Mary O’Neill makes small, delicate pieces of the famous Irish Lace from her studio in Carrigslaney, Tullow, County Carlow. Mary is a member of the Guild of Irish Lacemakers, OIDFA, the international bobbin lace and needle lace organisation and is also registered with the Craft Council of Ireland.

She designs Carrickmacross Lace which has featured when worn by Princess Diana on her wedding day and once again brought to worldwide attention when favoured by Kate Middleton for her wedding dress.

The Lace Gallery also has a collection of other handmade lace so that visitors can see different techniques used. The collection includes: Kenmare Lace, Borris Lace, Clones Lace, Torchon, Tatting, Venetian Needlepoint and various bobbin laces.

Pieces are designed by Mary featuring Irish symbols including the Shamrock and the Claddagh. Each piece of her work is signed, dated, numbered and framed making a special gift for any home. Mary’s designs are also on sale at the Carlow Tourist Office.

Located near Tullow are three of Ireland’s key national walking routes – the South Leinster, the Barrow and the Wicklow Ways – Carlow is blessed with hundreds of miles of excellent and varied walking. The golfing visitor will find an impressive variety of golfing facilities to suit all levels while the Rivers Barrow and Slaney and their many tributaries provide exciting activities for the passive and active water enthusiast.

If you are in the area, Mary O’Neill will give you a warm welcome and invite you to view her designs.