Aughrim, Co.Wicklow is known as Aughrim of the O’Byrnes (Eachdhruim Uí Bhroin). It is situated 80km south of Dublin and 13km inland from Arklow. The name Aughrim has been in existence since 1500. The Irish name ‘Eachdhruim’ is translated as ‘the horse’s ridge’.

Aughrim is famous for its granite and is often referred to as “The Granite City” due to the large amount of local buildings constructed using granite. Granite was quarried extensively in the townsland of Tinnakilly until 1952. In 1934, a consignment of 450 tonnes of cut granite was exported for the foundations of the Cathedral in Liverpool. It was hoped at that time to obtain the full contract but due to a trade dispute at Liverpool docks, a lesser quality granite from Devon was used. A fine example of Tinnakilly granite can be seen at Templerainey Catholic Church in Arklow. Tinnakilly granite was also used in the Shannon Hydro-Electric Scheme in the 1920’s at Ardnacrusha. It came highly recommended by the state geologist due to its low porosity. Many of the original stone masons were from Wales and settled in Aughrim. Their descendants still live in the Aughrim area, with names such as Evans, Ellis and Fenton.

Aughrim is steeped in history and many historical figures had a close connection with Aughrim and the surrounding areas. In 1798 General Joseph Holt of the United Irishmen was engaged in a battle with Hunter Gowen of the Crown forces at Rednagh Bridge on the edge of Aughrim.

Billy Byrne of Ballymanus and Michael Dwyer of Glen of Imaal were other figures from the area associated with the 1798 rising. A commemorative memorial was erected in the centre of Aughrim village in 1998 to honour the memory of those involved in the 1798 rebellion.

One of the best remembered local figures was Anne Devlin who was born in Cronebeg (1778-1851). She was a niece of Robert Emmet and helped plan the 1803 rebellion while she was his “housekeeper”. After the rising she was arrested and tortured but she refused to identify any insurgents and was imprisoned in Kilmainham Gaol for three years. A marble plaque was erected in her honour and can be seen on the bridge in Aughrim next to the Market Square House.

A factor that was very influential in the growth of Aughrim was the construction of the railway line in 1864. It served the areas of Aughrim, Ballinglen, Tinahely and Shillelagh and met the Dublin-Wexford rail line at Woodenbridge. The construction of the single platform station in Aughrim cost £490. Cutbacks due to coal shortages during the Emergency (second world war) saw the branch to Shillelagh close in 1944. The intention was to re-open the line after supplies improved, however this closure was made permanent in 1945 for passenger traffic and in 1952 for goods.