Dublin, Ireland: Over 400 attendees gathered at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre for the opening of ‘Symbols of Ireland’, a stunning exhibition from Feltmakers Ireland.
First Lady Sabina Higgins, wife of President Michael D Higgins, officially opened the event with an inspiring address, marking a celebration of Irish craftsmanship and sustainability.
The exhibition featured the work of 47 guild members, showcasing many pieces crafted from Irish-raised wool fibre.
Mrs Higgins expressed her awe in her speech, saying, “I’m overwhelmed. I really haven’t seen a felt exhibition before… I have seen individual pieces in craft shops, but I haven’t ever seen anything like THIS! The innovation of the felt, how it is made from the start, is incredible.”
She went on to recommend transferring the exhibition to the National Gallery of Ireland, underscoring its cultural importance.
As Patron of the Wool in Schools Program, Mrs Higgins highlighted wool’s role as a sustainable
material, noting its durability and self-cleaning properties. She also connected the exhibition’s
themes to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, calling them “the 10
Commandments of our times.” To learn more about the Goals, visit here – https://sdgs.un.org/goals
‘Symbols of Ireland’ was open to the public at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre until the 30th of March, 2025. Visiting hours were 10 AM to 4 PM, Wednesday through Sunday, with free admission.
The Exhibition
Entering the Exhibition 
Sabina Higgins and Loli Cox viewing Amanda Robinson Kelly’s artwork 
Loli and our chairperson, Deirdre Carroll 
The Committee. Left to right, Juliane Gorman, Deirdre Carroll, First Lady Sabina Higgins, Suzanne, Phelan, Lorna Cady (in front row), Annika Berglund in back row, Loli Cox, Adrienne Dempsey, and Elizabeth Redding. (Sam Fagan missing from photo) 
Mrs Higgins talking with Lorna McCormack, head of Wool in Schools. Arwork by Heather Byrne 
Mrs Higgins and Loli viewing Annika Berglund and Sandra Chase’s artwork 
Astrid Tomprop-Hofmann and Suzanne Phelan 
Mrs Higgins chatting with Helene Dooley 
Mrs Higgins signing the guestbook 
The room from above 
A big crowd attended the opening
Photos taken by Robert Cox
To see all the fantastic photos (150!) of the launch, taken by Robert Cox, spouse of guild member and exhibition coordinator Loli Cox, please visit this website – https://www.icloud.com/photos/#/icloudlinks/00dU16AKlBy8bGRZ11kv0mi7Q
(You can download individual photos or all of them. Please credit Robert and include Feltmakers Ireland when sharing).
The video of First Lady Sabina Higgins’s speech can be watched on our YouTube Channel- https://youtu.be/j0u6qiopTUg
There is a ‘B Roll’ of 16 additional videos, which includes artwork and the visitors at our opening, on Robert Cox’s iCloud – https://share.icloud.com/photos/0f4mtmSfXq2iNbuX6Enf6x1ig
Digital Catalogue
If you are unable to come to Dublin, we have an online version of the exhibition via our catalogue – Catalogue- Symbols of Ireland
The Poster
The exhibition ran from Wednesday, the 5th of March, to Sunday, the 30th of March 30th, 2025, at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre Gallery. Please note: the Centre is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
The gallery is conveniently accessible by Dublin Bus number 99 and is located within the historic Phoenix Park. For further details, including maps and directions to the park, visit https://www.phoenixpark.ie/directions.
The artwork featured on the exhibition poster is ‘Brigid’s Legacy’ by Jane Fox.
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