Drumfries artist Claire Harkin keeps the tradition of weaving alive

Inishowen, a treasure trove of creative talent, is home to artists and craft makers who draw endless inspiration from its stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Among them is Claire Harkin, a woven textile artist from Drumfries, whose vibrant and colourful creations celebrate the peninsula’s deep-rooted history of weaving.

“Weaving has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,” Claire says.

“After studying woven design at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin, I pursued a career teaching art. But the quiet days of lockdown in 2020 reignited my passion for weaving and brought me back to my roots. Being home during that time gave me the space to reconnect with weaving, and I’ve been immersed in it ever since.”

Claire’s unique creations blend tradition and innovation, crafted on a 1920s Donegal floor loom she treasures.

“It’s a bit of history itself,” she says with a smile. “I really love using this amazing loom – it connects me to all those who’ve woven on it before me.”

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Her intricate patterns and vibrant colours tell stories inspired by the natural beauty of Inishowen, where rolling hills, dramatic landscapes, and sweeping ocean views provide endless inspiration.

“I draw so much inspiration from the colours and textures around me,” she explains.

“We have such a rich landscape here in Inishowen – every shade and pattern is already laid out in nature.”

Claire sources her materials locally, using wool from sheep that graze on her family’s farm. Each piece is hand-dyed and hand-painted, bringing her vision to life.

Claire Harkin works on a 1920s Donegal floor loom

“Every single one of my tapestries and textiles is unique, and I love that. Every thread, every stitch, is part of a story,” she says.

Claire’s handwoven crafts are available at www.irishhands.com – a new platform dedicated to supporting and promoting artists and creative makers from Inishowen and the north-west.

But for Claire, weaving is about more than creating beautiful art – it’s about preserving a craft deeply rooted in Inishowen’s history and heritage.

Claire Harkin's Danny’s companion tapestry

“With every piece, I feel like I’m keeping a bit of that history alive,” she says.  “I want people to feel a connection to this place and to know that it’s not just a tapestry, a textile, or a scarf – it’s a piece of Donegal.”

“Indeed, I hope that my creations bring a bit of Inishowen’s spirit and soul to whoever owns them,” she adds.

“It truly is an honour to keep an age-old tradition alive and to share it with others. When people buy my tapestries or textiles, they’re not just getting something handmade – they’re getting a small part of our land, woven with love.”

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Claire showcases her creations at the Clonmany Agricultural Show, local craft fairs, and pop-up events, while also teaching needle felting at the Men’s Shed in Carndonagh.

To explore Claire’s handwoven crafts, visit www.irishhands.com/store/claire-harkin.