Share your story: Oral History Project collects history about Mayo creameries

The Creamery Years Oral History Project, led by the Heritage Office of Mayo County Council, continues to gather extraordinary memories of one of rural Ireland’s most important institutions.

To date, fifteen men and women across County Mayo, as well as Mayo natives living in other counties, have shared their recollections, capturing a way of life that is rapidly fading from living memory.

Led by acclaimed oral historians Dr Tomás Mac Conmara and Tara Brady of Mac Conmara Heritage Consulting, the project has already recorded a wealth of vivid recollections of the creameries, places that were once not only economic hubs but also centres of conversation, debate, and community connection.

Both researchers have described themselves as “overwhelmed by the enthusiasm” shown by participants and the eagerness to preserve these stories before they are lost forever.

For nearly a century, creameries shaped rural Ireland. In Mayo, between the 1930s and 1980s, several creameries thrived in places such as Killala, Palmerstown, Claremorris and Ballinrobe, where a new creamery opened in 1965.

The Achonry Creamery Society was central to this development, and the project team remains keen to hear from anyone with memories or knowledge of its role in the county. At the launch of the project’s second phase, Dr Deirdre Cunningham, Heritage Officer for Mayo County Council, explained:

“The project focused largely on the experiences of elderly farmers in County Mayo who once brought milk to local creameries, a tradition central to the region's agricultural heritage. Through interviews with these farmers, the project has preserved their memories, capturing the nuances of a way of life that is rapidly disappearing. The engagement has been overwhelmingly positive, with participants eager to share their stories, which have ranged from the practicalities of dairy farming to the social, cultural and of course, economic role that creameries played in their communities.”

Speaking about the importance of this work, Dr Tomás Mac Conmara said: “The response so far has been remarkable. People want to talk, and they want to ensure these memories are not forgotten. The creamery was more than just a place for milk and butter, it was a meeting point, a place where the week’s news was exchanged, friendships were made, and rural life revolved. We are deeply honoured to be trusted with these stories and are excited about documenting more memories across Mayo over the autumn.”

The project, supported by funding from Heritage Council, is continuing to welcome contributions from anyone who remembers the creameries. Interviews are conducted in a sensitive, relaxed, and respectful manner. If you or someone you know has memories of Mayo’s creameries, please contact Mac Conmara Heritage Consulting on 087 916073 or by
email at macconmaraheritage@gmail.com.