A visit to McNutt of Donegal — Wool Weavers at the Edge of Europe

Everyone seems to know where Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom, is. Donegal is the part of the Republic of Ireland adjacent to it on the left, North West Ireland that is. McNutt of Donegal therefore is a weaver mill, founded in 1953, at the ‘edge of Europe’ – a self-proclamation as it is often heard in this area.

Everyone seems to know where Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom, is. Donegal is the part of the Republic of Ireland adjacent to it on the left, North West Ireland that is. McNutt of Donegal therefore is a weaver mill, founded in 1953, at the ‘edge of Europe’ – a self-proclamation as it is often heard in this area.

“McNutt of Donegal: Luxury woollen products, from stylish home wares to fashion accessories. Designed and woven on Donegal’s Wild Atlantic Way.” Of course production started with tweet and of course to create products out of lambs wool, as the sheep here are at least as numerous as citizens. This creates associations with nearby Scotland, however at McNutt and in Ireland the clan specific patterns are not widely spread and marketed.

McNutt products, that are all entirely woven in Downings on Sheephaven Bay are nowadays made of lambs wool, but also Merino, Alpaca and Cashmere. The later are purchased yarns from South America, Asia and New Zealand but first Alpacas, for example, are seen on the lush greens of Ireland. (Trust me I saw them.)

Throws, scarves and linen are produced in the modestly sized headquarter overlooking Sheephaven Bay. William McNutt who is running the company in second generation since 1992, is particular proud of the brand’s modernity in design and colours and of the now 400 dealers they deliver to. The products here are not entirely hand-woven, but the knotting and quality control is.
Ironically Sheephaven is neither a haven for sheep nor was it, as by the sound of it a haven for sheep. The Gaelic word for ‘ship’ got miss-translated into English and the very save natural haven (for ships) the surrounding peninsula’s form, became sheep haven, what seemed likewise obvious.

However, McNutts is more than a rain check when visiting Ireland’s Northwest. The place is certainly worth the visit, also due to the little café and the shop. Their online shop is also a perfect place to browse and eventually order one of their cosy home wear or fashion products.

Brand Page: mcnuttofdonegal.com

Join us to meet another Maker at Racing Atelier.

Photography: Michael Schmidt
Want to know more about McNutt od Donegal? Check out their website:

JOURNAL. What you might want to know…

Buying Decisions Shape Supermarket Offers. Those can Shape Landscapes

Doing something by hand can change a lot. Buying something handmade out of conviction can do the same. It changes – or has already changed – the way we think. Especially when it comes to our food. What do we buy? Who made it? What can we perhaps grow ourselves? How do our actions and decisions change, first ourselves, then our purchases, then the landscape?

Read More »
Typical sourdough pockets

The Revival of Sourdough — Sparking new Thoughts on Agriculture

Every sourdough – that culture of lactic acid bacteria and yeast in a mixture of flour and water – is unique, like a fingerprint, because in every region there are individual bacteria in the air that give each loaf its very own flavour. One person who knows more about the infinite variety of sourdough cultures than most – whose culture is culture, so to speak – is the Belgian Karl De Smedt, keeper and archivist of Europe’s only sourdough library.

Read More »
Julius Brantner Brothandwerk Makers Bible

The Simple & Honest Principles of Julius Brantner

It’s virtually impossible to miss Julius Brantner Brothandwerk if you’re a fan of baked goods and find yourself in Munich. The charming Swabian baker has recently opened his second location, the first being such a success. With his team working transparently behind large glass windows, Julius strives to make “honest and trustworthy handling of all ingredients and processes accessible,” he says. Unsurprisingly, locals and tourists flock to the shopfront to sample their aromatic bread and delectable treats.

Read More »

SHOP. Our latest releases….

Original price was: 126,00 €.Current price is: 90,00 €.

39,00 

FINDER. Find your maker…

Award-Winning Excellence in Olive Oil Production

Miceli & Sensat, founded by Paolo Miceli and Sergio Sensat, produces top-tier olive oil in Sicily. Their U’Ciuri, Delicato, and Verde varieties have received numerous awards for their exceptional quality....

Award-Winning Excellence in Olive Oil Production

Miceli & Sensat, founded by Paolo Miceli and Sergio Sensat, produces top-tier olive oil in Sicily. Their U’Ciuri, Delicato, and Verde varieties have received numerous awards for their exceptional quality. The company’s commitment to eco-friendly practices and traditional methods ensures

Redefining BBQ Simplicity with Timeless Design

The Yron grill, designed by industrial designers Frank Person and Daniel Lechowsky, pays homage to the 19th-century American original. This cast-iron grill is practical, efficient, and unique in design, appealing...

Redefining BBQ Simplicity with Timeless Design

The Yron grill, designed by industrial designers Frank Person and Daniel Lechowsky, pays homage to the 19th-century American original. This cast-iron grill is practical, efficient, and unique in design, appealing to those who prefer a simple and authentic BBQ experience.

A Century of Espresso Excellence

La Marzocco, founded in Florence in 1927, has been at the forefront of espresso machine innovation for nearly a century. Known for game-changing technologies like the dual-boiler machine, they continue...

A Century of Espresso Excellence

La Marzocco, founded in Florence in 1927, has been at the forefront of espresso machine innovation for nearly a century. Known for game-changing technologies like the dual-boiler machine, they continue to thrive by catering to baristas and coffee enthusiasts with

Stay in the Makers loop

Subscribe now to get notified about exclusive news.