Laces of Ireland Exhibition: ‘Lace & Legacy’ in Armagh County Museum

The South Armagh Lace Collective is thrilled to invite you to the Lace & Legacy exhibition running in  Armagh County Museum until the 11th October.

It is the first of three exhibitions taking place across the island as part of the Laces of Ireland Project, funded by Creative Ireland’s Creative Communities on a Shared Island and led by Limerick County Council in celebration of Ireland’s lace heritage.

What to Expect

The exhibition showcases exquisite lace pieces from:

• The Museum’s own collection
• Renowned Irish fashion designers Olwen Bourke and Natalie B Coleman
• The Sybil Connolly Collection (on loan from the Hunt Museum, Limerick), featuring:
  • The iconic ‘Pink Ice’ Dress
  • The elegant ‘Illusion’ Opera Coat, both crafted from Carrickmacross lace

 Celebrating Craft, Culture & Community

Lace & Legacy offers a rare glimpse into the enduring beauty of traditional handcraft skills. It highlights the lace-making traditions of Ulster, bringing together lace groups and individual makers from across the region — many collaborating for the first time.

This exhibition is a proud showcase of the strength, depth, and legacy of lace-making in South Armagh and beyond. Listen here to Rosie Bell speaking on the Your Place and Mine programme about the exhibition, click to 32.20mins into the programme.

Come celebrate the artistry, heritage, and community spirit that define our lace traditions. Whether you’re a craft enthusiast, a heritage lover, or simply curious, this exhibition promises to inspire and delight.

The South Armagh Lace Collective was established to celebrate and promote the rich tradition of lace-making in the heart of the Ring of Gullion Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) — part of the Mourne Gullion Strangford UNESCO Global Geopark. This stunning landscape is steeped in heritage, culture, and natural beauty.

Lace-making in South Armagh dates back to the 1820s, passed down through generations via shared skills and stories. The Collective’s mission is to shine a light on the vital role played by Culloville, Crossmaglen, and surrounding areas in the success of Carrickmacross Lace — a craft that became an international symbol of Irish artistry.

Through storytelling, exhibitions, and community engagement, the South Armagh Lace Collective ensures that this proud legacy continues to inspire and connect people today.