The article features Petra O’Flaherty, an eighth-generation stone mason and stone cutter from West Wicklow near the Blessington lakes. Petra and her brother, Killian, continue the family’s masonry work, tracing back through eight generations on her father’s side. Petra shares insights about her family’s history, involvement in stone masonry, and their migration for work. She discusses her training as both a stone mason and cutter, emphasizing her admiration for her instructor, Tom Little. Petra recounts her family’s deep roots in Ballyknockan, renowned as a ‘granite village’ where they work primarily with Ballyknockan granite, known for its use in Dublin’s significant buildings. Petra’s commitment to using locally sourced stone is highlighted, advocating for regional stone use to maintain authenticity and support the local industry. She details her current projects, from crafting gutter stones to the importance of safety gear in her work environment. Petra shares her affection for nature, mentioning visits to Glendalough, and expresses her desire to visit Petra, Jordan, a city of tombs and temples. The article captures Petra’s dedication to her craft, family heritage, and the importance of preserving local stone sources.