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To learn more about our exciting 'Commerative Circle of Lace' Project in honour of the arrival of the Poor Clare nuns to Kenmare in 1861
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The Girls of St Clares Kenmare with the completed outer colour circle of the
Commemorative Circle of Lace
Welcome to the Kenmare Lace Experience
Kenmare Lace is a needlepoint Irish Lace. 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.
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
We are so delighted to announce the dates for the Kenmare Lace Festival. Thursday 3rd October - Sunday 6th October 2013. Kenmare Lace has an international reputation and has been an important part of our heritage since 1861. Our local lacemakers ensure that our tradition is still kept alive today. We would like to share that heritage and tradition with you. Kenmare Lace Festival will celebrate lace and offer the very best of opportunities for you to:- learn more about lace making, meet like minded lacemakers as we gather around a table and work on our latest piece, design and create your own piece of lace and enter the Kenmare Lace Competition, visit our Lace exhibition and talk to experts, attend a workshop in Kenmare Lace or any of the other Irish lacemaking techniques which will be on offer, or simply come and enjoy Kenmare and the stunning scenery of South -west Kerry. We also have a full programme for male( /)non lace makers to enjoy. So come visit us here in Kenmare in the year of The Gathering. Come home, come for the first time or return to this wonderful part of the world. There'll be a huge welcome on the mat - a lace mat of course. We look forward to welcoming you,
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