Castlebellingham & Drogheda Breweries Ltd Round Enamel

Castlebellingham & Drogheda Breweries Ltd enamel tray dating from the 1920s. The origins of the Castlebellingham in County Louth date back to 1772. In 1828, William Cairnes, who was related in marriage to the Woolsey's who owned the Bellingham Brewery, founded the brewery in Marsh Lane, Drogheda. In 1890, the interests of the two breweries were combined and a new Company was registered as the Castlebellingham & Drogheda Breweries Ltd to acquire John Woolsey & Co. Ltd Castlebellingham Brewery and William Cairnes & Sons Drogheda Brewery. The two breweries continued to operate separately each supplying its own customers both in Ireland and abroad. The Castlebellingham Brewery ceased brewing in 1923 and my guess is that this tray was produced just after that closure. The Company name was simplified to Cairnes Ltd in 1933. The business was acquired by Arthur Guinness, Son & Co. Ltd, in 1959 and was closed. The manufacturer's mark is very worn, however part of the wording is still visible as follows - J.A.Campbell Royal Avenue Belfast Trade Mark G B B