Irish Linen: A Traditional Irish Expression from an Unexpected Source!

For more then 300 years the manufacturing of Irish linen has been an important industry on the Emerald Isle, especially during the 18th and 19th centuries.

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Irish linen place setting with plates, napkins and flower accent. Courtesy of Thomas Ferguson.

Just about every Irish village in that time had a mill or factory that produced the country's favorite fabric.

In 1921 there were nearly 37,000 looms and a million spindles in the country, employing 70,000 people, representing a whopping 40% of Ireland's working population.

Since the early 1950's the flax used to make Irish linen has been shipped to Ireland from France and Belgium.

Once there it is spun into yarn before then passing it on to artisans who knit the product into fabrics that are used to make various clothing and textile goods.

Irish Linen: What Makes It 'Irish?'

White Irish linen place setting on plate with golden accent. Courtesy of Thomas Ferguson

Top of the line apparel in Ireland is proudly made of linens spun and fabricated in one of the many linen centers.

These places use various kinds of linen weaving techniques such as damask or Jacquard and each of them makes the different linens for particular purposes.

Whatever the end product is, once it is complete it will proudly wear the Linen Guild logo.

The Guild started in the late 1920's and to this day it promotes the industry by pushing its products through into the international market.

However, only products made in Ireland can bear the mark. The Guild's trademark is a source of pride for those who work in, or are close to, the linen industry in Ireland

How Can You Get Your Hands on Real Linen from Ireland?

Thomas Ferguson is one place that you can order Irish linen, and it is one of the most reputable companies for purchasing this creative Irish gift. There are also several other online resources; just make sure that when you find a vendor online it carries the seal of the Linen Guild on it so that you can rest easy knowing its the real deal.

Want More Irish Customs?

It is probably obvious - at Irish Expressions, we love Irish culture and customs. Expressing ourselves through these traditions gives us a deeper sense of connection with Ireland, wherever in the world we happen to be!

Over the years, we have created many downloadable, share-able Irish games, puzzles, recipes, songbooks, quizzes, and much, much more.

Want them right now? Keep reading to learn about "Your Irish Expressions Playbook."

I'm Hooked! What's Next?

At Irish Expressions,our our goal is simple: to provide you with a unique Irish experience, on demand, wherever you are in the world.

If you have enjoyed our section on Irish trivia and traditions, you have probably been exposed to many of the most entertaining ways to express your personal Irish side!

Will that entice you to visit Ireland - or to return if you have already been? We hope so!

But even if that is not possible, you can still enjoy the magic of Ireland in these pages. Check out the links at the top of this website for simple instructions on how to sing Irish songs, use Irish words, enjoy Irish food, and much more!

Everybody Has an Irish Side...

Discover Yours Here!

More Fun With Irish Expressions:
Your Irish Expressions Playbook

Congratulations on learning more about what we like to call your "Irish Side." You may be thinking "I'd love to actually VISIT Ireland but that's really not in the cards right now. What am I supposed to actually DO with the stuff I just learned?"

Well never fear! Since 2007 we have collected all of the best printable, shareable resources we could find, to help you put your new knowledge of Ireland to good use. We've put them all together on one page we call "Your Irish Expressions Playbook"

GAMES | PUZZLES | RECIPES | MORE
Irish Slang Match Game
Limerick Poetry Writing Game
What's My Irish (Funny) Name?
Irish Music Crossword Puzzle
Corned Beef and Cabbage
Guinness Beef Stew
Irish Coffee (Pro Tips)

... more downloads added daily!

Think games ... puzzles ... recipes ... song lyrics ... Access them ALL for one small price. Print as often as you like and share them with your friends - with no limitations! Once you're in, you are in - forever.

But order soon - we are always adding to the IE Playbook and this price will not last long.

PRO TIP: Once you have checked out, you should be routed to your Playbook within 7 seconds. Or click the 'return to merchant' button to get there faster. Then bookmark the page, so you can return whenever you like.

Any issues? Just reach out to us at support@irish-expressions.com and we will make it right.