VISITOR ATTRACTION: what’s new and what’s cool at Mayo’s Foxford Woollen Mills

Foxford Woollen Mills, established in 1892 by Sister Agnes Morrogh-Bernard, is one of Ireland’s oldest working mills, renowned for its high-quality woollen textiles and rich history of resilience against economic and social challenges. Situated in the scenic town of Foxford, County Mayo, the award-winning Visitor Centre and Store offers a blend of heritage, craftsmanship, and modern amenities, attracting over a quarter of am visitors since opening in 1992.

The Visitor Centre offers a free, self-guided multimedia tour (available in English, Irish, French, German, Italian, and Spanish), taking approximately 45–60 minutes. This tour recounts the mill’s founding by Sister Agnes, a Sister of Charity, to alleviate post-famine poverty, and its journey through depressions, recessions, and a fire, supported by an unlikely partnership with a Northern Protestant Orangeman. Visitors walk through the working mill, observing master craftspeople weaving throws, blankets, scarves, and furnishing fabrics on traditional looms. The tour highlights the blend of heritage techniques and modern designs by Irish designer Helen McAlinden, showcasing patterns like plaid, herringbone, and houndstooth. Interactive displays allow visitors to touch and feel textiles, with a multi-use AV screen providing insights into processes not always visible. Tours run Monday–Thursday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM, and Friday, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM, subject to holiday and maintenance closures; group bookings (up to 120 per hour) require 24-hour advance notice to avoid delays.
Foxford Store and Showroom: The airy, modern shop is a treasure trove of Irish-crafted homewares, including luxurious wool throws, scarves, baby blankets, bed linen, cushions, and furnishing fabrics, all woven on-site. The store also stocks unique, handcrafted jewellery by artisans like Michael, with standout items like Claddagh rings praised for their quality. Prices are considered premium but reflective of the craftsmanship, with items designed to last for generations and often purchased as heirloom gifts. Some visitors note a shift toward lifestyle retail with non-Irish brands like White Stuff, which has disappointed those seeking exclusively local souvenirs. Gift-wrapping is available, though experiences vary, with some staff going above and beyond while others have been less accommodating.
Foxford Café: Located on the second floor in the historic mill, the café, under chef Kathleen Lally (formerly of Ashford Castle), serves seasonal, locally sourced dishes, including homemade soups, salads, mains, and desserts, with gluten-free and vegan options. Highlights include falafel with beetroot chutney, classic lasagne, and coffee cake with intense flavor, though some find portions small or prices high (e.g., €32 for two salads, salmon, cakes, and coffees). Homemade jams, chutneys, salad dressings, brown bread, and scones are available to eat in or take away, with herbs sourced from the mill’s own garden. The café’s bright, contemporary ambiance, featuring historical maps and photos, is praised, though some note minor issues like plastic containers for chutney. Expect a 1.5–2-hour visit, combining the tour, shopping, and café. The mill’s setting beside the River Moy, with views of Nephin Mountain, adds charm, especially for cyclists and walkers on the Wild Atlantic Way. Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides, quality products, and welcoming atmosphere, earning a Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice award (top 10% of attractions). However, some criticise inconsistent customer service, outdated tour elements, or high prices, and accessibility issues have been noted, such as a lift marked “out of order” that was functional for some but not others. The mill is a must-visit for those interested in Irish heritage, textiles, and sustainable craftsmanship, though some feel it’s become more commercialised.

Amenities and Accessibility:

Hours: Open Monday–Saturday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; Sunday, 12:00 PM–5:00 PM. Tour times are limited to mill operating hours (Monday–Thursday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; Friday, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM).
Admission: Free for the self-guided tour; no additional entry fees.
Facilities: Free car parking, baby-changing facilities, free Wi-Fi, and a lift (though reliability has been questioned). Wheelchair access is available, but some areas will be challenging due to stairs or uneven surfaces.
Getting There: Located at Saint Joseph’s Place, Foxford, Co. Mayo, F26 N500, a 15-minute drive from Ballina, 25 minutes from Castlebar, and 45 minutes from Knock Airport. Bus Éireann route 22 (Dublin–Ballina) stops in Foxford, a 5-minute walk away. The mill is also accessible via the Great Western Greenway for cyclists.
Nearby Attractions: Combine with visits to the Michael Davitt Museum, Belleek Castle Museum, or the National Museum of Ireland – Country Life in Turlough Park, all within 30–45 minutes. Outdoor options include Belleek Forest Park or hiking trails near Foxford.

What’s New:

Spring 2025 Bedding Collection: Foxford has launched a new bedding collection, featuring the Claire Collection’s sophisticated elegance and the Lucy and Aoife collections for everyday charm. Designed with Irish heritage and modern aesthetics, these soft, airy linens aim to refresh homes for the new season, emphasizing comfort and renewal. Available in the store and online with free delivery over €95, this collection is a highlight, appealing to those seeking stylish, high-quality homewares.
Potential Tour Resumption: Guided tours were suspended due to COVID-19, with only self-guided multimedia tours available in recent years. For 2025, there’s an expectation that guided tours may resume, with updated interpretive displays or workshops, following Marcon Heritage’s 2017 fit-out that enhanced interactive elements. Visitors are advised to check www.foxfordwoollenmills.com or contact info@foxfordwoollenmills.com (+353 94 925 6104) for confirmation, as tours remain limited to mill operating hours (Monday–Thursday, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; Friday, 10:00 AM–1:00 PM).
Enhanced Café Offerings: The café continues to evolve, with a focus on seasonal, locally sourced menus., expect new dishes or specials reflecting West Ireland’s produce, possibly incorporating more herbs from the mill’s garden. The café’s reputation for quality, led by chef Kathleen Lally, suggests potential seasonal events, such as festive menus for Christmas 2025, building on the mill’s tradition of holiday gift shopping.
Sustainability and Community Focus: Foxford emphasizes sustainable craftsmanship, with 2025 likely to see continued efforts to promote eco-friendly practices, such as using local wool and herbs. The mill may introduce community-focused events, like craft workshops or artisan markets, to engage visitors and locals, following its resurgence in popularity with international fashion houses.

Practical Tips:

Preparation: Allow 1.5–2 hours for the tour, café, and shopping. Wear comfortable shoes for the mill tour, and bring a jacket for cooler months. Budget for premium-priced items if shopping.
Confirm lift availability if needed, as past reviews noted inconsistencies. Contact the mill for accessibility details.
Combine with Nearby Sites: Pair with a visit to Belleek Forest Park, the Michael Davitt Museum, or a cycle on the Great Western Greenway for a full Mayo experience.

Foxford Woollen Mills offers a captivating blend of Irish heritage, craftsmanship, and culinary delights, with the new Spring 2025 Bedding Collection and potential tour enhancements making it a must-visit destination in County Mayo for those seeking authentic, high-quality Irish textiles and a taste of local history