A LANDMARK bilingual book tracing more than a century of wool, yarn and tweed tradition in the southwest Donegal Gaeltacht is set to be officially launched next month.
A History of Textiles in the Southwest Donegal Gaeltacht, published by Údarás na Gaeltachta and Áislann Chill Charthaigh, charts how the industry evolved from the late 1800s across the areas of Ard an Rátha, Gleann Cholm Cille and Cill Charthaigh, developing through both local entrepreneurship and community-driven cooperatives to become one of Ireland’s most recognised textile regions.
Donnchadh Ó Baoill of Údarás na Gaeltachta said the publication speaks to something deeper than industrial history. “The story of textiles in this region is inseparable from the story of the Gaeltacht itself — it is woven into who we are,” he said. “This book is an enduring tribute to the richness of our region’s heritage, and we hope it will inspire the next generation to cherish and carry that tradition forward.”
Muiris Ó hEigheartaigh of Áislann Chill Charthaigh paid tribute to those who contributed their memories and photographs to the project. “I am delighted that we have reached the final stage with this very important story from our Gaeltacht region,” he said, adding that the publication would not have been possible without the support of Údarás na Gaeltachta.
The book will be officially launched on Friday, July 3, at 7.30pm at Áislann Chill Charthaigh in Kilcar. All are welcome to attend.