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Irish Tweed
Tweed has been produced in the Northern counties of Ireland, primarily Donegal and Tyrone, for many generations. Originally a cottage industry with entire families involved in spinning, dyeing and weaving local wool, it later mainly moved to mills but was still hand-loomed.
In those few mills that survive today the spinning and dyeing is no longer done by hand and mills produce most fabric industrially using power looms, though there are still some hand looms operated by highly skilled weavers working from home producing the traditional tweed patterns.
This hand woven tweed is very much a premium product and is sought after by international fashion designers. Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren, Armani and Hugo Boss are among those who regularly feature hand-loomed Donegal tweed in their collections.
Distinctive Colours
Irish tweed is known for its natural colours - mossy greens, the soft purples and and blues of heather, deep berry colours and earthy browns and golds.
This is not surprising, as originally the dyes used were entirely natural, made from lichens, flowers, berry and other plants in the surrounding countryside. In fact the colours of tweed could be said to be the colours of Ireland, as you can see in the picture below.
While nobody goes out collecting berries for the dyes today, much of the tweed produced still uses these natural shades. However more vibrant modern tweeds are also produced for a younger market, along with a more contemporary range of clothing which might surprise those who think only of traditional jackets and hats.
Best Buys in Donegal Tweed
A hat made from a good hand-loomed tweed is warm and naturally water resistant as well as beautiful and will last for years, acquiring a comfortable lived in look with wear.
Classic tweed jackets, for either men of women, never date and have a smart casual appearance that is very in tune with a 'country-living' style. Look for finer weaves of tweed and go for the hand-loomed variety as it will have a longer life.
Although you can buy jackets off the shelf, having one specially made for you from your chosen fabric is surprisingly inexpensive - expect to pay something around €400 - €500 for a classic outfit you will wear for years.
For a gift, a tweed tie is a good option at less than €20 for a hand-woven tie that will last a lifetime.
Where to Buy Irish Tweed
Probably the largest producers of tweed in Ireland are Magee of Donegal, whose stores you can visit in Donegal Town and also Wicklow St in Dublin.
Kevin & Howlin, on Nassau St close to Trinity College in Dublin, has been selling tweed jackets, suits, hats and other items for more than 70 years, and are still owned by the same family. They stock a wide range of ready made clothing but can also make both jackets, coats and suits to order, for both women and men. This is a good place too for buying tweed fabric and they are happy to take orders from their website.
McNutt's Tweed Shop & Factory, Downings, Co Donegal produce a very good range of not just tweed goods but top quality items in wool and linen also and their shop is very much worth going out of your way for. However I cannot find a website!
John Molloy Tweed have stores in Ardara, Glencolumbkille and Donegal town, all in Co Donegal. Their online store seems to be unavailable for the last while, hopefully it will be back in action soon.
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