Of Interest: Panel Discussion – The Future of Irish Wool: Heritage, Sustainability & Innovation – At Bloom on Saturday

Promotional banner for Bord Bia Bloom, Ireland's largest festival of gardening, food, and sustainable living, featuring event details and a focus on Irish wool heritage and sustainability.


This weekend, Irish sustainable fashion stylist and journalist, Roxanne Parker, will host two conversations about Irish textiles and fashion at the Sustainable Living Stage of Bord Bia Bloom 2026, in association with The Design and Craft Council of Ireland. Both events will explore the future of Irish textiles, heritage & endangered craft, and sustainability. 

Of particular interest to felters is Saturday’s event, “The Future of Irish Wool: Heritage, Sustainability & Innovation.”

This event will open with a fashion show celebrating Irish wool and Irish woven textiles, followed by a conversation on sustainability, heritage manufacturing, farming, fashion and textile innovation.

Joining Roxanne are the following:

When: Saturday, the 30th of May at 10:30 AM

Where: Sustainable Living Stage, at Bloom

On Sunday at 11:15 AM, there will be a fashion show and a panel discussion on linen.

Opening with a fashion show celebrating Irish linen and contemporary Irish linen design, followed by a discussion on weaving, endangered craft practices, sustainability and the evolving future of Irish linen.

Joining Roxanne are the following:

More information about events is on the Bord Bia Bloom website – https://www.bordbiabloom.com/whats-on/event-schedule/

Instagram: @roxanne_parker @dccireland @irish_grown_wool_council_ @bordbiabloom


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Of Interest: Panel Talk on Bio Materials in Textile and Fashion – Showcase Ireland

Event promotion for Showcase Ireland featuring a panel discussion titled 'Grown, Gathered, Made: Rethinking Irish Materials'. The image includes the logo of Showcase Ireland, names and titles of speakers Aoife McNamara, Conor O'Brien, Niamh Ni Catháin, and moderator Alison Gault.


At Showcase Ireland this Monday, there will be a panel talk, ‘Grown, Gathered, Made: Rethinking Irish Materials’. Three emerging Irish designers will share how they work with local and natural materials to create sustainable, culturally rooted products that connect with consumers.

Moderated by Alison Gault of Ulster University, the panel will consist of fashion designer Aoife McNamara, knitwear designer Conor O’Brien, and textile designer and researcher Niamh Ní Catháin.

Where: Showcase Ireland, The Inspiration Stage, RDS Dublin, Merrion Rd, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4

When: Monday, the 19th of January, at 3 PM

A recording of the talk will be available at a later date.

For more information, visit the Irish Grown Wool Council’s website – https://irishgrownwoolcouncil.com/irish-grown-wool-council-panel-talk-at-showcase-2026/

This panel talk is supported by the Design and Crafts Council of Ireland.

Instagram links – @showcase_ireland @irish_grown_wool_council_ @dccireland @aoifemcnamarax@conorobrienstudio @niamhnicathain   @ulsteruni 

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about content, please follow the link to the organisation involved in hosting the event.

Of Interest: Island Threads – Rathlin Island Hosts Immersive Arts and Culture Retreat

Rathlin Island welcomes visitors for a unique overnight experience that blends local heritage with contemporary creativity. The event includes a stay at the Manor House and a local wool workshop led by Alison Gault and Anna Duffy, textile researchers from the Belfast School of Art.

The programme also features a photography workshop, guided tours of the West Lighthouse and Boathouse Museum, and a visit to the Breakwater Studio and shop. Participants will have the opportunity to enjoy a boat tour along the island’s cliffs.

Arts and crafts have long been integral to Rathlin’s traditional island culture. Rooted in a legacy of self-sufficiency, the creative practices are deeply connected to the native flora and fauna that thrive across the island’s rugged landscape.

When: The 7th and 8th of August.

For more information, visit their website – https://rathlin360.com/rathlin-crafts/

@futureislandisland

Disclaimer for Feltmakers Ireland Blog

Feltmakers Ireland aims to share information about awards, education, events, exhibitions, and opportunities that you will find interesting. Our sharing is neither paid for by nor an endorsement of these individuals or organisations.

Contact Us: If you have any concerns about content, please email us at feltmakersie@gmail.com.

Questions: For questions about the content, please follow the link to the organisation hosting the event.