Born in Belfast in 1791, Andrew Mulholland was a manufacturer and philanthropist whose contribution to the linen industry changed the commercial nature of Belfast.

Between 1828 and 1830 Mulholland, along with his brother, built flax-spinning mills in Belfast and introduced a new industry into Ireland. Before 1828, flax-spinning in Ireland was performed exclusively by hand. By adopting this new technology the York Street Flax-spinning Company was able to spin linen yarns quicker and faster than traditional finger-spun yarn, creating a revolution in the style of linens. The demand for Belfast-spun linen was so great that other local manufacturers rapidly followed Mulholland’s example. Belfast became the largest linen producing area in the world, earning the city the nickname ‘Linenopolis’.

Mulholland is also remembered for his charity and substantial donations to public causes. He famously made an anonymous donation of £3,000 to pay for the great organ at the Ulster Hall. The organ, now known as the Mulholland Grand Organ, still stands in the Ulster Hall and is recognised as one of the best working examples of a classic English pipe organ.

Mulholland was a member of the Belfast Corporation (now Belfast City Council) from its formation in 1842 until 1849. He died at his residence at Springvale, Ballywalter, on 24 August 1866.