Many tourists, writers, artists, and photographers who visited Galway in the late 1800s and early 1900s were struck by the shawls worn by the women of Galway and the West. Though they were widely worn across Ireland, they became synonymous with Galway – a connection no doubt reinforced by the popular folk song – but many of these shawls were, in fact, imports from Scotland.

Join Dr Dan Coughlan, Curator of Textiles at Paisley Museum and Art Gallery, as he discusses the design, manufacture and popularity of Paisley Shawls and Galway Shawls. Originally from Co. Carlow, Dan Coughlan trained as a handloom weaver in Co. Wicklow before studying textile design at the National College of Art and Design, Dublin and completing a PhD on textiles at the University of the West of Scotland.

This event is free of charge but, as places are limited, advance booking is strongly advised.

Please note that this event is being filmed for Galway City Museum for public dissemination and attendance implies consent to be recorded in the audience.

Do you own a Paisley or Galway shawl?
We invite you to bring it along for a show-and-tell at the end of this illustrated talk. This is the perfect opportunity for you to learn more about your cherished family heirloom from an esteemed expert in the field.

Photo: Shawls on Confirmation Day, Connemara, 1930. Fáilte Ireland Collection, Dublin City Library and Archive