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Tuesday, January 8, 2013

Woolen Mill in Graignamanagh


Cushendale Woollen Mills is the only surviving woollen mill in the South East of Ireland.
Riverside village of Graig-Na-Managh in County Kilkenny, boasts a textile heritage that stretches back to the thirteenth century. In 1204, Cistercian monks established a monastery and mill on the Duiske River. You can feel  the sense of history, place and the past as you enter the building.The plain exterior of the building does not prepare you for the richness and diversity of what is inside.The old mill once powered by the mill stream, diverted from the Duiske River with its source on Brandon Hill is full of character.
The current custodian of the mill Philip Cushen’s family have been milling wool in the area since at least the 1800′s, and he is is passionate about his craft and about yarns, wool, mohair and keeping alive a way of life, a craft-art form which has been going on around the town of Graignamanagh since the 13th century.as a great respect for the past and for those who went before him. He has noticed that as time goes on he is selling more and more to people who can recognise and appreciate the value of a quality product and the story that goes with it. People want to buy something unique that will last and that looks different, distinctive and made by hand in Graignamanagh

He has noticed that as time goes on he is selling more and more to people who can recognise and appreciate the value of a quality product and the story that goes with it. People want to buy something unique that will last and that looks different, distinctive and made by hand.