The dramatic flooding of valleys on Kildare/Wicklow border is recalled in a special event

An exhibition based on a series of aerial photographs of the greater Blessington area, taken by the Irish Air Corps in May 1939 prior to the flooding of the upper Liffey and King’s River valleys, is taking place locally. 

In the intervening years the appearance of the landscape has been significantly altered by the flooding of the valleys following the construction of the dams at Poulaphuca and Golden Falls, by the forestry plantations and by the continuing spread of housing, commercial and industrial activities throughout the district.

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In May 1939 the Irish Air Corps took a series of over 50 aerial photographs of the upper Liffey and King’s River valleys in conditions of excellent visibility. 

These aerial photographs present a fascinating visual record of the area prior to the dramatic changes in the landscape from the 1940s.

There are aerial pictures of  Blessington, Ballyknockan, Lacken, Hollywood, Russborough and Russelltown, Ballinahown, Valleymount, Liffey and King’s rivers confluence at Baltyboys, Lugnagun, Baltyboys Lower and the construction of the dams at Poulaphuca and Golden Falls.

Blessington History Society is very interested to engage with local people whose families were affected by the flooding and who wish to share memories, images and artefacts from that time.

Before the Waters (the exhibition’s name) is presented by Blessington History Society with the support of Blessington Tourist Office and the cooperation of local historians and archaeologists. It’s a partnership project supported by Wicklow County Council and co- funded by the Heritage Council.

The exhibition runs until August 24 at the tourist office in Blessington.