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About Blessington

Blessington, historically known as Ballycomeen. It is a town situated on the River Liffey in County Wicklow, Ireland. With a population which numbered at over 5.000 following the census of 2011, Blessington is a place which sits neatly as both a contemporary bustling community as well as a gateway to the hills and uplands of County Wicklow and Ireland’s Ancient East.

Blessington’s long and rich history is evidenced by Bronze Age discoveries such as the Blessington gold lunula, now in the British Museum.

A litte bit of History

Historic buildings include St Mary’s Church which was built in and around 1683, having been financed by Archbishop Boyle. The church is known to home the oldest complete set of bells in Ireland. The six bells date to 1682 and were cast by James Bartlet.

Russborough House, situated 5  km south of Blessington. It was built by the Leeson family, Earls of Milltown.

Today, Russborough is open to the public and includes gardens and woodlands, a museum, a café, as well as hosting live events such as concerts and exhibitions.

Downshire monument

The Downshire monument commemorates the coming of age in 1865 of Arthur Hill. He inherited the estate on the death of his father and became the fifth Marquis of Downshire.

Downshire Monument in Blessingon Square, discover History

The Ulster Bank was built in 1830 and used as an Inn, while around the corner on the Kilbride Road was the Parish Schoolhouse. It was built around 1820 by the third Marquis of Downshire as a girl’s school

girls by the lake, green sunny, spring, nature, family walks

Poulaphouca Reservoir,.

Poulaphouca Reservoir, also known locally as the Blessington Lakes, was created when the waterfall at Poulaphouca on the River Liffey was dammed by the ESB for a hydroelectric plant.
After the valley was flooded, the new lakes covered over 5,000 acres. The lakes and surrounding mountains are a unique and picturesque location which draw tourists, sightseers and walkers from all around the world

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