BALLYKNOCKAN - County Wicklow: Hidden Beneath the Lake: Ireland’s Forgotten Town and Ancient Stones

Joe travels to Ballyknockan, Co. Wicklow, famous for its unique granite stone and its tradition of stone-cutting. In fact, Wicklow granite was used to build much of Dublin in the nineteenth century. Joe discovers that this is a tradition that goes right back to the Neolithic Age, as archaeologist Chris Corlett shows him evidence of extensive stone-working and trading in the area during that period, as well as the foundations of a Neolithic house. All this evidence has been uncovered by the presence of the Poulaphuca Reservoir which was created in 1940 to supply the city of Dublin with drinking water. A large area of land was flooded to create the reservoir, leading to compulsory purchase orders of homes and farmland and even leading to one townland disappearing off the map forever. Joe meets the vivacious Mary Ann Flanagan, who had to leave the townland of Ballinahown at the age of 19. Now in her 95th year, Mary Ann can still carry a tune, and she regales Joe with tales of her youth in the lost townland of Ballinahown.

Two other locals who share their memories with Joe are Seamus Balfe and Aidan Cruise, who take Joe to the now-derelict Barn Cinema – quite literally a barn that doubled as a cinema and dance-hall. Seamus Balfe recalls a few memorable nights in the Barn, including the time a drummer found himself with an audience of cows. Seamus and Aidan then lead Joe on a tour of some of Ballyknockan’s stone-built heritage, including a pathway that now leads into the lake, and the gable wall of what was once Ireland’s fastest-built house – as well as an inspiring example of neighbourly compassion and community co-operation.

Ballyknockan was once famous for its stone-cutting industry and at one stage, most of the population were involved in the trade. Joe meets some of the few remaining stone-cutters left in Ballyknockan, including Andy Farrington, a retired stone-cutter with such a passion for the art that it still remains his hobby. Michael Freeman shows Joe how stone-cutters had to be proficient with the use of a forge as well, as he demonstrates the process of sharpening his tools. Finally Joe chats to brothers John and Dave McEvoy, 5th generation stone-cutters and only ones left working in Ballyknockan today. John and Dave chat to Joe about the pride involved with stone-cutting in Ballyknockan, how the skill was strictly kept within stone-cutting families like theirs, and about their plans to train new stone-cutters in an attempt to keep the tradition alive.

Blessington History Society was formed in 2000 and was initially focussed on family history. Over time the scope of the society's activities has expanded to include the research and documentation of all aspects of human settlement in the Blessington area including Ballyknockan during the past 4,000 years. This content of the Blessington History Society website is created by volunteers who share an interest in local history. The society always welcomes new members and encourages persons with an interest in local history to contact us ([email protected])

Our community archive website has been developed through our membership of the Irish Community Archive Network (iCAN), an initiative of the National Museum of Ireland delivered in partnership with the Heritage Council, Wicklow County Council Heritage Office, and communities across Ireland.

https://blessington.wicklowheritage.org