Foxford

Saying the Rosary, Foxford Woollen Mills

Reproduced with kind permission of Foxford Resources

Saying the Rosary, Foxford Woollen Mills

Saying the Rosary, Foxford Woollen Mills

Reproduced with kind permission of Foxford Resources

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Foxford, or Béal Easa (ford mouth of the waterfall), is situated on the River Moy and overlooked by the Ox Mountains to the north-east. The development of Foxford owes much to the Sisters of Charity, who established a convent there in 1891. Mother Morrogh-Bernard, the Mother Superior, started the famous Providence Woollen Mills a year later.

Selling the Wool

Selling the Wool. Reproduced with kind permission of Foxford Resources

Selling the Wool

Selling the Wool

Selling the Wool. Reproduced with kind permission of Foxford Resources

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The mill employed over 200 people in the 1930's. The Foxford mill conditions were described as among the best of the period. At the beginning of the twentieth century Scottish designer, Thomas Turnbull arrived at Foxford Woollen Mill. Turnbull was the first to introduce colour to the mill products. New colourful designed tweeds and plaid patterned rugs were added to the production of white bainín wool fabrics and white blankets.

Little handspinners at Foxford

Illustration taken from the Graphic, July 29th, 1905

Little handspinners at Foxford

Little handspinners at Foxford

Illustration taken from the Graphic, July 29th, 1905

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The Foxford Woollen Mills went into receivership in 1987 and was taken over by a wholly owned Irish Company that rationalised the working of the mill and accelerated the automation of the production process. The mill now specialises in weaving and finishing of quality wool products. Today, the Foxford Woollen Mills Visitors' Centre presents a history of the mill and life in the town through an ingenious and compelling tour.