Overview
Foxford sits on the banks of the River Moy, 16 km south of Ballina in County Mayo. Flanked by the Ox and Nephin mountain ranges, the town is a gateway to some of Ireland’s finest salmon‑fishing waters, sweeping lake‑shore scenery and a rich industrial heritage anchored by the Foxford Woollen Mills. Whether you’re chasing a bite of Atlantic salmon, tracing the steps of Argentine naval hero Admiral William Brown, or simply soaking up the bustle of the Saturday market, Foxford delivers a compact yet varied Irish experience.
History
The town’s modern identity grew out of the vision of Mother Agnes Morrogh Bernard, a Sister of Charity who founded a convent and a water‑powered woollen mill in 1892. The mill was deliberately created to provide local employment and stem the tide of emigration that had long affected Mayo. Its hand‑woven blankets, rugs and tweeds quickly gained a reputation that still endures today. The original mill building now houses a visitor centre, café and retail space.
Foxford also boasts a surprising international link: Admiral William Brown, born in the town in 1777, founded the Argentine Navy and is celebrated as a national hero in Argentina. A bust on Chapel Road, the Admiral Brown Heritage Trail and the small museum‑style Admiral Brown Centre commemorate his legacy; a replica of his sword is worn by Argentine admirals on ceremonial occasions.
Literary heritage is represented by poet‑playwright F. R. Higgins (1896–1941), whose work is honoured each May with a local festival.
What to See & Do
Foxford Woollen Mills Visitor Centre
The Woollen Mills are the town’s flagship attraction. A free 20‑minute self‑guided tour takes you through the original 19th‑century mill, the modern working factory and the on‑site café. The adjoining store showcases blankets, tweeds, scarves and a range of handcrafted gifts. For food lovers, the Foxford Café, set in the historic pattern room, serves seasonal dishes with vegan, vegetarian and gluten‑free options. There is a small car park beside the mill (free for visitors).
Walking the Foxford Way
The 86‑km Foxford Way circles the town, linking the Ox Mountains, bogland, archaeological sites and lake shores. Popular loop sections include:
- Foxford Way Loop (33 km) – a challenging ridge walk with panoramic mountain views.
- Larganmore Loop – gentle country lanes and bog tracks, suitable for families.
- Callow Loop – passes Callow Lake and offers lakeside vistas.
- Shanwar‑Belgarrow Loop – showcases the dramatic contrast between the Nephin and Ox ranges. All routes are way‑marked; the Larganmore Loop is the most wheelchair‑friendly.
River Moy Fishing & Foxford Rocks
The River Moy is internationally famed for Atlantic salmon. Anglers can obtain daily, weekly or seasonal licences from local outlets, and a ghillie service is readily available. The stretch known as Foxford Rocks features a series of well‑constructed pools (Bridge, Flag, Eel Weir, Ford, Blackrocks) that provide excellent fly‑fishing opportunities with both wading and bank fishing. Nearby Lough Conn and Lough Cullin are popular for brown trout.
Admiral William Brown Heritage Trail
Follow the newly launched trail that weaves through the town centre, past the bust on Chapel Road, the Brown Memorial Hall (1930) and the modest white‑washed cottage on Providence Road where Brown was born. Interpretive panels tell the story of his naval victories and his enduring fame in Argentina.
Michael Davitt Museum (Straide)
A short 5‑km drive brings you to the Michael Davitt Museum in the restored 13th‑century Straide Abbey. The museum houses documents, photographs and personal items of the Irish Land League founder, together with an audio‑visual presentation and guided tours (open 10:00‑18:00, April‑October).
Hennigan’s Open Farm & Heritage Centre
A 3‑mile drive brings you to this living museum of rural life. The thatched house, original farmhouse and themed farm animals illustrate the barter and meitheal systems that sustained generations of Mayo families.
Cultural Events
- Foxford RiverFest (late summer) – live music, river‑bank markets, kayak displays and family‑friendly activities.
- Foxford Traditional Weekend (mid‑October) – a celebration of Irish music, song and dance held in local pubs and community halls.
- Murder‑Mystery Break – a guided storytelling experience that lets visitors solve a fictional crime on the banks of the Moy.
- Art Studio Sessions – occasional water‑colour and sketching workshops held in a local studio overlooking the river.
Local Pubs & Dining
- Guiry’s Bar – traditional Irish pub overlooking the Moy, known for its Rambling House music nights.
- The Moy Hotel – offers comfortable rooms, a restaurant and a bar with a view of the river.
- The Old Salt Coffee – a cosy café perfect for a mid‑walk caffeine boost.
Saturday Market
Every Saturday, Foxford Woollen Mills hosts a market from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. Fresh produce, homemade cakes, cheese, jams and local crafts are sold directly by growers and artisans.
Accommodation
- The Mayfly Hotel – recently refurbished, the hotel sits on the River Moy and provides easy access to the Woollen Mills, the Foxford Way and fishing spots. Rooms range from standard to deluxe, and the on‑site restaurant serves locally sourced dishes.
- The Moy Hotel – offers comfortable rooms and a bar with river views; a good base for walkers and anglers.
- Bed & Breakfasts – several family‑run B&Bs are scattered around the village, many of which provide homemade breakfasts and parking.
Practical Information
Getting There
- By road: The N26 runs through Foxford, linking Ballina and Swinford. A new link road (2005) eases traffic between the N26 and N58.
- By rail: Foxford railway station sits on the Manulla Junction‑Ballina line; services connect to the Westport‑Dublin Heuston route. The station opened in 1868, closed in 1963 and reopened in 1988.
- By air: Knock International Airport (NOC) is 21 km north‑west of the town, offering flights to major UK and Irish cities. Shannon (SNN) and Galway (GWY) are also within driving distance.
- Car hire: Major hire firms operate out of Dublin (≈201 km) and Knock.
Opening Hours & Admission
| Attraction | Opening Hours | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Foxford Woollen Mills Visitor Centre | Open year‑round (check website) | Free 20‑minute tour |
| Foxford Woollen Mills Market (Sat) | Sat 10:00‑14:00 | Free entry |
| Michael Davitt Museum (Straide) | 10:00‑18:00, Apr‑Oct | Free entry |
| Hennigan’s Open Farm | Varies seasonally – contact centre | Free entry |
| Parking at Woollen Mills | Free car park adjacent to the mill (capacity ~30 cars) | – |
Contact Details
- Foxford Woollen Mills: +353 94 925 6104 – info@fwm.ie – https://www.foxford.com/
- Tiernan Brothers (Fishing guides): +353 94 92 56731 – info@themoy.com
- Michael Davitt Museum: 094 903 1022 – davittmuseum@gmail.com
Accessibility
The Woollen Mills Visitor Centre provides wheelchair‑friendly access, multilingual audio guides and a flat‑floor layout. Walking routes vary in difficulty; the Larganmore Loop is suitable for families and less‑abled walkers, while the Foxford Way Loop includes some steep sections.
Latitude & Longitude
- Foxford Woollen Mills: 53.9821935, -9.1136052
Useful Links
- Foxford Woollen Mills Visitor Centre
- Admiral William Brown Heritage Trail
- Foxford Walks (Mayo County Council)
- River Moy Fishing Information
- Foxford RiverFest Facebook
- Foxford Traditional Weekend
Plan at least two days to fully experience Foxford’s blend of craft, nature and culture – a true micro‑cosm of County Mayo’s heritage.