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Kerry Woollen Mills (5 Minute Drive)

17th Century Historical Mill

About Historical Kerry Woollen Mills

The 17th-century Kerry Woollen Mills, situated on the beautiful Ring of Kerry on Ireland’s Atlantic coast, has been creating fabrics and yarn from fine wool for over 300 years. Remaining faithful to the traditions of its founders, today’s Mill takes advantage of up-to-date weaving technology, marrying tradition with contemporary styling for today’s discerning customers in Ireland and overseas.

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Company History:

Kerry Woollen Mills is one of the last surviving traditional woollen mills still manufacturing in the beautiful Kerry countryside. Established over 300 years ago to alleviate local poverty the mill drew on the adjacent River Gweestin for the power to drive its machinery and the water to wash and dye its wool. The mill was bought over by the Eadie family in 1904 who had previously been in the woollen manufacturing business for many years in Fermangh and Scotland and continues under the fourth generation of family ownership to this day.

The mill is set in a rural location with many of the three hundred year old buildings still standing and functional! The machinery has of course changed many times over the years!

Why Choose Kerry Woollen Mills?

Today the company focuses on serving niche markets with products from natural fibres in classic and traditional styles & colours. In such a rapidly changing world our customers get from Kerry Woollen Mills products that will last, give warmth & pleasure and link them to our natural heritage and long established skills.

The Gap of Dunloe

The Gap of Dunloe is a narrow mountain pass forged between the MacGillycuddy Reeks and Purple Mountain by glacial flows. The river running through the gap is the river Loe from where the Gap gets it's name. The Gap begins at Kate Kearney's Cottage. The road, narrow in many places, winds through the pass and descends into The Black Valley passing five lakes, Coosaun Lough, Black Lake, Cushnavally Lake, Auger Lake and Black Lough. Within easy walking distance from Kate Kearney's cottage is a picturesque old bridge known as the 'Wishing Bridge'. It is said that wishes made here really do come true!

The Gap is approximately 11 km from north to south. You can hire a jaunting car (horse drawn wagon) to travel through the Pass and take a boat back to Killarney from Lord Brandon's cottage at the other end. It makes a good challenging day's exercise by bicycle. You could travel the opposite direction by taking a boat ride from Ross Castle in Killarney with your bike to Lord Brandon's Cottage and cycle back through the Gap to Kate Kearney's cottage.

Ballymalis Castle

Situated on the banks of River Luane, Ballymalis Castle is one of the standard tower castles of County Kerry. It is positioned about 4 miles from Killorglin on the road side, in the south towards main Killarney road. Presently, the Ballymalis Castle is a ruin and demensed in the form of a dispersed farmland with river Laune flowing at its edge. The castle has been named after a ford, which is located across the River Laune.

This majestic tower house is believed to have been erected in the early 16th century by the O'Moriartys, which was a reputed clan of Ireland. The renovation of the castle in the late 16th century made it a home to the Ferris family, which was believed to be the guardian of the Line of the Laune. Murrough McOwen Ferris was the sole proprietor of the entire estate during the era. In 1677, this magnificent manor was annexed and was granted to the Eagars.

Until the 19th century, the power and control of the castle was under Thomas Eager. During the mid of the century, he exchanged some adjoining Muckross lands with Edward Herbert for those of Ballyhar. Thomas' younger son, John Eager was then sent to Ballyhar, whereas his elder son James Eager lived in the premises of this majestic monument. The castle, at the same time, was a home to Robert Hilliard, which caused its split into two. This rectangular tower house has been partly restored and today is reckoned for its alluring historic features.

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