A Legacy Of Excellence
Our journey is deeply rooted in the rich history of McGraths Limestone (Cong) Ltd, a family-owned company with over 60 years of experience in the industry.
Established in the early 1960s by Michael McGrath Snr, the company began as a limestone quarry in Cong, Co. Mayo.
Under the stewardship of Mary McGrath and later her sons, Michael and John Joe, the business expanded its offerings to include aggregates, ready-mix concrete, asphalt, and specialized products like liquid screed, self-compacting concrete, and bead screed insulation.
Cemfloor: Revolutionizing Flooring Solutions
In 2002, McGraths Limestone (Cong) Ltd ventured into the production of liquid screed underlayment’s , this lead on to the development of Cemfloor in 2012 with its French partners Cemexa, This high-performance, cement-based screed is renowned for its rapid drying time, self-levelling properties, and compatibility with underfloor radiant heating systems. Manufactured in-house at our state-of-the-art facility in Cong Ireland and Buxton UK, and now also in New Jersey, USA , Cemfloor has become a preferred choice for both residential and commercial applications across Europe.
Over The Years
- Early 1960's
In early 1960, Michael McGrath Snr, who is the father of the current owners purchased the quarry from the Glynn family. Michael Snr was a visionary who understood machinery and its potential. He was one of the first people in the local area to purchase a tractor and for many years worked on hire to the local farming community. Michael Snr could see a future in quarrying and lime and this is what inspired his purchase of the plant from the Glynn family.
- Mid 1960's
In the early days the transportation of lime was carried out by CIE, but it wasn’t long before McGraths purchased their first lorry, a Thames Trader. Gradually the demand for lime increased and Michael Snr added larger machinery and more transport to meet demands.
- Early 1970's
Up until the early 1970’s Michael McGrath Snr produced only limestone from the quarry. Unfortunately, Michael Snr died suddenly at the age of 49. His wife Mary McGrath ran the business for 3 years after this, facing a lot of hardship.
- 1975
In 1975 a decision was made to hand over the running of the company to Mary and Michael Snr’s two eldest sons, Michael and John Joe. They are the current owners to this present day.
- 1980
In 1980 the quarry extended to the manufacture of stone. This was supplied to local builders and the Galway & Mayo County Councils for road works.
- 1985
In 1985 the company expanded again, this time with the introduction of a concrete plant. Production begun for readymix concrete and concrete blocks to local builders and local authorities.
- 1995
In 1995 the quarry began exporting Weathered Limestone Rockery stone to mainland England where it is widely used by gardening centres and local authorities for landscaping purposes.
- 1998
Once again 1998 saw the quarry expanding when McGraths purchased a Macadam & Asphalt Manufacturing plant. Production began and supply and lay contracting of asphalt & macadam is now a big feature of McGraths Limestone.
- 2001
In 2001 the production of cement based liquid screeds began for local markets.
- 2007
In recent times the company commissioned a state of the art limestone fines filler plant, an extension to our existing lime facility producing calcium carbonates powders, flours and grits for glass manufacturing, animal/agricultural feeds and industrial industries for Ireland and all over Europe.
- 2008
The installation of a limestone grinding plant came in 2007 and here began the production of Limestone Filler Products.
- 2010
The exportation of Limestone filler products to the European Market began in 2010.
- 2011
2011 seen the production of Cemfloor Screed for the local market.
- 2013
50-year anniversary celebrations took place in the summer of 2013.
- 2016
Agreement for Sole Distribution rights for the UK and Ireland for Cemfloor proprietary technology.
- 2023
Over 80 Cemfloor Distributors across Ireland and the UK. The quarry also celebrated its 60 years in business in 2023.
- Today
The company has remained a family affair since it was purchased over 60 years ago by Michael McGrath Snr. There are now four generations of McGraths working amongst the company.
McGraths first computer 
Pat, John Joe, Billy, Marguerite and Michael McGrath 
The late Michael Snr and Mary McGrath 
Old photo of the quarry 
Quarry workers from long ago
The History of Cong Village
Not only does the quarry lie almost on the boundary of Counties Galway and Mayo, but it also lies in a delicate environmental position. The pretty village of Cong – the setting for the film The Quiet Man – is not only a thriving international tourist attraction but also lies within a delicate ecosystem with complex hydrology.
Cong is surrounded by water – some bubbling up through the karstic limestone landscape – but it also sits between two major loughs – Lough Mask to the north and Lough Corrib to the south. The two are connected by a canal, which is the only route for Lough Mask to drain and runs right alongside the eastern boundary of the quarry.
The story of Cong cannot accurately be told without mentioning the influence of Limestone and the powerful impression it has had on shaping almost every aspect of the local history.
As far back as the 12th century the Augustinian monks expertly built Cong Abbey, and it became renowned as one of the finest examples of ecclesiastical architecture in Ireland.
During the 19th century many other noticeable examples of limestone construction were completed, one of which included Ashford Castle, and its high surrounding walls (1850-1870).
The iconic dry canal in Cong is also hewn out of limestone rock with meticulously crafted canal locks, a project conceived as a Famine relief scheme.
The first record officially recorded of quarry activities on the lands at Cregaree dates from 1912, with details of excavation to provide building stone for Cong and the surrounding areas.
Monks Fishing House 
Ashford Castle 
Cong Abbey
Ready to start your project?
