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According to Loeber (1994, 290-93) the ironworks was founded c. 1638 by Sir Thomas Wentworth. and was located at Ballard and Minmore, south of the village of Shillelagh. Price (1958, 339) refers to ‘An Exchequer Bill of 1697 recited an agreement of 1692 concerning “the forge in Sheelela then out of repair”, and another Exchequer Bill of 1715 dealt with the delivery of coal and wood to “the Ironworks at Ballyard commonly called and known by the name of the forge and furnace of Shylelagh”. The place where the forge was came to be called Shillelagh early in the 19th century: “Shillelagh village, formerly called The Forge from there having been extensive Iron works in it. In the east of Ballard townland” (O.S. Name Book, 1838). The site of the forge, according to local tradition, was close to the bridge at Shillelagh’. It continued in operation until 1756 and used both local and imported ore (Loeber 1994, 290-93). The precise location of this iron works within Ballard townland is unknown.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wicklow' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1997). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Compiled by: Jean Farrelly
Date of upload: 17 October 2012
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