Milford Tannery Carlow
By Dan Carbery
Milford is a beautiful place on the river Barrow about five miles south of Carlow town. The mills complex at Milford was built in 1790. A 19th century traveller was lavish in his praise for Milford. His observations were published in The Carlow Sentinel of October 8th 1836.
“To drive along the Barrow to Milford the residence of John Alexander Esq. is extremely beautiful following the course of the river. No place in the country afforded us more gratification than the grounds and estate of Mr. Alexander.”
The mills on the banks of the Barrow consisted of three immense buildings, one for malting barley, the others for grinding wheat and corn.
We read in The Carlow Post of November 11th 1862 that fire destroyed the flour mills at Milford but extensive malt houses adjoining were saved.
On June 24th 1891 the large water wheel was set in motion once again, not to grind corn but to drive a dynamo to generate electricity. The current was carried by cables on poles along the bank of the river to service Carlow town.
The tannery was established in the main building in 1940’s by Kennedy O’Brien leather merchant who had offices at North Frederick St. Dublin. He was friendly with Michael Wall of Clogrennane Limeworks who told him about the vacant buildings at Milford.
Tom, son of Kennedy O’Brien came to Carlow to manage the tannery. He was a very fine rugby player with Bective Rangers and Leinster. Towards the end of his career he played with Carlow rugby club.
The tannery obtained sheepskins from all over Ireland. Oliver’s of Haymarket, Carlow town were a large supplier. Top class light leather was produced and supplied to shoe factories throughout the country. They also exported leather including chamois to the U.K. and U.S.A. At its peak production over 100 people were employed so it had a large impact on the area surrounding Milford.
The tannery operated successfully through the 1950’s and used the railway station nearby (now closed) to transport goods. The plentiful supply of water and lime locally was a great asset to the location for a tannery. Unfortunately the tannery was destroyed by fire in July 1965 one hundred and three years after the previous disaster mentioned above.
The hub of industry no longer disturbs the peace and Milford is now a place of tranquillity frequented by fishermen and artists. The weir and bridge are one of the most popular subjects for local artists.
View at Milford Weir June 2006. Photo Dan Carbery
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