WATCH: Reviving the Value of Irish Wool
Once a staple material in homes across Ireland, wool has been overtaken by synthetic alternatives—but the bioeconomy can offer solutions to change that.
Through innovation and collaboration, Irish-grown wool is making a comeback. The Government of Ireland's Wool Feasibility Study in 2022 identified exciting bioeconomy opportunities for this sustainable, natural fibre, leading to the creation of the Irish Grown Wool Council.
Now, innovators like Dooleys Wool are bringing wool back into our homes with locally sourced pillows, duvets and mattress toppers. Kilkenny farmer Brian Nicholson, Teagasc’s Environmentally Sustainable Sheep Farmer of the Year 2024, is one of the many local farmers supporting this new business by supplying high-quality Irish fleece.
To accelerate this movement, the Irish Government has invested almost €1 million in wool research which will drive bioeconomy innovation in Irish-grown wool.
Wool can have a bright future globally, underpinned by sustainability, local businesses and bioeconomy principles.
