Blessington Local History Group

Blessington History Society
The society was founded in 1998 following a successful series of lectures, which stimulated interest in family and local history. The society has published Blessington Now and Then, Here and There (2002) which includes an overview of different aspects of Blessington's history as well as interviews with people in the area. Individual members have also published: Manor Kilbride Graveyard Survey (Blessington History Society, 2009) by Janet Halligan gives an index of the names of those commemorated on headstones, as well as transcriptions of all the inscriptions. It explains some symbols found on the headstones and a brief history of the site; The Blessington Estate 1667-1908 by Kathy Trant (Anvil Books, 2004), is a study of the landlords and tenants in the area; The Four Stone Tree: a history of Blessington by Vincent Byrne (author, 2003) concentrates on Blessington in the 20th century, while a video A Journey Through West Wicklow by Julie and Maureen Phibbs (West Wicklow Films, 2004) records aspects of the history and heritage of the area stretching from Manor Kilbride to Baltinglass. Publications and video can be obtained from the society, Blessington bookstore and Blessington Tourist Office.


Members of the society have transcribed the Blessington Catholic parish register for the years 1819 -1852 and 1852 -1900 and these are now available in Blessington Library. They are an important source for anyone undertaking family research.

Lectures organised by the society are held on the third Thursday of the month.