Landmarks of the Industrial Landscape

Warehouse at Mill Lane , Birr

Milling was an important employer in the town throughout the nineteenth century. There were two mills in the town, and one on the outskirts at Elmgrove . All used the water of the Camcor to drain their mill wheels. The larger of the three located on Brendan Street had its own mill race constructed. This mill thrived in the early part of the nineteenth century but declined in the later part due to competition from America. Associated with this mill are the warehouses of Mill Lane

Warehouse at Mill Lane , Birr

Warehouse at Mill Lane , Birr

Milling was an important employer in the town throughout the nineteenth century. There were two mills in the town, and one on the outskirts at Elmgrove . All used the water of the Camcor to drain their mill wheels. The larger of the three located on Brendan Street had its own mill race constructed. This mill thrived in the early part of the nineteenth century but declined in the later part due to competition from America. Associated with this mill are the warehouses of Mill Lane

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Birr developed into a thriving town by the beginning of the 19th century. The industries traditionally associated with Birr are distilling, milling and the woollen industry. The situation of Parsonstown on the River Camcor provided the water source needed for these industries.

Some of the imposing buildings erected at this time survive to this day although most are now in a dilapidated condition. The warehouse building seen here on the left was used as a grain store at Mill Lane.

Distilling at Castle Street

Built c.1800, on the banks of the Camcor river by the Robinson family, this distillery was producing 70,252 gallons per year of whiskey by 1832. This was one of three distilleries in the town, the others located at Elmgrove and Moorpark. Robinson's distillery in Castle Street closed as a distillery in 1848. Afterwards the buildings were used by the Wallace Williams company for barley malting.

Distilling at Elmgrove

View of Elmgrove Distillery

View of Elgrove Distillery on river Camcor near Birr County Offaly

View of Elmgrove Distillery

View of Elmgrove Distillery

View of Elgrove Distillery on river Camcor near Birr County Offaly

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This was the smaller of the two distilleries situated on the outskirts of the town. It suffered from competition from America and was closed down by 1890.