Now converted into apartments, Allin’s Mill, or Midleton Mill, may stand on the site of the old monastic mill. it was established to supply grain to Cork and England in the 1820s in the wake of the Corn Laws.
About twenty people joined our tour of Midleton’s commercial and industrial heritage today at 2.30 pm. Starting at the Library (the Market House of 1789) we proceeded to Church Lane (site of the old butter market) then up Main Street to Old Bank House (former Munster Bank) and on to the Munster and Leinster Bank (now AIB). On the Clonmult Monument island we discussed the Fair Green, Allin’s mill, Hackett’s distillery and the railway from Cork to Youghal. Down the eastern side of Main Street we assembled in Connolly Street (former Charles St) to discuss the changing businesses in the town from 1824 to 1856 and then in 1881. This was followed by a stroll to the Pugin building (former Midleton Arms Hotel/McDaid’s pub), a look at Brodrick Street (site of Midleton Gasworks and JJ Coffey & Sons, builders), and into the former Coppinger’s brewery. Then at the entrance to Distillery Walk we examined Coppinger’s grain stores and the old distillery, previously Marcus Lynch’s wool factory of 1793). We finished up by discussing the first bank in Midleton (the National Bank of Ireland at the Rock, run by the Coppingers).
Despite the best efforts of Met Eireann to scare everyone off with horrible weather warnings, it turned out to be a lovely day for a walk – the best of the sunshine coming as we walked back down the Main Street.
I’d like to thank everyone who turned up today. You helped to kick off Heritage Week 2015 in Midleton in fine style! The vintage cars motoring to Carrigtwohill were an unexpected bonus!
Other events during the week include:
‘…a good market for flesh…and fish…’ – the Commercial and Industrial history of Midleton and Ballinacurra, 1608-1948. Public local history lecture, Wednesday, 26 August at 2.00pm in Midleton Library.
From Mainistir na Corann to Midleton, 1177-1670. Public local history lecture, Thursday, 27 August at 8.00pm in MyPlace, Midleton.
Discover the Commerical and Industrial Heritage of Midleton. Walking tour, Sunday, 30 August at 2.30pm. Meeting at the Library.
All welcome!
Midleton with 1 'd' 