Portlaw
Population: 1,881 (2022 Census)
Portlaw, County Waterford, is a truly unique place. Laid out by the Malcomson family in 1841, its 6 oldest streets emanate from a central square and are lined with houses to a design found nowhere else in Ireland, if not beyond. Yet Portlaw is not only a special place in history. It is home to a thriving community of nearly 2000 people who take great pride in their town and hold passionate ambitions for its future.
Plans & Publications
Town Plan Being finalised
Portlaw is surrounded by 4 distinct and attractive woodland-areas associated with the historic Curraghmore Estate and commercial forestry managed by Coilte. Limited access is enjoyed by locals, but holds much potential for the future. Portlaw is situated on the banks for the Clodiagh River as it flows east to join the River Suir. A stretch of disused canal can be found alongside, linked to the industrial history of the town which includes one of the island’s first cotton factories.
Portlaw was established as a “Model Village” reflecting the quaker values of industrialist David Malcomson who built the cotton factory. This bold vision is reflected in the Town Centre First Vision Statement which invites the community to rediscover that ambition, to draw upon the town’s considerable assets and to make Portlaw the best possible place in which to live and work once more.
“As Ireland’s first model village and an inspiration to many, Portlaw was planned as the best possible place in which to live and work. With our unique streets, our waterways and woodlands, Portlaw is a special place with a story to tell. Today we look back with pride and forward with confidence, rediscovering and renewing Portlaw’s pioneering ambition for the town and all its people.”