The Business of Irish Wool

The value of Irish wool has sadly decreased in recent years. However this has encouraged innovation in the wool sector. There are now three Irish wool companies who manufacture and sell Irish wool pillows and successfully.

Wool pillows are filled with proven natural hypo-allergenic wool. Scientific testing has demonstrated that dust mites cannot survive in wool, which is why natural wool has been internationally awarded Allergy Seal of Approval.

NOTS are delighted to be continuing their partnership with Ballymaloe Cookery School, Organic Farm and Gardens in 2026 to provide an exciting 1-day course dedicated to understanding heritage sheep and the business of Irish wool.

Founder of the Galway Wool Coop

Taught by Blatnaid Gallagher, Founder of the Galway Wool Coop, and Jean Long, Master Hand Knitter, the course will take place on site at Ballymaloe Cookery School, Organic Farm and Gardens.

This 1 day course will invite you to learn and respect what farmers like Blatnaid and craftspeople like Jean are doing in the restoration of heritage breeds like Galway Sheep and creating a demand within the business of Irish Wool. 

Course Details:🗓️ Date:  Tuesday March 3rd, 2026⏰ Time: 9.30am to 5:00pm📍 Venue: Ballymaloe Cookery School, Organic Farm and Gardens, Shanagarry, Co Cork💰 Cost: Just €110 through NOTS (includes lunch)

Please note – to qualify for the NOTS rate, you must be a) resident in Ireland; and b) employed in any sector (either full-time or part-time).  

Ecohomme Lavender Pillow Mist

What You Will Learn:

• The truth behind the Irish Wool Industry and why real Irish Wool is not being used at the scale it should be

• A background on the story behind the Galway Sheep and what work is being done in the country to restore the population

• How to rear Galway Sheep from Blatnaid Gallagher, a Galway Sheep Farmer

• The mission of the Galway Wool Coop

• The different treatments of Galway Wool and how to select the right kinds for your project

• How to get started hand knitting

• If not a beginner, have access to award winning hand knitter, Jean Long, for answers to all the technical questions you may have.

Course Elements

• Tour of the organic farm, gardens and greenhouses

• Hands on learning through working with Irish Wool and learning the forgotten skill of hand knitting 

• Indoor and Outdoor Classroom Learning

Spaces are limited for this course, so don't miss out! Sign up at the link below to secure your place. 

EcoHomme Organic Lavender Pillow Spray (100ml)

€14.99

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