Killian O'Flaherty
Stone carver
Ballyknockan, Ireland
A legacy carved in Irish stone
- Killian is an 8th-generation stonemason carrying forward his family heritage
- He seeks to preserve traditional Irish stonemasonry skills through contemporary work
- His workshop is based in Ballyknockan, Ireland's granite village
Killian O'Flaherty comes from a family with a long history in stonework, but his decision to pursue the craft came organically. “I was always surrounded by stone, but I only realised it was what I wanted to do while studying architecture,” he says. After his degree, Killian worked with his father, completed an apprenticeship and gained experience on prestigious restoration projects. Alongside architectural and monumental stonework, he is passionate about letter carving, sculpture making and collaborating with other craftspeople. Striving to make stone carving more inclusive, Killian mentored an American artisan through Homo Faber Fellowship, equipping her to teach and revitalise the craft back home.
INTERVIEW
As society evolves, I work to keep the stonemasonry traditions that my family began eight generations ago relevant. I see myself as a custodian of the craft, ensuring that working with stone retains its place and that skilled stonemasons continue to thrive both in Ireland and abroad.
My work and this place are intrinsically linked. It is not only where my workshop is, but where the stone comes out from the ground. The history of my village, Ballyknockan, also called the granite village, is directly connected to stone.
Having been an apprentice myself, I have trained several young craftspeople in my workshop. I consider education, my ability to share knowledge with those willing to learn, to be one of my most valuable skills. Homo Faber Fellowship will help me keep this craft alive in Ireland and beyond.
The most impactful experience was the very first day I met my mentor, Tom Little. He walked our class into the drawing room of the college workshop in Tralee and said, 'I am the water, and you are the sponge. It is up to you to soak it up.' That mindset will stick with me forever.
Killian O'Flaherty
Stone carver
Ballyknockan, Ireland
AVAILABILITY
Monday to Sunday 08:00-18:00
PHONE
+353 877659564
LANGUAGES
English
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