Clara was in the late nineteen century deemed by the renowned historian Benny Kenny as the town that didn’t sleep, it was alive with activity day and night, meeting the demands of industry, in what was a very prosperous town. Much of the industrial activity of the town cantered around the mile stretch along the Brosna River, where the factories depended upon hydro power. The purpose-built factory houses along the mile provide a snippet into the social structure that existed in the town. A structure that was based on one’s role in the factory. The old mills, warehouses and hydro engineering remain. While portions of the structures are much remains, though mostly is a poor condition. Nonetheless telling the story of the industrial age in Clara during the Dickensian era. The guided Industrial Heritage Walk along the Dickenson Mile provides information in respect of the industrial and social history, and how it was once one of Britian’s (as it was then) most important jute factories, exporting across the globe. The success of the factories made the Goodbody family extremely wealthy. As wealthy investors the family invested in their friend Marconi’s telecommunication venture and built the town as is it today. The legacy of the Goodbody era in Clara lingers on. Many still alive today spent their entire working lives in the factory, remembering it fondly. Clara is accessible by Rail and the Industrial Heritage Walk commences approximately 5 minutes walking distance from the station. Accessible by train five minutes walking distance form the station.

Address
River Park, Clara, Co. Offaly