These textile businesses are making Irish homes cosier with soft, beautiful blankets, practical aprons and more
As the weather subtly changes, there could be no better addition to your home or wardrobe than a cosy textile. Meet this year’s Irish Made Awards finalists in the textile category, and vote for your favourite at irishcountrymagazine.ie/vote/.
Avoca
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.
Blue Bridge House
Blue Bridge House produce reusable face wipes, filling a significant gap in a sustainable beauty regime. Based in the Liberties, Dublin, each item is carefully made with hemp or organic cotton or fleece. Any packaging is printed in the studio, on post-consumer waste recycled paper bought from Klee Paper in Dublin. Every order’s product tag uses plant-based ink on recycled paper and produced with green energy by the Irish based company The Factory.
Irish Linen House
Irish Linen House is a family-run brand based in Smithfield, Dublin, designing tableware and accessories using sustainable 100% Irish linen. Responding to the pandemic, in 2020 the company branched out and started to produce linen face masks. Initially crafting and donating the masks to frontline workers, they now produce branded and customised face masks for customers and businesses alike. Best of all, the masks are as sustainable as they are gorgeous.
John Hanly & Co
John Hanly & Co Ltd have been weaving in Ireland since 1893. It’s a 5th generation family run business employing 32 people locally. Every throw is designed and woven in Ballyartella Woollen Mills, Nenagh, Co Tipperary. Their throws are sumptuous and cosy, available in an array of colours and woven with superfine merino and cashmere. Prices start at €130.
STABLE
STABLE is an Irish company that specialises in designing collections using Irish fabrics, in particular, Irish linen and handwoven tweeds. They created The Swim Collection in response to the huge uptake in sea swimming in the past year. The collection is made from heavyweight, textured linen, and starts at €35. It consists of a tote bag, turban, towel, and waterproof bag.
The Sheepish Dog
Your pets can enjoy cosy textiles too, even without jumping onto the couch. The Sheepish Dog is a premium, Irish brand of wool pet beds based in Newport, Co Mayo. The company craft gorgeous and comfortable beds that are as stylish as they are sturdy for your pup. With both beds and blankets available, prices range from €89 – €129.
Vote for your favourite at irishcountrymagazine.ie/vote/.
