The Killarney Bank

This ‘bank’ does not appear to have ever been registered and, if the stories about are anything to go by, its lack of official registration is easily explained. The bank was run by one William Murphy – a saddler in the town of Killarney – and his notes were used as small change within the town and its environs.

Promissory Note

One British Shilling

Killarney, William Murphy, One British Shilling, 7 March 1797, signed by William Murphy

• The Killarney Bank (Proprietor: William Murphy)
  • Occupation: Saddler
• One British Shilling, dated 7th March 1797
  • Signed by William Murphy
  • 145 x 30mm
  • A few tiny holes, otherwise Fine (F)

Although the note states ‘I will give a Guinea Bank Note for Twenty one of these’, contemporary reports suggest this would have been most unlikely in practise.

See: O’Brien Banknote Guide: The Killarney Bank (William Murphy)