Portlaw

The town of Portlaw was built by the Malcomson Family as a model village for the workers of their cotton-spinning mills and was similar, though smaller in scale, to the town of New Lanark in Scotland.

The original street plan, which has largely survived, shows the lines of houses radiating from a central square, with one street leading off towards the factory complex. This layout, known as a polyvium, was taken from a European model. The nearby Curraghmore Estate, home of the Marquis of Waterford and his ancestors since the 12th century is set in beautiful parkland. The wooded approaches to the town show seasonal changes with some dramatic views.

Located close to the Limerick/Waterford artery, the N24, the town is also easily accessed from the Cork/Rosslare N25 route.

The River Clodiagh, runs through the town and the larger River Suir flows within a couple of miles.

Portlaw has seen an upsurge in residential development in recent years and is a town undergoing renewal. Waterford County Council has prepared a local area plan for Portlaw, which will provide a framework for the orderly development of the area, ensuring that the local community enjoy a range of services such as schools, restaurants, community facilities and bars.

Links

County Council Development Strategy for Portlaw
Portlaw Conservation Plan