Education: Heritage Sheep Farming and the Business of Irish Wool – with Blátnaid Gallagher and Jean Long – Ballymaloe Cookery School – Co Cork

A close-up of yarn balls in various shades, including red and pink, alongside a knitted garment on a checkered tablecloth, with a 'Farm School Course' button featured.

The Ballymaloe Cookery School has a one-day, in-person course on Heritage Sheep Farming and the Business of Irish Wool.

From the website – “The majority of Irish sweaters are not made with Irish wool, they are just knitted in Ireland- a fact which many people are unaware of. The reason for this is more complex than you may expect; both Blátnaid Gallagher, Founder of the Galway Wool Coop, and Jean Long, Master Hand Knitter, have made it their business to understand why and advocate for a change.

This 1-day course will unpack this issue and invite you to learn from and respect what farmers like Blatnaid and craftspeople like Jean are doing in the restoration of heritage breeds like Galway Sheep and in creating demand within the business of Irish Wool.”

In addition, there will be the following:

  • Tour of the organic farm, gardens and greenhouses
  • Hands-on learning through working with Irish Wool and learning the forgotten skill of hand knitting 

When: Tuesday, the 3rd of March, 9:30 AM – 5 PM.

Where: Ballymaloe Cookery School, Shanagarry North, Co Cork, P25 R274

For more information and to register, visit the website – https://www.ballymaloecookeryschool.ie/courses/the-business-and-beauty-of-irish-wool

@thegalwaywoolco_op @jeanmlong

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Of Interest: World Wool Forum – Rome – the 4th of October

The World Wool Forum is a gathering hosted by Li Edelkoort, Isabella Rossellini, and Ilaria Venturini Fendi, in partnership with Philip Fimmano, the World Hope Forum, and international industry supporters. The Forum unites global leaders from design, fashion, interiors, and textiles alongside farmers, innovators, and creative thinkers driving meaningful change for a more sustainable wool future.

This one-day conference serves as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and vision-building, exploring the future of wool while safeguarding sheep farming traditions, animal welfare, and the rich heritage of craftsmanship.

Blátnaid Gallagher, founder of the Galway Wool Co-op, is one of the speakers.

When: The 4th of October, 2025

Where: Casali del Pino, Rome, Italy.

For more information, visit their website – https://www.edelkoort.us/webinars-events/the-world-wool-forum-oct4

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.