Kilkenny's Cushendale Woolen Mills becomes object of desire in New York

From the heart of Kilkenny to the banks of the East River in New York, Cushendale Woolen Mills has been chosen for a special showcase at New York’s Winter Market Week.

The Graignamanagh company, which has been run by the Cushen family for six generations, is one of just eight Irish creative craft companies chosen to take part in the Shoppe Object winter market.
Cushendale Woolen Mills is one of the eight brands specially curated for this event for being “both distinct and distinctly Irish, representing the country’s deep creative heritage and vibrant, contemporary design.”

A stand-out quality for organisers is how “Cushendale textiles balance unrivalled provenance with contemporary designs.”

At the market customers are told: “Cushendale textiles in Irish wool, mohair and lambswool are made in small batches, ensuring exceptional care at each unique and delicate stage. Skilled craftsmanship, hand precision and premium wool are key to achieving the Cushendale quality mark. “
Shoppe Object is an independent curated home and gift show, presenting visionary brands and makers from around the world.

Miriam Cushen explained: “Cushendale textiles were first exhibited at Shoppe Object in September 2021 and after a great first show we’re back again this month with a bigger display and this time we’re travelling there in person.

Below: Some of the Cushendale team - Sarah Gilchrist, Dorota Grabowski and Jim Ryan. PICTURE: Vicky Comerford

“While the whole Cushendale team won’t be travelling to New York, they are of course central to the products and stories we’ll be sharing. Everyday our small, dedicated team slowly and expertly transform wool and yarn into the most wonderfully soft and luxurious textiles.

“We are really excited about representing Ireland, putting a face to the name of new customers and sharing the hidden gem of Graignamanagh and Kilkenny on the international stage,” Miriam said.
The in-person show is complemented an online trade platform enabling the trade showcasing to extend beyond the three day event.

Go to https://shoppeobject.com/ for more about the event, or https://cushendale.ie/ to see the beautiful blankets and other items created in Graignamanagh.

The woolen mills were in existence for almost 600 years in Graignamanagh when the first generation of Cushens took on the business in 1778.
Today it is run by Miriam, the sixth generation of her family to run the mill, with her husband Trevor Ging, alongside her parents Philip and Mary.

Below: Mairead O’Dwyer (Kilkenny Tourism), Edward Hayden, Cllr Peter ‘Chap’ Cleere, Philip Cushen, Miriam Cushen and Trevor Ging beside the woolen mills. PICTURE: Vicky Comerford