Castlebar Hat Factory in Co. Mayo
The Hat Factory built in 1939 was a landmark building in Castlebar and played a major role in the economic life of the area until its closure in 1981. It was one of the largest employers in the region and a large number of Castlebar people remember with fondness their days working there.
The factory was constructed during a period in which building materials were scarce due to the outbreak of War throughtout Europe. Economic activity was also fragile as countries were still reeling from the Great Depression of the 1930's, but the Hat Factory in Castlebar gave hope for people to find work and would continue in production for many decades.
The articles below, looks back at some interesting facts about the industry which developed a close relationship with the people of Castlebar.