Feel Donegal’s heritage Textiles : Tweed & Linen

Donegal tweed is a unique heritage product and we have many great exponents, artisans and larger producers in the area, which you can visit.

Closest to us, you can visit McNutt of Donegal who do a contemporary range of tweed and linen products.

To meet one of Donegal’s master hand weavers, and a local institution. you should go to Ardara and visit the shop / workshop of Eddie Doherty, who supplies us with all of our tweed. If you are lucky he will give you a demo on the loom. There are also a number of other tweed producers and artisan producers in the Ardara area - such as John Molloy (large showroom which can be visited) or the innovative Molloy & Sons (no public showroom – private visits by arrangement for trade / buyers).

P.S. when in Ardara, don’t miss (1) The famous Nancy’s Bar, next door to Eddie Doherty’s shop, a real old Irish pub serving amazing seafood). (2) Donegal Designer Makers : lovely store full of products made by local artisans – our favourites include Hanna McGuiness jewellery, Donegal handmade soap, Bernie Murphy tweed clothing and traditional Aran sweaters by Rathlin knitwear.

Another great exponent of the traditional handwoven Donegal tweed tradition is Studio Donegal in Kilcar run by Tristan Donaghy and his growing team. Traditional but unique styles and products available, as well as a tour of the thriving workshop.

To see the best range of Donegal tweed products, you can visit Magee in Donegal town, the largest and most iconic of the heritage brands, established in 1866. This is the place to go if you want an off-the-peg or made-to-measure traditional Donegal tweed jacket or suit. While there, you can also visit the nearby Hanna Hats factory and studio (guides workshop tours every Thursday at 1.30 – book in advance online).

By arrangement, we can also arrange a private fitting at Bernie Murphy’s studio where you can choose from her collection of contemporary Donegal tweed ladieswear. Further along the Inishowen peninsula near Clonmany, you will find the Glendowen Craft Shop and Weavers cottage – run by Ann McGonigle you will find a selection of her own handmade tweed, linen and wool garments, a restored antique hand weaving loom in action as well as products from other local makers.

A small selection of local tweed products are also available for purchase in our nearby village of Dunfanaghy at either The Workhouse, The Gallery, Timeless and Sprig Botanica.

If you are travelling via Derry city, it is also worth stopping at the Craft village – look out for the Ulster linen shirts by Bridie Mullin and knitwear by Edel McBride.

If you would like to see how linen was made in the 19^th century, you can visit Newmills Corn and Flax mill outside Letterkennny.