Ballyknockan is shaped by visible traces of quarrying: roads, buildings and walls bear witness to its industrial past, while partly preserved sculptures and other scattered features around the quarries showcase the skill of earlier stonecutters. The landscape also has its own history, marked by a specific turning point.
Landscape and Change
Ballyknockan lies on the north-western side of the Wicklow Mountains and overlooks the Blessington Lakes. In 1940, the valley was flooded to create the Poulaphuca Reservoir, dramatically changing the landscape visible from Ballyknockan. Location and change are two distinct aspects of the view: the geographical description explains where the village lies, while the flooding explains the historical intervention in the valley.
Stonecutting and Industrial History
The history of quarrying can be placed in a chronological context. Christopher McEvoy began quarrying in Ballyknockan in 1840; the business was registered in 1865. The dates refer to different milestones: 1840 marks the start of operations, while 1865 marks the registration.
Granite from Ballyknockan was used beyond the village. In the past, it was transported to Dublin by horse and cart and used for the Customs House in Dublin. These are two distinct indications of the stone’s connection with Dublin: its historical transport and its use in a specific building.
A report published by the Geological Survey Ireland in 2014 noted that some stonecutters in Ballyknockan were still making tombs and gravestone commissions at the time, mainly from granite in storage. The year places this information in its historical context.
Local History, House in a Day and Film Locations
The Barn Cinema was originally both a cinema and a dance hall; today, it is a private residence. Its former use is part of the village’s history, but the building should not be considered a public cinema or dance venue. On the edge of the village, the remains of the so-called House in a Day and a plaque commemorating its history can be seen from the roadside.
Distinct from the Barn Cinema’s former use are the film productions for which Ballyknockan served as a filming location: “Widows’ Peak” (1994), starring Mia Farrow, Joan Plowright and Natasha Richardson, and “P.S. I Love You” (2007), starring Hilary Swank. The village’s film history and the history of its former cinema are therefore two separate aspects.
County Wicklow in a Broader Context
County Wicklow offers other distinct highlights in a broader context. Wicklow Mountains National Park covers 20,000 hectares and is an important recreation area for locals and tourists. County Wicklow has more than 50 walking trails, which can be selected by length, location, type, theme and difficulty. The Wicklow Way was Ireland’s first waymarked long-distance trail. As walking trail offerings can change, it is advisable to check the latest information before making a selection.
Another historical highlight in County Wicklow is Glendalough. Saint Kevin founded a monastery there in the 6th century. The remains of the Monastic City include a round tower, numerous medieval stone churches and decorated crosses.
Discover more destinations: Boystown, Ballinalea, Rathdrum, Rathnew, Tulfarris Holiday Village, Brittas Bay, Aughrim, Greystones
For the main travel overview: County Wicklow.
