From products made with wool from their own alpaca farm to collaborations with Irish artists, if you’re in the market for a new rug, there are some great options.
We’re lucky enough to have some amazing rug suppliers in Ireland, and there are lots of exciting recent releases at the moment.
Ceadogán
Wexford-based family business Ceadogán are known for their exquisite handmade rugs. They have released a new collection, Neadaithe, meaning “nested” as gaeilge, a range of handmade rugs, cushions and wall hangings that fuse luxury design with sustainability.
The collection is the fruition of a two-year project where the company have established an alpaca farm and nature sanctuary at their studio in Bannow Bay, Co Wexford. The products have been crafted from un-dyed homegrown wool from the alpaca farm.
“We have introduced a herd of alpacas with three paddocks for rotational grazing,” explains artistic director Martina Navrátilová.
“A large pond was constructed using water from the spring well, and various bird nesting boxes, including those for barn owls, have been installed. Our focus extends beyond just achieving sustainability; we wanted to make a genuinely positive impact on the environment. It has all happened so fast, we’re excited to see what summer brings.”
“The initial wool clippings were gathered and processed to create natural, undyed yarns,” explains Ceadogán co-director Colm Kenny.
“On further development, a second set of Irish alpaca fleece was combined with fleece from the heritage Galway sheep, resulting in a blend that offers both the strength and durability of the sheep’s fleece along with the softness and luxury of the alpaca.
“This range is truly exceptional, and also features a new line of deluxe cushions. The covers are crafted using Irish linen, filled with fleece, and adorned with tufts made from the alpaca and Galway yarns, complete with buttons made from wind-fallen hornbeam. Attention to detail is paramount for us, we want to make items that will be enjoyed for generations.”
Kukoon
Newry company Kukoon has launched an exclusive new range of luxurious rugs designed by Rostrevor artist, Jacqueline Rooney.
The range includes six rugs inspired by the local landscapes and coastlines of Carlingford Lough, the Cooley Peninsula and the Mourne Mountains. Each of the designs that feature on these hand-finished woven chenille rugs showcase Jacqueline’s love of her surroundings – inspiration came from wildflowers in the summer to the reflection of moonlight on the night time sea.
Kukoon managing director, Clare Vallely said: “Local artists, printmakers and textile designers are taking artisanal craft to incredible new levels, and we are proud to be able to celebrate and champion their work. Jacqueline is a passionate local artist whose work is filled with vibrant energy and emotive charm.”
“Seeing these designs come to life is an amazing feeling and I hope they bring people as much joy as I experienced creating them,” Jacqueline Rooney says. “I’m inspired by the world around me – the weather, the sounds, the smells, and the beautiful surroundings and use my artistic licence to inject colour and atmosphere into every scene.”
Umnia Studio
A new addition to the Irish rug offering, Umnia Studio is a Dublin based studio that offers handmade Moroccan rugs. They have a range of one-of-a-kind pieces, from traditional designs to contemporary styles, and colour palettes to suit any space.
As they work directly with makers, you can also work with them to customise your own design, choosing details including size, colours, thickness and production method. You can also shop online and collect from their Dublin 8 studio.
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