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.

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Field Trip – All Saints Well
Field trip has been postponed indefinitely due to unforeseen circumstances.
Articles
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Stories of Old Blarney and of Supt. Michael Cunningham
As someone who was born and raised in Blarney, I have always felt a special attachment to the place. My memories of growing up there, going to school, messing around the village, the woods and the castle grounds,
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St. Helen’s Convent, Blarney
By the will of Nicholas Mahony, his nephews Martin and Edmund Roynane, were appointed trustees of a sum of £5000 to be spent in establishing a convent of Sisters of Charity in Blarney.
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Water Pumps of Blarney and District
Many of the more senior readers of the ‘Old Blarney’ Journals or the Muskerry News will have memories of the roadside water pumps located about the district where an essential daily supply of water was collected in enamel buckets and other receptacles for household use.









