A Good Yarn

Some are fledgling brands and some have centuries of experience between them. Here’s a round up of some of the top notch companies to have on your radar when visiting Showcase this weekend.



McConnell Woollen Mills

Known for its strong roots in tradition and a modern design ethos, McConnell will reveal a collection inspired by the rugged beauty of Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way and its storied textile legacy. The 2025 collection features menswear, womenswear and accessories with each piece crafted from natural yarns such as Pure New Wool, Lambswool, Cashmere, Alpaca and Merino. The new designs embody the brand’s philosophy of reinventing timeless classics with a contemporary twist - blending heritage craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. Each collection within the 2025 lineup pays homage to the landscapes, history and culture of Co. Clare where the company is based. 

Highlights include of the new range include the Killaloe Collection: Crafted from pure Donegal wool and inspired by a maritime tradition, the Lahinch Collection which combines Lambswool and Cashmere for luxurious yet accessible knitwear which is inspired by Ireland’s surf and holiday mecca of the same name, and the Burren Collection which is a showcase of Alpaca’s softness and durability - reflecting the Burren National Park’s rugged yet vibrant terrain. With several more exquisite collections available to buyers, each piece celebrates McConnell’s brand values of ethical manufacturing and sustainable practices, offering a unique combination of luxury and eco-conscious design.

Find McConnell Woollen Mills at Stand C166.

 

Ériu Luxury Irish Wool

Ériu Luxury Irish Wool was a huge hit at last year's show where the founders' farm to yarn ethos impressed visitors to the show. Ériu hand-select wool from their farm in Co. Wicklow as well as from their fairtrade network of farmers around Ireland. This network was set up to combat Ireland's dying native wool industry and the company is proud to be the only knitwear brand in Ireland that uses 100% Irish wool.

Ériu Luxury Irish Wool creates handmade blankets, garments and hand-knitting yarn with patterns from their unique luxury blend of Irish wool through their sustainable and circular process. They can also produce bespoke orders for clients. 

By incentivising farmers through fair pay, Ériu are striving to reclaim Ireland’s valuable ancient wool industry. All their wool is traceable back to the family-run farm it comes from and all their garments are made in Ireland. This year the founders Zoe Daly and Lionel Mackey will reconstruct an old woollen mill on their farm to revive the legacy of their surrounding area which was once a wool producing hub.

Find Ériu Luxury Irish Wool at Stand C148. 

 

Liz Christy

Always a very popular exhibitor at Showcase, Liz Christy produces handwoven scarves that are luxury textiles, crafted with care in her Co. Monaghan studio. Inspired by art, they combine traditional weaving techniques with contemporary color palettes to create vibrant and elegant pieces that are sure to spark conversation.

Made from high-quality materials including wool, silk and cotton, the scarves are soft, lightweight and warm - providing comfort and durability for year-round use whether as a cosy winter layer or an elegant accessory for formal occasions.

With designs for both women and men, their handcrafted nature ensures exceptional quality and uniqueness and also celebrates Irish heritage and artistry. By choosing Liz Christy scarves, you are supporting sustainable, small-scale production while choosing timeless, heirloom-quality pieces for your store.
 

Find Liz Christy at Stand D130.

 

 

Molloy & Sons

Built on the solid foundations of a rich heritage spanning six generations, the Molloy family have been in the textile business since Edward Molloy began weaving in the 19th Century. Located on the Atlantic northwest coast in Ardara, Co. Donegal, this father and son team are synonymous with what great craftsmanship is today. Their wealth of knowledge, skill and expertise comes through from their ancestors and continues to live on in the modern techniques that they have embraced. Inspiration surrounds them thanks to the dramatic beauty of the ocean, the wide skies, the rolling hills and the majestic mountains of a region famed for its tweed production. It is these elements that are echoed in the intricate beauty of the colours and tones found in their tweeds, throws and scarves. Products by Molloy & Sons will appear in ‘Donegal Landscape Inspired Creativity’ - a display beside the Inspiration Stage which celebrates the creativity of companies from the Donegal region.

Find Molloy & Son at Stand C24.

 

Magee 1866

Designed, woven and finished at the mill in Co. Donegal, throws and scarves by Magee 1866 are developed by an experienced in-house design team. Their inspiration comes from the rugged landscapes of Co. Donegal when selecting yarns and colour for Donegal tweeds in herringbone and salt and pepper, as well as a unique selection of designs - all created using the finest natural fibres thus ensuring pieces that continue to stand the test of time. At this year’s show Magee 1866 will be focusing on home textiles such as their exquisite woollen throws as well as their striking woven scarves for both men and women. Magee 1866 products will also appear in ‘Donegal Landscape Inspired Creativity’ - a display beside the Inspiration Stage which highlights the creativity of companies from the Donegal region.
 

Find Magee 1866 at Stand E160.

McKernan Woollen Mills 

Always popular at Showcase, McKernans make beautiful knitted and woven scarves as well as hats and wrist warmers. This brand can always be relied upon to create small but creative collections that embrace newness and that experiment with yarn, colours, patterns and texture.

McKernan products are made in the company’s workshops in Tuamgraney by the shores of Lough Derg where a team of 15 talented staff have been trained to weave, knit, sew and hand-finish every piece with care. McKernan focuses on sustainable practices and on crafting high-quality products.

The 2025 catalogue is bursting with colour and pattern. We love the floral Delight and Windrose scarves as well as the woven Cosmo scarf, the large Pebble shawl, the bold and colourful Jethro scarf and the Soho style which is made using a birdseye technique.
 

Find McKernan Woollen Mills at Stand C170.