Blarney Woollen Mills

Blarney Woollen Mills
Blarney

Tour at 10am

Full wheelchair access

The story of Blarney Woollen Mills is deeply connected to Cork’s long textile history. In the eighteenth century, Cork had a strong textile trade, supported by its natural harbour. In 1750, Timothy Mahony established his first woollen mill on the banks of the River Glashaboy in Glanmire. The business passed through the family, and in 1823, his grandson, Martin Mahony, opened a larger mill in Blarney. This became Martin Mahony & Brothers, later known as Blarney Woollen Mills.

Set on the banks of the River Martin, close to Blarney Castle, the mill became an important part of local life. The Mahony family built a large dam and mill pond to drive the mill wheel. Local farmers sold wool to the mill, where it was dyed, spun into yarn, and woven into cloth. By 1835, the mill employed 120 local people, rising to 200 by 1860. The Mahony family also built Millstream Row for workers, and these houses can still be seen today.

In 1869, a major fire destroyed much of the mill. The people of Blarney helped clear the site, and the buildings were rebuilt using local sandstone. Christy Kelleher began working at the mill in 1928, aged fourteen. Decades later, he opened Blarney Handcrafts in a small thatched cottage on wheels, selling Aran sweaters, woollen shawls, yarns, and Irish gifts. Local women also hand-knitted Aran sweaters from mill yarn, supporting families in the area. After the mill closed in 1973, Christy bought Blarney Woollen Mills in 1975 and removed the large front gates, opening the mill to all. Today, the Blarney Aran Experience continues this textile story within the historic mill.

Guided heritage talk at 10am, starting at the Thatched Cottage. History booklets available on the day. No booking required.