|
The History of Bunratty Creamery
......................................................................................................
| 1804c |
It is probable that the building was built about 1804, when the old Bunratty Bridge was first completed. It was part of the Bunratty Castle Estate, which at different periods, belonged to the O’Brien, Amory Studdert & Russell families. It was used initially as a grain store & fronted on to Bunratty Fairgreen. |
| |
|
| 1825c |
Lease of the building taken by Charles Bianconi (1786-1875), an Italian born businessman, who successfully set up a nationwide horse drawn coach network. Bunratty was a stop on the Limerick/Ennis route. |
| |
|
| 1870c |
With the arrival of railways, Bianconi’s business declined, eventually ceasing completely & the coach stop building was again used as a grain store. |
| |
|
| 1927 |
The premises was leased by Mr. Russell, the owner of Bunratty Castleto The Bunratty Creamery Co-Op, the chairman being Rev. Fr. Wallace.The first manager was PJ Cahill. |
| |
|
| 1942 |
The Russell Family renewed the lease to the co-op, John Leahy was appointed manager. |
|
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| 1962 |
Butter production ceased, but milk collection continued. |
| |
|
| 1963 |
The building was purchased by Bunratty Co-op Creamery. |
| |
|
| 1975 |
The entire business was taken over by Ballyclough Creamery Co-op. |
| |
|
| 1976 |
Milk collection ceased at Bunratty & the building was used as a retail outlet for hardware goods & fertilisers by Ballyclough Co-op. |
| |
|
| 1990 |
Mitchelstown & Ballyclough Co-op merged, forming Dairygold Co-op Society Ltd. They took over ownership of the building. |
| |
|
| 1997 |
The building was purchased by Tony & Pat Fitzpatrick, who have restored the building for use as a Pub/Restaurant – opened in 1999. |
| |
|
| 2002 |
In June of this year Noel Ryan & David Lang purchased The Creamery from the Fitzpatrick Brothers. |
| |
|
|
|
|
|