traditional lacemakers of ireland index

Welcome to the Website of the Traditional Lace Makers of Ireland (TLI). TLI was formed in 2005 to celebrate Cork's year as European Capital of Culture with several working and living exhibitions. Since then we have exhibited both at home and abroad.

In 2006 we won the International Gold Medal for our publication "The West Cork Lace Trail" at the Sansepolcro International Lace Festival in Italy.

We are thrilled that Irish crochet made by our Life President, Veronica Stuart, was part of the bouquet Queen Elizabeth II received when she visited the English Market in Cork on 20 May, 2011. Congratulations Veronica, an honour well deserved.

Twenty TLI members took part in a working lace exhibition on April 28th, 2011 as part of the Pan Celtic Festival in Dingle, Co Kerry. They demonstrated the techniques and beauty of the Irish laces to many overseas visitors and were featured on RTE's Nationwide programme on May 4th.

During the March 2011 Lace Day 6 TLI members were presented with their FETAC (Further Education and Training Awards Council) awards. These members had received distinction in the Training of Craft Trainers and Training the Trainer . To these and all TLI members who have received FETAC awards at various levels, our admiration for your beautiful and interesting work and sincere congratulations on your achievements.

Our Lacemakers and Collectors regularly display, teach and promote the very highest standard of Irish laces made here in the South of Ireland including Carrickmacross, Limerick, Youghal, Bandon laces and Irish Crochet. Over the years our members have had a number of successes at the Royal Dublin Society Craft Competitions including first place in the lace category and first place in the knitting and crochet category in 2008. In 2009 TLI member Pat Lamb followed up her success in winning the Traditional Lacemakers Award in 2008 by winning 7 awards for her Youghal Lace and Mountmellick Embroidery and in 2011 Pat won second prize in the lace category along with the County Makets Medal and the Guild of Irish Lacemakes Award for a stunning crochet parasol.

From June to October 2010, we exhibited antique and modern Irish laces in the master bedroom suite on the first floor of Fota House. One room of the exhibition was open all week while the full suite opened on Sundays when TLI members were present to demonstrate lacemaking and answer queries about the pieces on exhibition. Laces on display included Youghal, Limerick, Borris, Kenmare, Inismacsaint, Carrickmacross, Mountmellick Embroidery and Irish Crochet.

September 2010 saw 44 TLI members, together with 8 members of the Northern Ireland Guild of Lacemakers, travel to Lloret de Mar for the Catalonian Culture Festival. Much to the delight of the Spanish lacemakers, Irish laces were displayed and demonstrated. In turn the travellers had to the opportunity to see wonderful bobbin lacemakers at work.

Cobh Lace class celebrated their 25th anniversary on 18 November 2011 with a Vintage Fashion Show and Vintage Clothing and Accessories to a large and appreciative audience. See Gallery for photographs.

We are always delighted to have visiting Lace Guilds join in our workshops and organised events. Accommodation, transportation and tours can be arranged.

TLI has classes on the first Saturday of the month (except January and August) in the Nemo Rangers Complex, Douglas, Cork (see events page for details). New members are always welcome; visitors are especially welcome. So come and meet us.

TLI Crest in Limerick Lace

Last updated on 22/11/2011