MOUNTMELLICK, County Laois – Marking the culmination of a year-long bicentennial celebration, Mountmellick Embroidery and Heritage Museum will officially launch and unveil a special 200th Anniversary Mountmellick Embroidery piece on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
Mountmellick embroidery is a unique craft – a distinctive form of white-on-white needlework that originated in Mountmellick, County Laois, in the early 19th century. Officially recognized on Ireland’s National Inventory of Intangible Cultural Heritage, its defining characteristics include textured white cotton stitchwork and naturalistic motifs inspired by local flora.
Over the past year, members of the local community and passionate stitchers from across Ireland collaborated to design and create this intricate artwork. The piece honours the rich heritage and this significant historic milestone of Mountmellick embroidery.
The celebrations, including the official unveiling will take place in the Mountmellick Community Arts Centre (R32 WP68), on Saturday the 7th of November, commencing at 10:30 AM.
Event Itinerary:
- 10:30 AM – Opening Remarks: Welcome and opening address.
- Formal unveiling: The official unveiling of the 200th Anniversary Mountmellick Embroidery piece.
- Guest Speakers: Invited guest speakers will share the story behind the craft — highlighting its origins, its local 1970s revival, its spread to enthusiasts worldwide, and the community dedication that brought this anniversary piece to life.
Members of the public, craft enthusiasts, and community members are invited to attend and celebrate this landmark cultural occasion with us at this event. Admission is free.
Media Contact:
Name: Paddy Buggy
Mountmellick Embroidery & Heritage Museum
MDA Business Park
Irishtown
Mountmellick
Email Address: paddymdaltd@gmail.com
Phone number: +353 57 862 4525 or +353 87 623 8268
Website: www.mountmellickmuseum.ie
Mrs. Mary Ging sews the first stitch in the bicentennial memorial piece of Mountmellick embroidery, watched by Eliz Moore, Noreen Savage and Janet Stewart, November 2025
Mr. Gerry Savage, Chairperson of the Mountmellick Development association, sews the second stitch in the bicentennial memorial piece of Mountmellick embroidery, watched by Frances Connelly, Eliz Moore, Mary Ging, Noreen Savage and Janet Stewart, November 2025
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