International Delegation Visits Carlow and Kilkenny as Part of the Digitext Project
Carlow County Council recently welcomed participants from partner organisations in Greece as part of the ongoing Digitext Project, bringing together representatives from chambers of commerce, universities, and business owners for a series of study visits focused on innovation, education, entrepreneurship, textile heritage, and traditional skills.
The visit provided an opportunity for delegates to learn from best practices across the region, while fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange between international partners working within the textile, creative, and business sectors.
The programme began with a series of presentations held at Carlow library, where participants heard from representatives of the Local Enterprise Office (LEO), the Arts Department, Carlow County Council, Carlow Tourism, and the Carlow Chamber of Commerce. These presentations highlighted the supports available to businesses, the role of culture and creativity in regional development, and the collaborative efforts being made to strengthen enterprise and tourism in the county.
Delegates also visited the VISUAL Centre for Contemporary Art and The George Bernard Shaw Theatre, gaining an insight into one of Ireland's leading contemporary arts venues and its contribution to the region's cultural and economic development. A visit to South East Technological University (SETU) showcased the university's educational programmes, research initiatives, and strong links with industry.
The group visited Johnsons Tailors, a family business that has been serving customers since 1867, where they learned about the company's long history of craftsmanship and its continued contribution to the local business community.
At Borris Lacemakers, delegates witnessed the intricate art of lace making in progress and gained an appreciation for the dedication and skill involved in preserving this traditional craft. Participants also learned about the group's exciting work to commemorate 10 years of activity, celebrating a decade of promoting and safeguarding lace-making traditions.
The visit to Christine Jordan at Rough Circle in Leighlinbridge provided a fascinating insight into the complete wool production process, from shearing sheep through to the creation of beautiful finished products. Delegates saw first-hand how traditional skills, sustainability, and innovation combine to create high-quality craft products.
The final visit of the day brought the group to the Lace Gallery in Ballon, where they explored the history and artistry of Carrickmacross Lace, one of Ireland's most renowned textile traditions.
Day 3 of the study visit continued the exploration of Ireland's rich textile and craft heritage with a series of inspiring visits across Kilkenny and beyond.
The group travelled to Cushendale Woollen Mills, where they learned about one of Ireland's oldest traditional woollen mills and gained an understanding of the processes involved in transforming Irish fleece into high-quality yarns and woven products.
The delegation then visited KCETB at Grennan Mill, where they were introduced to a range of education and training initiatives that support local communities, encourage lifelong learning, and help develop the skills needed for future employment and enterprise opportunities.
A visit to renowned designer and textile artist Suzanne Crampton provided further insight into contemporary textile design, creative entrepreneurship, and the fusion of traditional craft skills with modern design approaches.
The programme concluded at the Design & Crafts Council Ireland (DCCI) Kilkenny, where participants learned about the organisation's work in supporting designers, makers, and craft businesses throughout Ireland. The group also benefited from an informative presentation and discussion with Catherine Phibbs of the Irish Grown Wool Council, who shared valuable insights into the promotion of Irish-grown wool, sustainability initiatives within the sector, and opportunities for strengthening the wool and textile industry through collaboration and innovation.
Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council Tommy Kinsella said:
"It was a pleasure to welcome our Digitext partners from Greece to Carlow. The visit showcased the strength of collaboration between enterprise, education, culture, and heritage organisations in our region. We were proud to share examples of how our local businesses and community groups are preserving traditional skills while embracing innovation and creating sustainable economic opportunities."
Kieran Comerford, Head of Economic Development and Enterprise, Carlow County Council, added:
"The Digitext Project provides a valuable platform for international knowledge exchange. Throughout the visit, our guests experienced first-hand the richness of our textile heritage and the outstanding work being carried out by local enterprises, educational institutions, and community organisations. These connections will help strengthen future cooperation and support the continued development of the textile sector."
Lisa Hutton, EU Project Coordinator, commented:
"This study visit highlighted the incredible talent, creativity, and commitment that exists across our region. From centuries-old family businesses and traditional lace makers to innovative designers and educational institutions, every visit demonstrated how heritage skills can be preserved and developed for future generations. The engagement and enthusiasm shown by our Greek partners made the experience particularly rewarding, and we look forward to building on these relationships through the Digitext Project. The study visit highlighted the importance of preserving traditional skills while embracing innovation and entrepreneurship, key themes at the heart of the Digitext Project.”
The Digitext Project continues to strengthen international cooperation and facilitate the exchange of knowledge and best practices between partners, helping to support the future development of Europe's textile industry.
For more information on the Digitext Project contact Lisa Hutton, on huttonl@carlowcoco.ie or 059-9128783
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