu for details of individual journals.
The journals are available for purchase at the monthly lectures or by mail order by contacting 087-2153216 or by email.


‘Old Blarney’ Issue 14
- Contents:
- Introduction
- References to Blarney and District in the Burlington Diaries
- The McCarthys of Carrignavar
- The Inn at Blarney
- Blarney T.A. Hall
- Farm life in Killeens in the 1950s
- B (Blarney) Company 6th Battalion I.R.A.
- Obituary – Anne Byrne
Discover What We Offer

Blarney History

Public Lectures

Field Trips
Become a Member of Blarney & District Historical Society
Join our Historical Society today and be part of preserving local heritage!
Discover the rich history of Blarney through our engaging and informative talks.
Attend our public lectures to learn more about Blarney’s fascinating history.
Support the preservation of local heritage and be part of a vibrant historical community. Lectures are open to the public.

Upcoming Monthly Lectures
Lectures are held at Blarney Secondary School unless otherwise noted.
Programme of Public Lectures and Field Trips for 2026-2027 Season
Coming Soon
Articles
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The Saint Cecilia Stained Glass Window
The very beautiful and highly illuminated stained glass windows which make up the display above the organ and choir gallery in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Blarney, depict, appropriately, the martyred Saint Cecilia – Patron Saint of Church Music.
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Killowen Forge
Killowen forge was located in the townland of Killowen approximately 1½ miles north-west of Blarney village, the forge was originally owned by Hannah Murphy’s family. Edmund Murphy who was better known as “Ned The Smith” came to work in the forge in 1882.
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Death by Drowning November 1860
As sad an accident of this nature has occurred for a long time in or near the city, took place…








