Portlaw Heritage Centre

About the museum

Portlaw is a planned industrial village in County Waterford, built in the 19th century by the Malcomson family around a large cotton mill. For almost two centuries the factory complex shaped the village, first as a cotton mill and then, in the 20th century, as a tannery that closed in 1985.

The Portlaw Heritage Centre was founded in 2005 to build an archive of the industrial, social and cultural history of the village. In 2006 the group renovated the old dispensary building, which was once part of the Malcomson village, as its permanent home. The exhibition is upstairs, under the unusual “Portlaw Roof”, a curved ceiling of trellised softwood frames that were once covered with tarred calico.

The displays use photographs, documents and artefacts to tell the story of the two industries and of the impact of the First World War on the community, and they include everyday objects such as tools, lamps and ceramic hot water bottles. The centre also keeps cotton mill and tannery records, product catalogues, leather samples and militaria. Volunteers give guided walks around the village streetscape, and schools and groups are welcome by arrangement.

Highlights

• Exhibition on the Malcomson cotton mill and the tannery
• The curved “Portlaw Roof” in the old dispensary building
• Archive of mill and tannery records and leather samples
• Guided village walks by volunteers
• Free admission

Permanent exhibition

• Portlaw heritage exhibition – Photographs, documents and artefacts tell the story of Portlaw’s cotton mill and tannery and of the village during the First World War.

Founded

2005

Operated by

Portlaw Heritage Group

Admission & discounts

Admission is free.

Admission is free.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible: not available
• Elevator: not available
• Accessible restroom: no information
• Accessible parking: no information
• 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

Because of the age and design of the building, there is no wheelchair access to the upper floor where the exhibition is.

Kids & families

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Getting there & parking

The centre is in George’s Street in the village of Portlaw.

Amenities & dining

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit