From jumpers to throws, these unique Irish-made textile businesses will make you appreciate each and every thread
Feeling like wearing wool and cashmere or linen and alpaca? These previous Textile Category winners and runners-up from our Irish Made Awards give you the ultimate choice and luxury to pick something special for your home and wardrobe.
We are thrilled to welcome back Foxford Woollen Mills as our Textiles Category sponsor for the Irish Made Awards 2024. Established to serve the village of Foxford over a century ago, the Irish company has been weaving its iconic throws, blankets, and scarves in Co Mayo since 1892. The main ethos is for authentic craft and creativity through their own designs but they also support and showcase local and small Irish businesses in their stores every day.
The team had this to say about being a judge at the Irish Made Awards 2024:
“Here at Foxford, we’re not just weaving throws; we’re stitching together a legacy of excellence. Our support for the Irish Made Awards speaks volumes about our dedication to celebrating innovation and craftsmanship in the Textiles category. Each thread spun, and every design woven reflects our commitment to the timeless artistry that defines Irish-made products.”
Have you got a textiles business based here in Ireland? Be sure to enter the Irish Made Awards now! Deadline is midnight on 30 May 2024. For details on how to enter, see the Awards page, and FAQs here.
Meet the past Textile winners and runners-up of the Irish Made Awards:
Magee 1866: The winner of the 2023 Textiles Award was Magee 1866 – a fifth-generation Irish family business with over 150 years’ experience in designing, weaving and tailoring luxurious fabrics and clothing in Donegal. The aim of the company is to support a tradition of weaving and manufacturing textiles in the northwest of Ireland, bringing a contemporary edge to an age-old craft.
STABLE of Ireland: The winner of the 2022 Textiles Award was STABLE of Ireland, who was also our runner up in 2021. It is an Irish company that specialises in designing collections using Irish fabrics, in particular, Irish linen and handwoven tweeds. Their goal is to present Irishness through the lens of what we hold from past craft and textile traditions while adding a fresh approach to the design of their collections in order to suit contemporary life.
Avoca Ireland: Our 2021 award winner was Avoca Ireland. Derived from the old Irish word abhoca meaning ‘little treasure’, the Avoca weaving mill is a gem tucked away in the rural Avoca village, Co. Wicklow. They produce a range of gorgeous and tactile throws, from Donegal yarn to mohair. Whether you’re looking for a pop of colour for the couch or looking to drape an armchair with a cosy neutral, Avoca’s collection is one worth checking out.
Foxford Woollen Mills: Our Irish Made Award 2020 winner was Foxford Woollen Mills, who are nestled alongside the majestic flow of the mighty River Moy and the magnificent peaks of the Ox and Nephin Mountains. The business takes all its history, passion and craftsmanship so you can pick up some of our most timeless pieces for your home or purchase those special gifts.
Irish Linen House: Our 2019 Irish Made Award winner was Irish Linen House. It is a family-run brand creating tableware from the finest sustainable Irish linen. Fusing a contemporary design aesthetic with a traditional textile and craftsmanship, their intricately embroidered designs tell stories inspired by Ireland’s natural beauty, Celtic art and mythology.
Aran Woollen Mills: The 2023 runner-up was Aran Woollen Mills – a company that celebrates the timeless beauty, high quality and honoured tradition of Aran knitting. Founded by Maura Hughes and her husband Padraig, the business began as a true family endeavour, with all members actively involved in various aspects, from product development to distribution. The company treasures the colourful past of Aran knitting, its cultural Irish heritage and encourages its presence in modern Irish life.
Liz Walsh Textiles: The 2022 runner-up was Liz Walsh Textiles created by a multidisciplinary artist and designer living and working in Dublin. The value in a circular economy is one that is at the heart of the business. Everything is sourced in Ireland – hardware is purchased from Irish suppliers and the linen is woven in Ireland. Sourcing linen in Ireland is central to the brand values and the rich heritage with this fabric sits nicely with Liz’s ethos of building a craft business in Ireland.
Jennifer Slattery Textiles: Our 2020 Irish Made Awards runner-up was Jennifer Slattery Textiles. The business creates timeless products from Irish linen and lambswool. From napkins and table runners to shirts and scarfs, each piece is made in Ireland and hand-finished in The Old Butcher’s Studios in Smithfield, Dublin 7.
Cushendale Woollen Mills: Cushendale Woollen Mills was our 2019 runner-up. Six generations of the Cushen family have devoted themselves to crafting superior quality textiles in the small town of Graiguenamanagh from the 18th century to the present day. Today Philip Cushen and his daughter Miriam carry the torch of this incredible Irish business.
