Old Kilnenor Historical Society

Home
Ireland
Coolgreany
Old Kilnenor Historical Society

Call Directions Website Contact the organisation

Welcome to the page of Old Kilnenor Historical Society. The Society is a member of the Federation of Local History Societies.

We are an historical and cultural society celebrating exploring and maintaining local and national history. The society started out with a group of local enthusiasts who had a keen interest in their local history. After several meetings the Old Kilnenor Historical Society was officially formed in March 2015 in Ballyfad Hall. The name Old Kilnenor Historical Society was adopted, as it is believed Kilnenor is one of the oldest parts of the Parish, which may date back to a 13th century Franciscan Abbey. One of the aims of the Society is to encompass the North Wexford and South Wicklow areas as no one location can tell the full story of our rich local history. Current committee includes:
Chair: Martin Stephens
Treasurer: Dan Kennedy
Secretary: Elizabeth McCarthy Byrne

Members:
New members are always welcome. For more information please check out www.oldkilnenor.com, local newsletters and newspapers for details of upcoming meetings, events, outings and talks.

25/10/2026

A follow on from our talk in Ballyfad Hall by Jim Rees on the “Farewell To Famine”. This passenger sailed to Savannah in 1846.

19/10/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19KFLr5FoB/

Date for your diary 20th October: To mark the 200th anniversary of the death of the great United Irish leader Joseph Holt, who lived outside Roundwood at Mullinaveigue, Roundwood & District Historical & Folklore Society is delighted that Prof Ruan O'Donnell, an expert on the 1798 period and Wicklow in particular, has agreed to give this commemorative lecture.

In his major work ‘Rising of a county - The Rebellion in Wicklow 1798, Prof O’Donnell stated:
"Men like Holt and Dwyer were household names in the late 1790's and far better known than many currently famous United Irish leaders whose status was retrospectively conferred in the late 1800's."
Anyone who has heard Ruan O’Donnell speak before will know that this is an event not to be missed.
Admission €5. Members €3.
Refreshments will be served.

08/10/2026

There will be families in Wexford/Wicklow counties with ties/relatives who made this journey. Spread the word and join us for an evening with a great story and refreshments

30/09/2026

Alert Alert...keep the date!
We will be having a very interesting talk
"Farewell To Famine"
Friday 23rd October '26 in Ballyfad Hall at 7.30 pm.
Historian Jim Rees will be telling the story of Fr. Thomas H**e (Parish Priest of Camolin/Kilaveney)who brought 1000s of his parishners from Wexford and Wicklow to the American mid west in the 1850s, to escape famine. Refreshments will be served.

10/09/2026

Another year, another Patron. Blessed with the weather as well as our new memorial stone acknowledging all those buried without a grave stone. Great turnout and everone very impressed with the work of our hard working committee and contractors in getting the graveyard looking as good as it does. If anyone wants to join our team give any of our committee a call

30/08/2026

Morning all, I spoke to Fr Browne last night, he is happy to do a blessing on the stone for the unmarked deceased on Friday evening. Please spread the word about our patron on Friday, September 4th @ 7.30. This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase all the great restoration works being carried out in the graveyard but also a lovely opportunity to experience the beauty, peace & tranquility of our historic graveyard, looking forward to seeing as many of you as possible on Friday evening 😊
Claire Bushe Gibbons

14/08/2026

So much happening in Kilnenor historic graveyard. We are having some old dead fir trees professionally taken down in sections so no disturbance to graves. Also, today, 14th August 2026 er****on of memorial stone to those buried over the centuries with no markers for their graves. Please visit our historic graveyard with notices detailing some of the histories of those buried. We have installed seating and improved the approach lane so no excuses not to visit. You will be rewarded with a peaceful hour or two in natural surroundings. We have installed an owl and kestral box to nurture our feathered friends. Enjoy your visit

21/07/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BCqkhSqtp/

14/06/2026

23/02/2026

Old Kilnenor Historical Society
Hi all,
We are a very small community group located in the Kilnenor/Ballyfad area and we are looking to recruit new members. Annual membership €20 per year. The fee will cover you for insurance for group participation on historical day trips. To make the tours viable we need numbers for mini bus/coach hire. Our AGM will be on 24th March in the May Byrne Trust House, Coolgreany at 8pm and if interested, please attend or feel welcome to contact any committee member. You wont be required to attend meetings but you will be notified by email or phone of upcoming day trips
Many thanks
Heather Stephens
0870506280

Address

May Byrne Trust House
Coolgreany
Y25X592

Telephone

085 7753 772

Website

http://oldkilnenor.com/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Old Kilnenor Historical Society posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.