Heritage Trail

The Mountmellick Heritage Trail is an opportunity to stroll through the town of Mountmellick and explore its historical and cultural depths. The trail takes the format of two circuits set in a figure of eight, which facilitates a looped walk encompassing the whole character of this intriguing town.

The trail begins at the Mountmellick Development Association Point 1. Here we look at the history of industry in Mountmellick. We also learn details of the origins of Mountmellick Work, an embroidery craft unique to the town.

O’Connell Square Point 2, is the focal point of the Heritage Trail. Here we learn of the Quakers influence on Mountmellick’s evolution, we learn of its history as a thriving industrial town and of its location as the gateway to the Slieve Bloom Mountains. A map highlights the attractions of the Slieve Blooms and gives information on it’s surrounding villages.

The influence of political history on Mountmellick is portrayed at Mountmellick’s Courthouse Point 3

Mountmellick’s 1798 monument Point 4 is a proud memorial to the Mountmellick patriots, hung for their part in the fight for Irish freedom during 1798 rebellion.

Graigue cemetery is the burial place for many of the architects of Mountmellick’s history Point 5. Here we detail burial places throughout the area.

At the CYMS Hall Point 6 we explore our neighbouring districts. These include the near by town of Portarlington and the villages of Emo and Coolbanagher.

The story of "The River, The Rock and The Ridge" Point 7 unfolds at the Catholic Church.

Walking to Irishtown, past the old workhouse, we bring our attention to the history of the great famine Point 8.

Points A to G mark the sites of:

(A) St Paul’s Church of Ireland

(B) The Mountmellick Masonic lodge

(C) The Presbyterian Church

(D) Mountmellick Community School

(E) The former Quaker Meeting House

(F) The Gideon Ouseley memorial Methodist Church

(G) St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church