Blarney in Cork in County Cork, Munster, Ireland — Irish South-West ((Éire) North Atlantic Ocean)
The Square
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 15, 2026
1. The Square Marker
Blarney was an industrial village, built specifically for the linen industry around 1765. At this time, Irish linen was considered amongst the finest in the world.
The central green space would have been a bleaching green, used for drying the linen, after it had been bleached and rinsed.
(Caption:) Bleached linen was laid out in the sun to dry
The square was also used for social activities by the mill workers and their families who lived in the houses that still surround the square today.
Originally there were houses on all four sides of the square, but the houses on the south side were cleared to facilitate the arrival of the light railway ‘The Muskerry Tram’ in Blarney, which brought large number of tourists to visit Blarney Castle and kiss the stone.
Luckily this tourism has continued to this day and the square and original village has survived relatively intact, as a reminder of times past.
A Timeline of The Square
1765 – Blarney began as an industrial village spread around a central village square.
1780’s – Parades of the Blarney Volunteer corps were held here in
this page online
1799 – A local man called John Buckley was executed by hanging from a gallows erected within The Square.
1814 – Blarney’s economic fortunes fluctuated over time; the roofs of the cottages were reported to have collapsed and the green was planted with wheat.
1884 – Sports meetings were held in the Square following the founding of the GAA in 1884, at which Blarney was represented, thus claiming the honour of being one of the oldest GAA clubs in Ireland!
2015 – Memorial plaque to honour Blarney locals killed in the First World War erected on the North Gate of The Square by Sir Charles Colthurst. It is thought up to 40 locals died in the Great War.
2019 – The Square is now used as a local amenity by locals and tourists alike, especially during the summer months.
Erected 2019.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1765.
Location. 51° 55.943′ N, 8° 34.088′ W. Marker is in Cork, Munster, in County Cork. It is in Blarney. It can be reached from The Square, on
Photographed by Ian Lefkowitz, May 15, 2026
2. The Square Marker
The marker is located in the center of the town square.
Regionally, it is on the Atlantic Ocean, in the North Atlantic Region, on the Atlantic Arc, in Europe, on the Island of Ireland, on the Celtic Fringe, in the European Union, in Atlantic Europe, on one of the British Isles, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Square & Village Green (within shouting distance of this marker); Blarney World War I Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The Square & Village Green (within shouting distance of this marker); Blarney Village (within shouting distance of this marker); The Muskerry Tram Turntable (within shouting distance of this marker); Welcome to Blarney Castle & Gardens (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Plasterwork (about 120 meters away); Family Room (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cork.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 10, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. This page has been viewed 13 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 10, 2026, by Ian Lefkowitz of New York, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
