Mountmellick
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Mountmellick | ||
| Location | ||
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| Irish Grid Reference N449076 |
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| Statistics | ||
| Province: | Leinster | |
| County: | County Laois | |
| Population (2006) | 4,137 | |
| Website: www.mountmellick.net | ||
Mountmellick (Móinteach Mílic in Irish) is a town in the north of County Laois in the Republic of Ireland. It was a significant industrial town before the Famine of the mid-19th century., when it was known as "little Manchester". This was partly thanks to the Grand Canal, which flowed by the town. Mountmellick embroidery, also known as Mountmellick Lace, became one of the most popular forms of needlework during the 19th century. The local Museum displays original pieces of this craftwork.
Mountmellick was once the centre of a significant Quaker settlement in Ireland, and at the time of the Famine had 8,000 people. Famous families who left at this time include Pims, Bewleys and Dennys. There is still a Quaker population in the town, and a Quaker meeting house. The town has numerous examples of Georgian architecture and one of the finest examples of a Georgian square in Ireland.
The town is also known for its Christmas Tree, locally famous as being the biggest year-round Christmas tree in Europe and the second biggest in the world.
There are four primary schools (St.Josephs GNS and St. Patricks BNS are part of the one building, St Pauls NS on the Portlaoise Road and The Rock N.S. one mile out the Dublin road) the town and a Community School (located in the centre of the town opposite the mainsquare). The main industries are agriculture, light industry and brewing.
Mountmellick is also a town with a lot of sporting activity. The town club for gaelic football and hurling is Mountmellick GAA club while other gaelic football clubs are located outside the town in The Rock and Kilcavan. The Rev. Ian Paisley, who was born in the town, played for the local Gaelic football team with distinction in the 1940's.
