Donegal Tweed & Crafts
Due to its geographical isolation in previous centuries, traditional crafts such as hand-weaving high quality tweed and woollen garments for wear, survived in the North West and in particular Donegal into modern times.
Here are just a selection of craft shops, factories and studios we recommend visiting.
Donegal Craft Village, Donegal Town
Established in 1985, the studio village has become a showcase for contemporary arts and crafts in Donegal. There are 6 workshops occupied by locally based artists, who are highly skilled craftspeople in their chosen medium. The relaxed and informal setting allows you to watch and meet leading artists as they work.
E: niallbruton@hotmail.com
W: www.donegalcraftvillage.com
T: +353 74 9722225
Magees of Donegal
John Magee founded the first Magee shop in Donegal Town back in 1866, and it has become world famous for high quality tweed. Today Magees has 4 shops in Ireland and is an international wholesale supplier. Call in advance to arrange a demonstration of a hand weaving loom at work.
E: sales@mageeshop.com
W: www.mageeireland.com
T: +353 74 9722660
Triona Design, Ardara
This is a family run business which manufactures and sells fine Donegal tweed and woollen garments.
E: info@trionadesign.com
W: www.trionadesign.com
T: +353 74 9541422
Tweed, Donegal Town
Owned and run by a Donegal native who grew up steeped in the local tweed tradition, Ronan Hanna offers his own label 'Hata Donegal' as well as an edited offering from fellow designers from the Craft Council Of Ireland. The boutique offers luxury custom woven tweed headwear and apparel together with knitwear, ceramics , luxury hand rolled candles and jewellery.
W: www.tweed.ie
T: +353 (0) 871931841
Celtic Weave China, Ballyshannon
Family business renowned for their china baskets and flowered chinaware.
E: sales@celticweavechina.com
W: www.celticweavechina.ie
T: +353 71 9851844
Belleek Pottery
Established back in 1857, Belleek Pottery is world famous for its ornate, creamy pottery and delicately woven designs. Tours of Belleek Pottery include a museum, showroom and a video theatre which plays a fascinating short film, showing their master craftspeople at work.
E: visitorcentre@belleek.ie
W: www.belleek.ie
T: +44 28 6865 8501
Studio Donegal, Kilcar
Hand-weaving and clothing manufacturing business committed to preserving and promoting the original hand-weaving styles of Donegal. Take a tour and watch the weavers at work. The shop sells a fine selection of Donegal tweed and hand knits.
E: info@studiodonegal.ie
W: www.studiodonegal.ie
T: +353 74 9738194
Cyndi Graham Hand Weaving, St. John’s Point, Dunkineely
Continuing the true spirit of cottage crafts into the 21st century, Cyndi creates a range of hand-woven scarves, hats, waistcoats, cushions and throws from her workshop in a traditional Donegal cottage.
T: +353 86 4019307
Wild Wood Craft Studio, Lough Eske
Unique and enchanting creations combining pieces of wood, stone and shells to form natural sculptures, framed and free-standing.
E: memevokcrafts@eircom.net
T: +353 74 9722674