Nothing is more beautiful than Irish linen. At Magee Weaving, our mill in Donegal town, we have been perfecting the softness and durability of this extraordinary fabric for many decades. With many skilled hands involved at every stage, from warping to weaving, finishing and mending, every piece of linen that leaves our mill is a testament to generations of Irish textile craft.
A FABRIC WITH DEEP IRISH ROOTS
Irish linen has a history stretching back centuries. Long before synthetic fabrics existed, linen was the fabric of choice across Ireland, valued for its strength, natural beauty and versatility. Woven from the fibres of the flax plant, it is one of the world's oldest textiles and remains one of its finest.
In County Donegal, that tradition runs particularly deep. The landscape, the climate and the community have shaped a unique approach to textile craft, one that blends age-old techniques with an uncompromising eye for quality. At Magee Weaving, we are proud to be part of that living tradition, keeping Irish linen production rooted in the place where it belongs.
HOW IS IRISH LINEN MADE AT MAGEE WEAVING?
At our Donegal mill, the creation of Irish linen is a careful, considered process involving multiple skilled stages. It begins with warping, where yarn is prepared and aligned with precision before weaving can begin. Our weavers then work the looms, interlacing threads to create the strong, smooth structure that defines quality linen cloth.
Once woven, the fabric moves through finishing, where it is treated to enhance its softness, handle and appearance. Finally, our menders carry out detailed inspection and repair work by hand, ensuring every length of cloth meets the exacting standards Magee Weaving is known for.
It is a process that cannot be rushed. And it is precisely this commitment to craft at every step that gives our Irish linen its distinctive character.
IRISH LINEN FOR SUMMER: BREATHABLE, SOFT AND EASY TO WEAR
As Charlotte Temple, Creative Director of Magee 1866, explains:
"Linen has an incredible breathability whilst also being soft and easy to wear. We have created Irish tumbled linen jackets and coats for men and women woven in our mill in Donegal, making it a great option for summer dressing."
Our Irish tumbled linen jackets and coats are designed with warm-weather dressing in mind. The tumbling process gives the fabric a relaxed, lived-in texture that drapes beautifully and feels effortless to wear, while retaining all the natural qualities that make Irish linen so special. Available for both men and women, these are pieces built to be worn season after season.
LINEN FROM DONEGAL, FOR THE WORLD
From our mill in Donegal town, our Irish linen travels to customers and collections around the world. It is used in our own Magee 1866 menswear and womenswear collections and supplied to discerning brands and makers who share our belief that fabric quality is the foundation of great clothing.
Whether you are discovering Irish linen for the first time or returning to a fabric you have loved for years, we invite you to explore what makes Donegal-woven linen truly exceptional.
SHOP IRISH LINEN FROM MAGEE 1866
Explore our collection of Irish linen jackets, coats and tailoring for men and women, all woven at our mill in Donegal.
