1741 Monument in a spectacular setting 

The Killiney Obelisk was built in 1742 to commemorate what is described as ‘the Year of the Slaughter’ or Ireland’s forgotten famine. In 1740 there was an incredibly cold winter which was followed by a severe summer of rain and floods. This wiped out the crops and killed off livestock. The following winter was again BALTIC with temperatures not getting above minus 10 for a month. It was so cold that small vessels were destroyed by icebergs on the River Liffey, street lamps could not be lit plunging towns and villages into darkness and food riots were common throughout the land. Many of the oldest trees were also felled for fuel and sickness was common all over. Reports suggest that up to 480,000 may have people died during this forgotten famine.  A small number of rich landlords like John Malpas of Killiney Hill and Kathryn Connolly of Castletown House commissioned famine relief projects like this one to provide employment to destitute families. Ironically this monument now overlooks the wealthiest part of Ireland.