Page 84 - GAHS Journal Volume 9

WICKLOW'S INDUSTRIAL HISTORY

Carnew had a malt house, two snuff and tobacco
manufactories, and a small brewery.

Delgany had a small manufacturing business of straw
plat and nets; and about three miles to the south of Bray
Head, on a low rocky point, was the small fishing hamlet
called the Greystones.

Near Donoughmore, at Knocknamunion, was a factory
for making blankets and frieze.

At Rathdrum, the manufacture of flannel was carried on
to such an extent that the Irish government deemed it
necessary to appoint a seller of flannels to superintend it,
under whom were a deputy and eight sworn meters, who
resided in the town. A flannel-hall was erected in 1793, at
an expense of £3,500, by the late Earl Fitzwilliam, who
received a toll of 2d on every piece of 120 yards, which
produced on an average about £300 per annum: the trade
continued to flourish so long as the protecting duties on
Irish woollens were maintained, but on their repeal, it
declined rapidly and was, in 1837, nearly extinct. The few
pieces then made were purchased by the shopkeepers in
the town.

The manufacture of woollen cloth also flourished there but
owing to the same causes had declined from 1825 and
was also extinct.

A large factory at Greenane, on the Avonbeg, was burnt
down during the disturbances in 1798. There were two
breweries in the town.

In Shillelagh, adjoining the village, were extensive flour,
carding, and bone mills, and a bleaching green. At

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