Page 82 - GAHS Journal Volume 9

WICKLOW'S INDUSTRIAL HISTORY

Cloth

The flannel and frieze manufactures were formerly of
considerable extent, the chief market for their produce
being Rathdrum, where a handsome flannel-hall was
erected by the late Earl Fitzwilliam, but they had, by 1837,
entirely declined, and their only vestige was the
manufacture of a little frieze for domestic use.

Fishing

In 1837 the principal fishery was that for herrings at
Arklow, which had much declined. They were also taken
by a few fishermen at different places along the coast, but
the extension of this branch of industry was checked by
the lack of safe harbours for the boats. Oysters were also
taken at Arklow and carried to Liverpool and Dublin.

Exporting

From Samuel Lewis’s 1837 description:

"The trade of the county consisted chiefly in the
exportation of its agricultural and mineral produce, and in
the importation of the various supplies of foreign articles
and manufactured goods necessary for its inhabitants.
Although Dublin is a principal market for the northern part
of the county, Wicklow is a very improving port, where
there are several stores; and grain and cattle are sent
from the southern part of the county to New Ross. This
branch of the trade is entirely carried on by ordinary land
carriage, as the county is devoid of river or canal
navigation, or rail-road communication.

The rivers are numerous, but their courses rapid and

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