In 1680 all Ireland did not export more than 6000L.

worth annually.

Drogheda was then of greater importance than Belfast.

But with the settlement of the persecuted Hugnenots in Ulster, and especially through the energetic labours of Crommelin, Goyer, and others, the growth of flax was sedulously cultivated, and its manufacture into linen of all sorts became an important branch of Irish industry.

In the course of about fifty years the exports of linen fabrics increased to the value of over 600,000L.