The Great Famine of 1845 – 1849 hit the County of Mayo hard, where nine tenths of the population is dependant on the blighted crop. In the years that follow, families devastated by the famine slowly began to rebuild their lives.

In 1982 and through the assistance of the Congested District Board with a considerable loan, work begins on the Mill. Mother Agnes knew providence would provide, and the power of the River Moy was harnessed to drive prosperity to the region.

In 1908, a tragedy occurs, and the working mill, which is the economic mainstay of the region, is burnt to the ground. Nothing but a shell of the building remained.

Ireland’s textile industry goes into financial decline and Foxford is not immune, going into receivership in the summer of 1987. With livelihoods in jeopardy, local business people come together to save the mill.

The Mill welcomes it’s 100,000th visitor!

The Convent of the Divine Providence is established in 1892 by Irish Sister of Charity Mother Agnes Morrogh-Bernard in the village of Foxford, County Mayo, on the River Moy.

The early years at Foxford were a struggle, but the faith of the Sisters and the diligence of the local people won out, and by the turn of the century, the mill had begun to thrive. Sisters and local people worked side by side, the mill was a success!

Foxford Mill becomes an integral part of the community with 220 craftspeople. Foxford stems the tide of emigration in the area and education levels are improved for the entire community.

Foxford celebrate the Centenary of the Mill and The Visitors Centre is opened by President Mary Robinson with great celebrations.

The Mill moves with the times. With the help of a new design team Foxford embrace contemporary homeware alongside their classic weaves.