1841 – Gilford Mill, Gilford, Co. Down

“19th November, 1841, was a great day in Gilford when one of the most splendid soirees ever held in this part of the country took place at the Works of Messrs. Dunbar, McMaster & Co. In the reading room and library belonging to the establishment.” The Northern Whig

With the development of Gilford Mill, the village of Gilford grew exponentially. Gilford was at the heart of Ireland’s linen production and at its peak, Gilford Mill employed over 15,000 workers. In order to house the many workers of the mill, substantial amounts of housing was built around the village, some of which can be seen in the old photograh above.

Closed in 1986, at which time it employed a little over 160 people. The massive mill complex currently sits empty awaiting redevelopment.