Foxford Woollen Mills Visitor Centre

About the museum

Foxford Woollen Mills was founded in 1892 by an Irish nun, Mother Agnes Morrogh-Bernard, who wanted to bring better work and brighter homes to the town of Foxford on the River Moy. She partnered with John Smith, a Protestant mill owner from Tyrone, a link arranged with the help of the political leader Michael Davitt.

In its early decades the mill mainly made rugs and woven cloth, and at one time it wove the fabric for every Garda uniform in the state. It employed 220 people during its first 90 years. The mill closed in 1987, but a local accountant who acted as one of the receivers helped to keep it going, and it developed into the brand that makes wool throws, blankets and home textiles today.

The FOXFORD Experience is a short guided tour for individuals and groups that explains the history of the mill and shows how the throws are made. The café is in the heart of the original mill building, where old maps, building plans and photographs tell the story of the mill.

Highlights

• Guided FOXFORD Experience tour on the history of the mill and the making of wool throws
• Mill founded in 1892 by Mother Agnes Morrogh-Bernard
• Café in the original mill building, with historic maps, plans and photographs
• Flagship store of the Foxford brand

Permanent exhibition

• FOXFORD Experience – A guided tour that explains the history of the mill and the making of the Foxford throws.

Founded

1892

Operated by

Foxford Woollen Mills

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

The mill tour is listed as free of charge by the Mayo tourism website and requires booking.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The café on the first floor is accessible to all and has room for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Designated disabled parking spaces are close to the entrance.

Kids & families

• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

Baby-changing facilities are provided and the café has room for pushchairs.

Getting there & parking

The mill is in Foxford, on the banks of the River Moy, a convenient stop for cyclists and walkers.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop
• Wi-Fi

The café is in the original mill building and free Wi-Fi and charging points are available. The flagship store sells the Foxford range.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit