Blessington Family History Society

Established: 1998
The society was founded following a successful series of lectures, which stimulated interest in family and local history. Since its formation the society has published Blessington Now and Then, Here and There (2002) which includes studies on Blessington’s landowning families. Individual members have also published: The Four Stone Tree: a history of Blessington by Vincent Byrne (author, 2003), The Blessington Estate 1667-1908 by Kathy Trant (Anvil Books, 2004), and a video A Journey Through West Wicklow by Julie and Maureen Phibbs (West Wicklow Films, 2004). In 2006, the society transcribed and printed a copy of the Blessington Roman Catholic parish register for the years 1819 -1852.

Lectures organised by the society are generally held on the third Thursday of the month in St Kevin’s Community Centre, Blessington. The AGM takes place in February when a committee is elected for the coming year and in March Dr Peter Boyle, FTCD will give a talk on the scientist Robert Boyle, son of the 1st Earl of Cork and kinsman of Archbishop Michael Boyle, the founder of Blessington.

Blackrock,
Blessington,
Co. Wicklow,
Ireland