Mullan Village, nestled near Emyvale in County Monaghan, was once a thriving mill community built around linen production and later a shoe factory. But by the late 20th century, the village had slipped into decline. The factory closed in the 1970s, jobs vanished, homes were abandoned, and the village emptied out, leaving only a single resident at one point. With its location close to the border, Mullan also felt the full weight of the Troubles, adding to its isolation.
Everything changed when local businessman Michael Treanor stepped in during the early 2000s. Seeing potential where others saw ruin, he bought up the derelict village, restoring houses and reviving the old factory. In 2009, his son Mike together with his wife Edel, founded Mullan Lighting, a design-led lighting company based in the restored mill.
What began as a small local design and manufacturing business has grown into a major local employer, with nearly 100 staff and exports to over 50 countries. The company is known for its handcrafted, custom lighting pieces used in hotels, restaurants, and homes around the world.
The Treanor family’s vision extended beyond business. Their restoration efforts have helped repopulate the village, with homes once lying derelict now lived in again. Plans to open a café and a unique entertainment space aptly called ‘The Boot Factory’ are well underway for the New Year, aiming to make Mullan not just a place to work, but a place to live and connect.
From near-abandonment to international success, Mullan is now a story of rural revival, proof of what’s possible when one person chooses to invest in the past to build a future.
Read more about the history of Mullan Village and Mullan Lighting here: https://www.mullanlighting.com/en/about
