The Weavers Cottages

The Weavers Cottages stand in the village of Clonegal in County Carlow, close to where the county meets Wexford and Wicklow. Built in the late 17th century by Alexander Durdin, and sometimes known as the Durdin Cottages, they originally formed part of a row of six and survive today as a pair of semi-detached, single-storey dormer cottages. In their working days they were homes and workplaces for weavers, part of the cottage industry that supported the local textile trade before the craft became mechanised.

The cottages have been restored and now hold a collection of articles, period furnishings and photographs that recall daily life and work in earlier times. From time to time they host demonstrations of traditional skills such as spinning, bread making and crochet, giving visitors a sense of how the weavers and their families once lived. To the rear there is a heritage garden planted with vegetables and with the plants once used to dye the wool for weaving.

Clonegal marks the southern end of the Wicklow Way, the long-distance walking route that begins in Marlay Park in Dublin, and the cottages act as a collection point where walkers can pick up a certificate on completing the trail. Visitors are advised to check current opening times and admission arrangements before travelling.