An incredible knowledge and skill forged over six generations underpins the philosophy of excellence and craftsmanship at Cushendale Woollen Mills, which believes in the value of protecting the wisdom handed down through the generations since 1778. Cushendale still operates as a vertical mill, just as it did in the 19th century, continuing to card, spin and weave local wool. The company uses fully traceable wool which comes from a farm in the south east of Ireland and is the cornerstone of its ethos 'from fleece to fabric', with sustainability built into the process.

The mill is part of the community, supporting a network of skilled workers and small local businesses, safeguarding a breadth of heritage skills. Owner Philip Cushen started spinning at the age of 13 and has an intuitive sense of the process, built up over a lifetime. Today the company continues to use old machines, some from as far back as the 1890s, to create quality products which are local, sustainable and part of Ireland’s cultural heritage.