Cushendale Woollen Mills is nestled in the picturesque valley town of Graignamanagh, Co.Kilkenny.
Woollen manufacturing has been a part of life in Graignamanagh since 1204..........
In 1204 Cistercian monks, built a monastery and mills in Graignamanagh having discovered the pure water quality of the River Duiske. Their monastery prospered through the export of wool, to become their largest Irish foundation – Duiske Abbey.
In time, the small town of Gráig na Manach ~ “the monks’ village”, grew up around the abbey and its mills.
The mid 1600's saw the arrival of Flemish weavers in the area, bringing with them Belgian tapestry and weaving, art and expertise.
Two hundred years later, in 1800's, one of their descendants, Patrick Cushen, advertised himself as a “woollen manufacturer”, producing from a mill in the town. Through industry and good fortune his son, Philip, and family were able to purchase one of the original abbey mills in 1925 and gaining improved access to a water supply for washing and dyeing processes.
Today Cushendale Woollen Mills continues to be a family run business, currently under the watch of Philip & Mary Cushen. With the help of an experienced staff, Jim, Bernie, Agnes, Shelia, Kathleen and Bata, woollen manufacturing continues to form part of life in Graignamanagh over 800 years since it first commenced.
