Once upon a time in Blarney there were great woolen mills known as Mahony’s Mills which manufactured woolen products and employed hundreds of locals in all manner of roles.

Nearly 150 years from the day it was built the mills ground to a halt due to declining demand and production. 500 people lost their jobs in 1973 on the the day it closed. Two year later a former shop floor employee of over 22 years, Christy Kelleher, purchased the property and converted it into a souvenir shop and hotel.

Now known as the Blarney Woolen Mills it is the biggest Irish products store in Ireland thanks to Christy’s vision.

This old loom remains in the centre of the store as a reminder of another era.

Photo: Robert Rath, ‘Day 542, Blarney HeirLoom’ 1/40s f/4.0 ISO1600 40mm