Hi Everyone. I hope I find you all well this week. In Ireland we are so lucky to have a wealth of craft traditions and artisans and Irish weavers are very much to the fore. Our tweeds and woolen textiles are known for their high quality and continue to be sought after by fashion designers all around the globe.
An Age-Old Irish Tradition
The art of spinning and weaving in Ireland goes back centuries. Early forms of wool spinning go back some 6000 years to Neolithic times. Of course, Ireland has a long tradition of tweed hand weaving. This thriving industry was almost completely wiped out by the Great Famine but some places managed to continue the craft, most notably county Donegal.
Thankfully today, the art of weaving in Ireland continues to grow in popularity and woven blankets, caps and scarves are must-have pieces. We have 2 wonderful makers at The Irish Store who continue this age-old tradition to the highest standards. I was lucky enough to visit both Mucros Weavers and Mc Nutt at their workshops in counties Kerry & Donegal.
Irish Weavers
Mucros Weavers County Kerry
I met John of Mucros weavers at Muckross House in the stunning surroundings of Killarney National Park in Kerry. The gorgeous house and gardens include the Sunken Garden, the Rock Garden and my personal favorite, the Stream Garden. Check out our video below to find out more about the age old Irish weaving tradition at Mucros and see their 200 year old Hattersly loom in action!
Mucros Weavers Top Picks
1. Ladies Irish Wool Newsboy Cap
These stunning hat is beautifully crafted made from pure wool and features a soft leather flower motif at the side. Choose from our great variety of shades and tones, from earthy Irish greens and gray herringbone to the more vibrant pinks and lilacs.
2. Mucros Torc Tweed Coat
Beautifully designed and crafted from wool tweed with a satin lining, this stunning piece from Mucros Weavers comes in a classic gray herringbone tweed. The cut is classic with smart lapels, loose three quarter length sleeves and 2 patch pockets.
3. Blue Gray Check Irish Flat Cap
My final pick is a 5 star customer favorite for him. Made from luxurious pure wool and fully lined, the dark gray fabric features a blue overcheck. The perfect gift from Ireland.
Mc Nutt of Donegal
In the picturesque village of Downings on the stunning Rosguill Peninsula in County Donegal, you will find Mc Nutt of Donegal. Here they have been producing stunning weaves for more than 60 years. Their team of designers take inspiration from the surrounding awe-inspiring land and seascapes. Check out our video where William takes me on a tour and tells us all about the history of Mc Nutt.
Mc Nutt Top Picks
1. Mc Nutt Lambswool Check Throw
Add a modern Irish accent to any room with this luxurious lambswool throw. The check throw from Mc Nutt of Donegal combines a traditional Irish plaid design with choice of 2 irresistible modern color palettes. Choose muted seascape shades or a colorful vibrant blend.
2. Ladies’ Herringbone Lambswool Scarf
Crafted from beautifully soft and easy to wear merino lambswool, the design is classic herringbone and the vibrant colors are sure to add a striking finishing touch to any fall/winter look. It also comes beautifully presented in a crafted gift box.
3. Mc Nutt Luxury Cashmere Lambswool Throw
Another stunning Irish blanket from the looms of Mc Nutt. The merino/cashmere yarn adds an unmistakable touch of luxury. Choose steel gray with a hint of orange or silver with a touch of muted raspberry.
Shop our stunning collections of Irish hats, Irish accessories and Irish blankets from the looms of some of the finest Irish weavers.
Take care of yourselves and each other
Slán go fóill!
Lulu.
10 comments
Your way of presenting the article is wonderful. Thank you for sharing this amazing article.
Thanks so much Alex-so glad you enjoyed it.
Thanks for reading!
Kind regards,
Lulu.
Thanks for sharing about the looms in Ireland, very crisp article
Hi Rita,
So glad you enjoyed it. Thanks so much for reading.
Kind regards,
Lulu.
I am a knitted and a lover of Irish woolens. Thanks so much for bringing these wonderful products to us and teaching us about their history.
Hi Susan,
I am so glad you enjoyed the blog. I have such an admiration for hand knitters-such a wonderful skill.
Thanks for reading!
Kind regards,
Lulu.
Thanks for sharing .I have great admiration for both the products and the craftmanship required. There’s nothing like woven wool for both warmth and comfort.
I couldn’t agree more William. Thanks so much for reading! Glad you enjoyed the blog.
Kind regards,
Lulu.
Hi Lulu. i cam to your site because I am trying to source a replacement for a beautiful woven woollen throw that my wife’s mother, who was born in Cork, was given in Ireland, but i cannot find anything like it for sale. It is woven with textured stripes in shades of green with yellow grey black and red. if you could help me find something like this, or some who may weave such an item, I would be very grateful. thank you, Yan.
Hi Yan,
Sounds like a beautiful piece. See links to our range below as well as links to Mc Nutt of Donegal. I hope you find what you’re looking for.
Thanks for reading,
Kind regards,
Lulu.
https://www.theirishstore.com/blankets-throws
https://www.mcnuttofdonegal.com/