St Teresa

Balbriggan
	The Balbriggan Town Crest The motto,'Is treise tuatha ná tiarna', means 'People before leaders'. The centre section contains two crossed pipes to symbolise the major town industry of Wavin Pipes while the water wheel represents the energy source which helped to give Balbriggan its industrial base. The spindle on the left and the fish on the right represent the textile and fishing industries-other sources of wealth for Balbriggan.
Our town lies on the east coast of Ireland, just 30km north of Dublin city. Balbriggan-Baile Brigín-means town of the little hills. The town came into existence in the 1700's when the harbour wall and pier were constructed. This encouraged the development of the local fishing industry-an industry which still exists today. In the late 1700's, Baron Hamilton from Northern Ireland set about industrialising the local cotton linen weaving by building a cotton factory. In the early 1800's, the Dublin Railway line was extended to Balbriggan and beyond. This was a major factor in putting Balbriggan on the map. A renowned factory, Smith & Co., supplied hosiery to Queen Victoria. This company gave employment to the people of Balbriggan for almost 200 years. Many years previously in the 6th century, St. Molaga, a beekeeper from Wales, founded a church in Bremore. Legend has it that when St. Mologa left Wales, a swarm of bees followed him across the Irish Sea. The area now known as Lambeecher-Llanbeachaire-means Church of the Beekeeper. There are many interesting historical sites in the area-the area of Bremore, Martello Tower, Lifeboat House, the Mill and the harbour, to name but a few. Ardgillan castle, acquired by the Taylour family in the 1700's, stands about two miles from Balbriggan. The castle was taken over by Dublin County council in 1981 and is now open to the public. The magnigicent grounds offer panoramic views of Dublin bay, Rockabill Lighthouse and the nearby town of Skerries. For detailed information on the history of Balbriggan, contact Balbriggan Chamber of Commerce.

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