Transparency and traceability returning to Irish wool at the 6th National Wool Harvest

The sixth National Wool Harvest from Ireland’s native sheep breed, called the Galway, will take place on Saturday, 18th July, at Athenry Livestock Mart, with the day’s activities beginning at 9.30 a.m.

The morning will begin with a convoy of wool growers arriving from all four provinces of Ireland, each bringing their annual wool clip to be included in the National Irish Wool Harvest. Known affectionately as the Galway Wool Meitheal, the event celebrates the collective efforts of farmers working together to restore value, transparency and traceability to Irish wool.

President Catherine Connolly will attend the National Wool Harvest in recognition of the dedication and commitment of Irish wool growers who, through the Galway Wool Co-operative, are rebuilding a transparent and fully traceable supply chain for Irish wool. Her attendance reflects the growing national importance of preserving Ireland’s textile heritage while creating new opportunities for farmers, artisans and consumers seeking authentic Irish fibre.

Now in its sixth year, the Galway Wool Meitheal was established to rebuild a transparent supply chain for Irish wool from Ireland’s native sheep breed called the Galway. An incredible Irish fibre that has been largely absent from Irish knitwear, tweed, blankets, carpets, and rugs for more than forty years.

Since its foundation, the Galway Wool Co-op has grown from just 20 members to almost 50 wool growers from across Ireland. Operated entirely by volunteers on a not-for-profit basis, every euro generated is reinvested into the running costs of the co-operative and the organisation of the annual Meitheal Day. Throughout the morning, the wool will be weighed, inspected, and prepared for collection before beginning its journey to processors and manufacturers.

This year’s wool clip was fully pre-booked by early May, reflecting the increasing demand for traceable, high-quality native Irish wool. Returning buyers include AVOCA Ireland, supporting growers for a second consecutive year, alongside long-standing partners Wool Store Ireland and The Sheep Walk Ranch, Texas, USA. The asking price has remained the same at €2.50 per kilo, with a clear focus on rebuilding the volume of the clip and reopening markets for the cherished Irish Báinín. 

The co-operative is also delighted to welcome Ériu, a farm-to-yarn family business in County Wicklow, as a new buyer for this year’s harvest. Their involvement reflects the growing demand for genuine Irish-grown yarns in both domestic and North American markets. Adding to the celebrations this year, members of the Galway Artisans Collective from across Ireland will showcase a stunning exhibition of handcrafted work celebrating the beauty, versatility and heritage of native Irish wool. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet the makers and experience first-hand the creativity inspired by this unique natural fibre.

The organisers are grateful to Galway County Council for generously sponsoring two special awards for the exhibition, recognising artisan pieces that thoughtfully reflect the unique qualities of native Irish wool. The day’s celebrations will also recognise excellence in wool production. Growers will compete for Best Fleece awards in two categories: flocks of 15 sheep and under, and over 15 sheep. With the national Galway flock numbering fewer than 2,000 sheep, these awards are designed to encourage emerging breeders to place an even greater emphasis on wool quality while recognising the important contribution of both small and established flocks.

The Best Fleece competitions are generously sponsored by Cormac Tagging and the Galway Sheep Breeders Association, whose continued support is helping to promote excellence within the breed.

Innovation has been central to the continued success of the Galway Wool Co-op. In 2024, the Co-op’s Artist in Residence, Michelle Hickey, undertook pioneering research into how processing techniques influence the handle, texture and overall quality of native Irish wool. Her findings challenged the widespread perception that Irish wool is naturally too coarse for fine textiles, revealing that processing methods can have as much impact on the finished fibre as breed or micron count. The project has demonstrated that, with the right approach, Irish wool can be transformed into a soft, high-quality fibre, opening new opportunities for designers, artisans and manufacturers seeking premium, traceable materials rooted in Irish heritage.

True to the spirit of a Meitheal, growers, artisans and visitors will be invited to gather throughout the morning to share tea and cake while celebrating another successful harvest.

Visitors will also enjoy a traditional hand-shearing demonstration by local Athenry sheep farmer Sean Kilkelly, while Sandra King of Irish Fibre Crafters, a long-time supporter of the Galway Wool Meitheal, will demonstrate the traditional art of hand spinning. Organisers are even hopeful that President Catherine Connolly might be tempted to try her hand at spinning.

Throughout the morning, members of Oranmore Comhaltas will provide a backdrop of traditional Irish music and set dancing, creating the perfect atmosphere for this unique celebration of Irish agriculture, textile heritage and community. The Galway Wool Meitheal continues to demonstrate how collaboration, innovation, and respect for heritage can create new economic opportunities for Irish farmers while restoring the reputation of one of Ireland’s most valuable natural resources.

Members of the public and the media are warmly invited to attend this unique celebration and witness a historic day in the continuing revival of Ireland’s native wool industry.