Milford, County Donegal

Milford or Millford, historically called Ballynagalloglagh, is a small town and townland in County Donegal, Ireland. The population at the 2022 census was 1,076.

The Tirconaill Tribune is headquartered here.

History and name
Located north of Letterkenny, the town was founded in the 18th century by the Clement family. It was named after a mill that was located on Maggie's Burn on the edge of the town.

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.

The town is the ancestral home of U.S. president James Buchanan, from which Buchanan's father, also named James Buchanan, immigrated to America in 1783.

Amenities
The town once had two major employers: the Milford Bakery and Flour Mills and McMahons garage, but both are now long gone. There are now a post office, four supermarkets, a veterinary practice, three pubs, a health centre, a library with council offices, a fire station and fishing lakes.

The Gallowglass Community Centre was donated to the community and has been functioning since September 2023 as a venue for community events and classes.

There are four nearby beaches: Portsalon, Rathmullan, Downings, and Tramore. It is a feeder town to Letterkenny.

Education
There are a National School, Scoil Mhuire Milford; two secondary schools, Loreto Community School and Mulroy College; and an Adult Education Education and Training Board centre.

Administration
The Milford electoral area has 3 seats. In 2024 the following were elected to Donegal County Council.


 * Declan Meehan (Independent)
 * Pauric McGarvey (Independent)
 * Liam Blaney (Fianna Fáil)

People

 * Patsy Gallacher (1891-1953) - association footballer, born in Milford
 * Sean Ferriter (born 1938) - Gaelic footballer, born in Milford
 * The Baron Hay of Ballyore (born 1950) - DUP politician based in Derry who previously served as the Speaker of the Northern Ireland Assembly; born in Milford
 * Amber Barrett (born 1996) - Footballer, born in Milford