Some Galway Industries

By Samuel J. Maguire

Ship Building and the Minervia

Burke's Connaught Journal, Monday, November 28th 1791. "Last Saturday, the Ship Minervia, burthen about 400 tons the property of Messrs. Walter and John Burke, was launched from the building yard on the Quay, amidst several thousands of spectators, who arrived from different parts of the country, to enjoy the pleasing sight of the largest ship that has ever been constructed here. The Vessel was launched with facility and safety, through the skill of Mr. Fairhurst, the Master builder, from Liverpool, which added to the satisfaction of the spectators, who were very anxious for the event, as many families were maintained by the employment which the construction of the Minerva procured for them".

Leather-Cutter, Boot and Shoe Maker

"Thomas Nuttall, Leather-Cutter, Boot and Shoe maker at the Main-Guard, Galway, informs his friends and the public that the partnership between him and the Widow Holleran has dissolved. He has now for sale every article in his line, on the lowest term (for ready money only) at his wholesale and retail warehouse. He assures the public that the charges made against him by the employers to the journeymen is unjust and merely to hurt him in his trade, wherefore, he offers a reward of five guineas to any person or persons who can prove the person or persons who have made the said accusations; he can produce the journeymen to whom he paid 18d. per pair for men's shoes, and 3s. 91/2d for boots two years ago, at which time they also turned out; at present he will give 4s. per pair to two good bootmen".

Imports and Exports in the Early 1800s

By 1820 the trade of Galway tended to decline. The import of wine had ceased as also had the provision trade. The corn trade, however, developed rapidly from 1805 - the annual export amounted to about 6,000 tons. Approximately 3,000 tons of kelp reached the port for export apart from what was used locally in the manufacture of linen.

Imports consisted of flaxseed, timber (largely Swedish and Norway plank and deals), Russian hemp and tallow, Swedish and English iron, steel, coal, etc.

Mills of All Sorts

The principal industry was flour. In 1790 there were two flourmills in the town and the number rose by the middle of the century to twenty-three. The quantity of wheat ground and dressed averaged 12,000 tons yearly. There were in addition six oat-mills, two malt-mills and three fulling-mills. A bleach-mill and green in Nun's Island was closed down in 1830. An extensive paper mill for the manufacture of all kinds of paper, was in operation in Mill Street.

Breweries

Newcastle had quite a large brewery as also had Madeira Island at Parkavera. Joyce owned and worked a distillery at Newtownsmith.