Explore Ireland's Model Industrial Village - Portlaw Co Waterford

Portlaw holds a unique place in the landscape of planned industrial towns in Ireland. For almost two centuries the factory complex built by the Malcomson’s has provided a backdrop to the village, firstly as a mill in the 19th century and then as a tannery in the 20th century. The importance of Portlaw in the industrial history of Ireland, as well as the Malcomson’s links to shipbuilding, cannot be underestimated and the development of the village plays a part in that story. Portlaw was a social experiment as well as industrial village. The story of the worker housing, the forms of social insurance for workers who became ill and the approach to savings and temperance provide a fascinating insight into the 19th century social world of the village. Portlaw is a unique design with a Baroque layout of triangular blocks of housing leading to an open space and direct to the factory gates. The houses had a distinct roof design; known as the Portlaw Roof, one of the most striking architectural features in the built environment. There are many large houses in the area linked with the Malcomsons, as well as the attraction of the large demesne at Curraghmore. We will have a photographic display upstairs of tannery life and encourage former employees so come along and share your own stories. Why not take the opportunity to come along and explore the village and its surroundings during Heritage Week. All events are free.

Heritage Week Opening Hours
Saturday 16 August, 2.30pm – 4.30pm
Wednesday 20 August, 2.30pm – 4.30pm
Friday 22 August, 2.30pm – 4.30pm
Saturday 23 August, 2.30pm – 4.30pm
We welcome any former workers from the tannery period to call to in and share stories on Saturday 23 August as we mark the 40th anniversary of the closure of the tannery.

Guided Walks
Sunday 17 August @ 2pm Loop Walk
Explore the different aspects of the village taking in stories of the people, the buildings and the relationship with the demesne at Curraghmore.
Heritage Centre will be open after the walk.
Sunday 24 August @ 2pm Village Walk
Walk through the streets of the village exploring the foundations of our modern village taking in the social and industrial landscapes.
Heritage Centre will be open after the walk.