Kilnamartyra

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Kilnamartyra
Irish: Cill na Martra
County Cork

Cill na Martra
Location
Grid reference: W253726
Location: 51°54’1"N, 9°4’57"W
Data
Local Government

Kilnamartyra is a small village in County Cork, located around half-way between Killarney and Macroom.[1]

The name is from the Irish Cill na Martra, meaning 'church of the martyr', or 'Church of the relic'.[2]

History

The Irish St Lachtin is believed to have found a monastery in the area in the 8th century, and the village name of Church of the relic likely refers to him, while the well known Shrine of Saint Lachtin's Arm, now in the National Museum of Ireland, may have originate from the area and once have contained portions of his arm bones.[3][4]

Industry

Kilnamartyra has been home to the Prince August Toy Soldier factory since 1976. Founded by the Swedish couple Lars and Gunilla Edman, they manufacture and sell a range of military and fantasy figurines and home-making kits, and have established a popular local visitors Centre. At one point, the company employed almost 40 people.[5][6]

References

  1. Keogh, Jackie. "Wet, Wet, WET! West Cork counts cost of third major flood in a fortnight". The Southern Star, 31 August 2020. Retrieved July 31 2021
  2. Cill na Martra / Kilnamartyra: Placenames Database of Ireland
  3. Synnott, Chris. "Artefacts from Blarney in the National Museum". Blarney and District Historical Society. Retrieved 3 October 2021
  4. Crawford, Henry. "A Descriptive List of Irish Shrines and Reliquaries. Part I". The Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, 6th series, volume 13, no. 1, June 1923. JSTOR 25513282
  5. O'Keeffe, Donal. "Beloved toy soldier factory to reopen in North Cork on Monday". Irish Examiner, 15 May 2021. Retrieved 30 July 2021
  6. Quinlan, Áilín. "Building an army in Kilnamartyra". Irish Examiner, 13 August, 2013. Retrieved 1 august 2021