School: St Brigid's Convent, Mountrath (roll number 13343)

On this page

1. Old Crafts

   

   Share Share Post

   An iron and metal foundry was perhaps Mountrath's greatest glory. it was still flourishing in the early 19th. century. Swords made at this foundry were used at the Battle of Waterloo 1815. The Duke of Wellington was a great friend of the then Lord Coote. The swords were sent down the Nore, and exported from Waterford. The neighbouring woods were cut down and the furnaces ceased working, through shortage of fuel. A bank of iron ore stretches still from Forest to Knockanina up to Dysartbeigh and down to Still-brook. Several spas of iron water are about this locality - hence name Spa Hill-.
   Two large three-legged pots (capacity 50 gals.) made at the metal foundry in Mountrath were recently sold at an auction in the town and bought by Mr. Hamilton, The Square, Mountrath.
   It is interesting to note that the "Barber's Penknife" - the ambition of every school-boy-was originally made at Mountrath by people of that name.

   (continues on next page)

   

   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Topics

   1. activities
      1. economic activities
         1. trades and crafts (~4,680)

   Language

   English

   Collector

   Aine Dunne

   Gender

   Female

   Address

   Mountrath, Co. Laois

   Informant

   Mr Thomas Dooley

   Gender

   Male

   Address

   Mountrath, Co. Laois