 Quarrying in the slate quarries of Tullahought were predominant during the 19th century, with Samuel Lewis's 1837 "Topographical Dictionary of Ireland" recording that the "extensive quarry of slate of superior quality" employed "about 150 persons".A large community built up around the area which covers land in both Kilkenny and Tipperary.Tullahought shares its association with the quarries with the south Tipperary village of Ahenny, which claims the larger of the 3 lakes created by the quarrying of slate in the area.