Milford, County Donegal
Millford
Baile na nGallóglach | |
|---|---|
Town | |
 | |
| Country | Ireland |
| Province | Ulster |
| County | County Donegal |
| Government | |
| • Dáil Éireann | Donegal North–East |
| Elevation | 68 m (223 ft) |
| Population (2011) | |
| • Urban | 1,530 |
| Time zone | UTC+0 (WET) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-1 (IST (WEST)) |
| Area code(s) | 075, +000 353 74 |
| Irish Grid Reference | C188267 |
Milford or Millford, historically called Ballynagalloglagh (from Irish Baile na nGallóglach),[1] is a small town and townland in County Donegal, Ireland. The population at the 2011 census was 1,530.[2]
History and name
Located north of Letterkenny, the town was founded in the 18th century by the Clement family.
The Irish Baile na nGallóglach literally means "town of the gallóglach". The gallóglaigh (anglicised gallowglass) were an elite class of mercenary warrior who came from Gaelic-Norse clans in Scotland between the mid 13th century and late 16th century. A battle between the Irish (helped by gallóglaigh) and the English took place on a hill in the townland and this is where the name comes from.
Amenities
The town once had 2 major employers in the Milford Bakery (manager:Ronald Cunningham) & Flour Mills and McMahons garage, but sadly both are now gone a long time.It now contains a post-office, 4 supermarkets, a veterinary practice, 3 pubs. Milford also has a health centre, library with council offices and a fire station. Local lakes offer great freshwater fishing.
Milford is within close driving distances to four different beaches: Portsalon, Rathmullan, Downings and Tramore. As a feeder town to Letterkenny, Milford is a tranquil well located friendly village with a thriving young population and good schools to match.
Milford is a centre for education in the community. Included are National School, Scoil Mhuire Milford, Two Secondary School's, Loreto Community School and Mulroy College, and an Adult Education VEC centre.
People
Celtic F.C. and Northern Ireland footballers Patsy Gallacher and Jamie Heena were born in Milford in 1891 and 1957 respectively.
