Kenmare Lace & Design County Kerry

Kenmare Lace & Design Centre

Kenmare Lace is a traditional needlepoint Irish Lace company based in County Kerry. It is made with a needle and thread. It is based on the detached buttonhole stitch.

The Poor Clare nuns came to Kenmare in 1861. They were brought there to teach the children of the locality. They did this very well. They also gave them a skill with which to earn a living. This skill was lacemaking.

The nuns in Kenmare also had another talent. This was as artists. Training in design added value to their lacemaking and so Kenmare Lace became known worldwide.

Kenmare lace is still made today at the Kenmare Lace and Design Centre in Kenmare. Here you can learn about the history of the unique industry started by the nuns of Kenmare

Antique lace from the Poor Clare Convent can be seen in the Heritage Centre Situated in behind the Tourist Office and upstairs in the Kenmare Lace and Design Centre