Social pics: Avoca Mill welcomes HRH The Duchess of Cornwall

Avoca Mill welcomes HRH The Duchess of Cornwall on a tour of Ireland’s oldest working mill in Avoca Village, Co Wicklow

Earlier this week, the folks at AVOCA were honoured to welcome HRH The Duchess of Cornwall on a tour of the weaving mill in Avoca Village – Ireland’s oldest working mill and a world-class tourist destination. Her Royal Highness watched on as master weavers demonstrated the weaving process and what goes into making an AVOCA throw. 

The Duchess learned about the history of the 300-year-old mill and how integral it has been to the local community since its origination in 1723. As part of the visit, master weaver Martin Kenny handed the reigns over to HRH, who tried out the weaving for herself. 

Following the tour, the Duchess joined a celebratory lunch reception with dignitaries from Tourism Ireland, Fáilte Ireland and Wicklow Tourism, along with past and present AVOCA employees who’ve dedicated over 20 years’ service to the business. AVOCA hosted a banquet-style lunch featuring traditional favourites like mustard-glazed baked ham, salads, scones and homemade brown bread. 

In attendance were representatives and members from one of AVOCA’s charity partners, Camphill Communities of Ireland. Part of an international charitable trust, it provides residential and day services for people with learning disabilities through a unique model of community living and offers therapeutic weavery workshops for community members with support needs. During the royal visit, artwork created by the community members was presented to Her Royal Highness. 

Photos by Kieran Harnett