Arklow Heritage Museum To Hold Kynoch Factory Talk
For those interested in learning more about the Kynoch Factory and its legacy, local historian Michael Fitzgerald, a leading expert on the subject, will be delivering an illustrated talk at the Arklow Heritage Museum.
The talk will take place on Wednesday, March 5th, at 8:00 PM sharp at the Arklow Heritage Museum. Admission is free, but donations are welcomed to support the running of the museum.
Michael Fitzgerald has spent years researching Kynochs, uncovering its untold stories, impact on Arklow, and its global connections. This talk promises to be a fascinating journey into a chapter of Arklow’s past that many have never heard before.
It’s hard to believe that the area now home to the Bridgewater Centre, the running track, the Waste Water Treatment Plant, the Duck Pond, and the caravan park was once the site of the largest factory ever to operate in County Wicklow, the Kynoch Munitions Factory.
Opened in 1895, Kynochs originally produced explosives for the commercial mining industry. However, with the outbreak of the Second Boer War in South Africa, the factory shifted its focus to wartime munitions, a move that would have a profound impact on the town of Arklow.
Kynochs became a major employer in the area, attracting workers from across the country. But with its rapid expansion came significant risks; industrial accidents and deadly explosions were an unfortunate reality.
One of the most devastating events occurred in 1917 when a massive explosion shook the factory, raising questions about the safety and impact of munitions production in Arklow. The factory’s history is filled with intriguing stories, including:
- How many explosions have occurred over the years?
- What really happened the night of the 1917 disaster?
- Why were Kynoch employees exempt from conscription if it had been introduced?
- What is the connection between Kynochs and Umbogintwini?
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to delve into Arklow’s industrial past. Mark your calendars and be there on March 5th!
