Irish Linen Fabric: A Traditional Irish Expression from an Unexpected Source!

For more then 300 years the manufacturing of Irish linen fabric has been an important industry on the Emerald Isle, especially during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Just about every Irish village in that time had a mill or factory that produced the country's favorite fabric.

In 1921 there were nearly 37,000 looms and a million spindles in the country, employing 70,000 people, representing a whopping 40% of Ireland's working population.

Since the early 1950's the flax used to make Irish linen has been shipped to Ireland from France and Belgium.

Once there it is spun into yarn before then passing it on to artisans who knit the product into fabrics that are used to make various clothing and textile goods.

Irish Linen Fabric: What Makes It 'Irish?'

Top of the line apparel in Ireland is proudly made of linens spun and fabricated in one of the many linen centers.

These places use various kinds of linen weaving techniques such as damask or Jacquard and each of them makes the different linens for particular purposes.

Whatever the end product is, once it is complete it will proudly wear the Linen Guild logo.

The Guild started in the late 1920's and to this day it promotes the industry by pushing its products through into the international market.

However, only products made in Ireland can bear the mark. The Guild's trademark is a source of pride for those who work in, or are close to, the linen industry in Ireland

How Can You Get Your Hands on Real Linen from Ireland?

Thomas Ferguson is one place that you can order Irish linen fabric, and it is one of the most reputable companies in this market. There are also several other online resources; just make sure that when you find a vendor online it carries the seal of the Linen Guild on it so that you can rest easy knowing its the real deal.

Want More Irish Traditions?

It is probably obvious - at Irish Expressions, we love Irish traditions! Expressing ourselves through Irish-themed activities gives us a deeper sense of connection with Ireland, wherever in the world we happen to be!

Over the years, we have created many downloadable, share-able Irish games, puzzles, recipes, songbooks, quizzes, and much, much more.

Want them right now? Keep reading to learn about "Your Irish Expressions Playbook."

I'm Hooked! What's Next?

At Irish Expressions,our our goal is simple: to provide you with a unique Irish experience, on demand, wherever you are in the world.

If you have enjoyed our section on Irish trivia and traditions, you have probably been exposed to many of the most entertaining ways to express your personal Irish side!

Will that entice you to visit Ireland - or to return if you have already been? We hope so!

But even if that is not possible, you can still enjoy the magic of Ireland in these pages. Check out the links at the top of this website for simple instructions on how to sing Irish songs, use Irish words, enjoy Irish food, and much more!

More Fun With Irish Expressions

Congratulations on learning more about the Emerald Isle and discovering what we like to call your "Irish Side." You may be thinking "I'd love to actually VISIT Ireland but that's really not in the cards right now. What am I supposed to do with the stuff I just learned?"

Well never fear! Since 2009 we have collected all of the best printable, shareable resources we could find, to help you put your new knowledge of Ireland to good use. We've put them all together in a single download we call "Your Irish Expressions Playbook," which contains over 50 pages of games, puzzles, recipes, songbooks, quizzes, travel guides and much, much more.

Purchase them ALL for one small price, print as many copies as you like and share them with your friends - with no limitations! But order soon - we are already adding to the Playbook for future editions and this price will not last long.

Oh, want one more reason to order right away? If you buy YOUR copy of the Playbook now, you will be allowed to upgrade to any new future edition for FREE.