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The linen industry was such an important part of life in Northern Ireland that it is impossible to look at the history of this part of the country without understanding it. This museum fulfills its role in telling the story of Irish Linen admirably.

A permanent exhibition follows the history of linen from Ancient Egypt through the period of its becoming a cottage industry in Norhtern Ireland up the Industrial Revolution after which linen was widely manufactured in mills in the area. There is a good section depicting the often horrendous working conditions in the mills.

There are extensive collections of Irish linen damask, needle-worked textiles and linen clothing and also restored and fully working damask and cambric hand looms on display. A small but fascinating exhibit relates to the manufacture of linen thread from flax and there are also good collections of advertising materials, prints, drawings, portraits and photographs.

One of the most interesting parts of the museum looks at the history of the merchant families involved in the linen industry locally.

This is a particularly nicely laid out museum and although Irish Linen is not a topic you would expect to capture the imagination of children, it is in fact one that younger visitors greatly enjoy.

Visiting the Museum

The museum is open all year from 9.30am to 6pm Monday to Saturday.

As might be expected the museum shop has a particular emphasis on linen good, ranging from table wear and bed linen to clothing and decorative items. There is a good cafe which makes a pleasant place to stop for lunch.

Allow about an hour and a half to two hours to visit the museum.

Location Map for The Irish Linen Centre and Lisburn Museum

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