Read on to learn a little of our History
Bleachfield - on the banks of the Abha Solais river was the centre of the flax growing industry as early as 1400 and gets it's name from the bleaching process, whereby the flax was spread out on the fields so that the sun would 'whiten' or 'bleach' the fibres. Milltown linen was much sought after and was exported to France and Spain, where it graced the houses of Royalty.

The Bistro is home to the Local History Library which documents the Story of Milltown, it's social history and local archaeology. It's the largest collection of local memorabilia including photographs, books, articles and displays.
Enjoy all this and more with a tasty lunch or simply tea and scones in front of a roaring fire.


See displays about
...Flax growing in Milltown
...The Prendergast Letters 1840-1850
In October 1845 James Predergast of Bleach Road, Milltown wrote to his children in Boston describing a blight that threatened the potato crop. That letter began a chronicle of the great famine from a Milltown perspective. The original letters are in the Burns Library, Boston.
...Part of the Father Browne photograph collection - taken on his visit to Milltown in 1946.

Read about
...The Farranfore to Valentia Island Railway
...Milltown's sporting and musical heroes including the Hanafin Brothers, William and Michael of Callinafercy who emigrated to America in 1890's. Their famous 'Shamrock Band' played in music halls the length and breadth of the American East Coast. A memorial sculpture was unveiled at Kilcolman Square in 2003. This square being the focal point for the World Bodhran Championships held yearly in the town.
...Killagha Abbey and the Presentation Convent and Monastery
...The Big House

Re-trace your Irish Ancestry
... Milltown’s oldest family names, O’Connell, McCarthy and O’Connor