My Sloans all seem to be Iron Moulders or foundry workers in the 1880's 90's. They were in Scotland but came from Ireland. In an attempt to find where in Ireland they came from I thought I would ask if anyone knows where there were Iron foundries in Ireland. They may have become Iron workers when they came to Scotland but perhaps it began in Ireland. What are Iron Foundries? I have a picture in my head but it is rather 20th century and I'm not sure what they were like in the 19th century. Were they common or unusual and restricted to certain areas. I hope someone can help. Annie Sloan from Oxon.