Milford, County Donegal
Town in County Donegal, Ireland
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Milford or Millford, historically called Ballynagalloglagh (from Irish Baile na nGallóglach),[2] is a small town and townland in County Donegal, Ireland. It stands near the head of Mulroy Bay. The population at the 2022 census was 1,076.[1]
Milford
Baile na nGallóglach | |
|---|---|
Town | |
 | |
  Milford Location in Ireland | |
| Coordinates: 55°05′16″N 7°41′55″W | |
| Country | Ireland |
| Province | Ulster |
| County | County Donegal |
| Government | |
| • Dáil constituency | Donegal |
| Elevation | 68 m (223 ft) |
| Population | |
• Total | 1,076 |
| Time zone | UTC+0 (WET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-1 (IST (WEST)) |
| Area code | 075, +000 353 74 |
| Irish Grid Reference | C188267 |
The Tirconaill Tribune is headquartered here.[3]
History and name
Located north of Letterkenny, the town was founded in the 18th century by the Clement family. It was named after a mill that was located on Maggie's Burn on the edge of the town.[4]
The Irish Baile na nGallóglach means "town of the gallóglach". The gallóglaigh (anglicised 'gallowglass') were an elite class of mercenary warrior who came from Gaelic-Norse clans in Scotland between the mid-13th century and late 16th century. A battle between the Irish (helped by gallowglass) and the English took place on a hill in the townland and this is where the name comes from.
Amenities
The town once had two major employers: the Milford Bakery and Flour Mills and McMahons garage, but both are now long gone. There are now a post office, four supermarkets, a veterinary practice, three pubs, a health centre, a library with council offices, a fire station and fishing lakes.
The Gallowglass Community Centre was donated to the community and has been functioning since September 2023 as a venue for community events and classes.
There are four nearby beaches: Portsalon, Rathmullan, Downings, and Tramore. It is a feeder town to Letterkenny.
Education
There are a National School, Scoil Mhuire Milford; two secondary schools, Loreto Community School and Mulroy College; and an Adult Education Education and Training Board centre.
Administration
The Milford electoral area has 3 seats. In 2024 the following were elected to Donegal County Council.
- Declan Meehan (Independent)
- Pauric McGarvey (Independent)
- Liam Blaney (Fianna Fáil)
People
- Amber Barrett (born 1996) - Footballer, born in Milford
- Sean Ferriter (born 1938) - Gaelic footballer, born in Milford[5]
- Patsy Gallacher (1891-1953) - association footballer, born in Milford
- The Baron Hay of Ballyore (born 1950) - DUP politician based in Derry who previously served as the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly; born in Milford
Gallery
St. Peter's Church, usually known locally as 'the Chapel', the local Catholic place of worship.
Milford Health Centre
