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This International Womens’ Day, we reached out to women we admire and invited them to share some words of wisdom… 

EASKEY BRITTON PhD, Blue Health Scientist, Surfer & Author 
 
Name a woman you admire/inspires you and why? 

Irish artist Pauline Bewick has had the greatest influence on me since I first went to her art class aged 10. She embodied the wild feminine, encouraged me to nurture my creative power and to boldly express myself.  

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received from another woman? 

“Our strength is in being soft, like water.” – freediver and founder of I Am Water, Hanli Prinsloo. 

What advice would you offer another woman in your field/industry? 

Our bodies are over 60% saltwater. And every second breath we take comes from the ocean. Breathe deep, you breathe the ocean inside. And remember, we are ocean. 

Easkey’s new book ‘Ebb and Flow’: Connect with the Patterns and Power of Water’ will be released on April 11th, and is available for pre-order now via this link

SIOBHÁN MCSWEENEY, Actor & Presenter 
Name a woman you admire/inspires you and why? 

I have to say my female friends. I have the most remarkable group of gals in my friendship circle. A veritable coven of wise, supportive, funny and inspiring women. Women who raise children and continue to maintain their own identity despite a system that demands that motherhood is subjugation and subsuming. These women are extraordinary role models both for me and the children they are rearing.  

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received from another woman?  

From my own brilliant mother; Try and live by yourself for some time if you can. If you can’t live by yourself, how can you expect anyone to live with you (fully aware this is quite the privilege in this economic climate). I think at heart this is a version of Ru Paul’s – “If you don’t love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love someone else?” 

What advice would you offer another woman in your field/industry? 

Remember as an actor the best tool you have is yourself. Don’t try and become a tabula rasa and erase everything that makes you unique. But keep working on yourself to become the most interesting, creative, professional and mischievous version of yourself. Thats what our industry needs; interesting and interested imps. 

This summer, Siobhán will be starring in Landmark Production’s ‘Happy Days’, written by Samuel Beckett and directed by Caitríona McLaughlin, more information here.  

AMBER BARRETT, Irish International Footballer 
Name a woman you admire/inspires you and why? 

A woman that I have always admired is Serena Williams. She continually pushes barriers and boundaries for her sport and succeeding under constant criticism. Dominating her sport, the way she did for such a long time, is such an unbelievable accomplishment. 

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received from another woman?  

The best advice I received from a woman was listening to Jo Malone on the High-Performance podcast, and she said, “never make a life changing decision on a bad day” and it’s something that really stuck with me. Important to always be in a clear mind for these types of moments. 

What advice would you offer another woman in your field/industry? 

The best advice I would give would be to keep doing what they say you can’t do or what you aren’t able to. Push your own boundaries and do more. And the rest follows suit.

Amber and the Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team will compete in this summer’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

NIKKI BRADLEY, Adaptive Adventurer & Motivational Speaker 
Name a woman you admire/inspires you and why? 

Aimee Connolly, founder of Sculpted by Aimee. I have met many incredible women over the years but this year I sat down with Aimee to film some content and I was blown away by her ambition/ dedication and lack of ego. She has achieved so much in business and is only getting started!  

What advice would you offer another women in your field/industry? 

Don’t let nerves stop you from taking that first step into your speaking career. Public speaking is terrifying at first and it can be enough to put you off. However, if you persevere it could change your life! 

Find out more about Nikki at TheMotivationFactory.ie

NIAMH O’MALLEY, Artist 
Name a woman you admire/inspires you and why?  

To name one is to omit many – so truthfully, it’s all of my female colleagues who maintain amazing, ambitious and ever-surprising practices despite the financial and practical difficulties of longevity in this industry.   

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received from another woman?  

Rather than trying to make the ‘best’ work – just make the ‘next’ work – nothing can ever contain everything – and if it did that would be the end.  

What advice would you offer another woman in your field/industry?  

Surround yourself with supportive people who value you as well as your work – and – it’s your life not a race. 

Niamh O’Malley’s critically acclaimed exhibition that represented Ireland at the 2022 Venice Biannale Gather – is on display at The Model, Sligo until April 8th, 2023. 

CHARLOTTE TEMPLE, Design Director & 5th Generation Family Member – Magee 1866 
Name a woman you admire/inspires you and why?  

Amelia Earhart, the pilot. I love adventure and hugely admire a variety of early female adventurers and explorers who were groundbreaking in their particular fields in a time when women didn’t have the freedom, we experience today in the western world to travel and explore. They were incredibly resilient, brave and determined. Qualities that I feel are so important today, in any field – business to adventure.  

What is the best piece of advice you have ever received from another woman?  

I used to be a real worrier and spend hours at night awake thinking and worrying about things I couldn’t control. As someone once told me in no uncertain terms – this is wasted energy and emotion and leaves you feeling exhausted!  

The best advice I have been given is stop worrying about things that are completely out of your control, worrying about them will change nothing – it just stresses you out. Manage what you can control and generally things fall into place. We are all human and I do sometimes wake at night with something on my mind, I now listen to a sleep story or some music which is a good distraction.  

What advice would you offer another woman in your field/industry?  

We spend our life trying to find a balance, (or certainly I do!) and often get it very wrong, especially as a woman – it can be very hard to keep everyone happy – family, children, husband or partner, teams at work and yourself. When everything gets too much, try, hard as it might be to take a step back, breathe and reassess what is most important to you right now and prioritise – a day at a time. Give yourself some time, if you can find some space for you – some sport, a quiet moment with a book, a spa treatment – it often helps to put other areas of our busy lives into perspective & create a better balance – family, work and day to day life. 

Thanks to everyone for taking part.

Cover image thanks to Easkey Britton.

Mothers are special, make sure they know it. 

It’s been a tough year for everyone. Lockdowns, separated from the ones we love and the dreaded homeschooling! 

 This Mother’s Day, more than ever, you should take the chance to spoil your mum. We spoke to some of the Magee 1866 team about how they are going to celebrate this year.  

Charlotte – Design Director 

“As a mum of three young kids, Mother’s Day is usually marked by cuddles and cards in bed – their weekend clock can be pretty early so I am not sure a lie-in is on the agenda! My kids love art and I have some very special cards and pictures from the last few years. Mother’s Day to me means spring, so we try to spend some time outdoors, usually that would include a visit to my parents but this year we’ll FaceTime instead. My ideal Mother’s Day gift would be our Grey Donegal Tweed Lily Jacket, it’s the perfect style for this time of year and looks great paired with skinny jeans and white trainers for an off-duty Sunday.”  

Sorcha – Digital Marketing 

“I won’t get to see my mum this year, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make a fuss. My mum loves to accessorize, so I’ve picked one of our gorgeous new Glen Check wide scarves, designed and woven here in Donegal. The neutral grey shade is really versatile and with the Irish weather the way it is I’m confident she will get many opportunities to wear it.” 

Daniel – Ecommerce Manager 

“With two young boys at home, the greatest gift I could give my wife is the day off! Me and the boys will head out for the afternoon and leave my wife to relax and catch up on her favourite Netflix shows. Our Wigwam throws are ideal for tucking up in on the couch, the boys can buy the chocolates. 

Don’t forget – Mother’s Day is Sunday, 14th March 2021. Explore our gift guide here.  

Spread the love with a gift from Magee 1866

Like most things, this Valentine’s Day is going to be a little different, BUT if you are lucky enough to be with your love this year, there are still lots of ways to mark the day and we have some ideas… 

Romantic Walk  

Although it’s technically spring, you shouldn’t ditch the layers just yet. Before you head out for a nice romantic walk (withing the restrictions, of course), pop on our Glenveigh Quilted Jacket or wrap up in a warm lambswool pashmina, designed and woven at our mill in Donegal. 

Dress for Dinner 

OK so you can’t go out, but that doesn’t stop you from dressing for dinner. Go all out in your finest tweed suit, light a candle and break out the table linens. Whether you’re ordering in or cooking from scratch, this will certainly make an impact. 

Low-key Picnic for Two

Bring the outdoors in with a picnic (or brave your garden all wrapped up!). Take a throw – our colourful Wigwam Collection, designed and woven in Donegal is a good choice – and a couple of luxurious, duck-down filled tweed cushions, and you have the makings of a charming picnic for two. 

Take up Poetry  

There is no better time in the year to profess your love than Valentine’s Day, and no better medium to do it than poetry. Our Donegal Tweed Notebooks are made in Ireland and are the perfect vehicle for you to present the fruits of your creative labour.  

Visit our Valentine’s Gift Guide for more ideas on how you can spoil the one you love this year. 


P.S. we have partnered with our neighbours on South Anne Street, Sheridans Cheesemongers, for a very special Valentine’s giveaway.

Head over to our Facebook or Instagram profiles to find out more.  (ends 09.02.2021)

Our Winter Sale is now on. 

We’ve gathered together our top Winter Sale picks, pieces that are made to last and timeless design that you to will return to season after season. 

As a fifth-generation family business with over 150 years’ experience in designing, weaving and tailoring, we have always been about ‘slow fashion’ and creating styles that will stand the test of time. Each piece in the Magee 1866 collection has been designed and made with longevity in mind. 

Explore our top picks for men, women and home. 

MENS

Maroon Handwoven Jacket

A Donegal Tweed jacket is a wardrobe workhorse, a versatile and truly unique garment, it can be easily dressed up or down. This indulgent merlot herringbone tweed, with lavender, olive, rust, cobalt & mustard flecks is designed and handwoven in Donegal. Now 20% off. 

Cotton Jumper 

Whether you chose crew neck, V-neck or ¼ zip, a cotton jumper is a staple all year round. Layer over shirts or under jackets, (a crew neck works really well on its own or with a t-shirt). Our beautiful quality knits will integrate seamlessly into your casual wardrobe. Now 20% off. 

Navy Micro Design 3-Piece Tailored Fit Mix & Match Suit 

A timeless navy suit, perfect for both the office and more formal occasions. This contemporary style features a subtle micro design and is part of our three-piece Mix & Match suit offering. Now 20% off. 

White Formal Dress Collar Shirt 

Our social diaries may be a little on the quiet side these days but the events will happen again and you should be prepared. Our dress collar formal shirts come in Classic or Tailored Fit and single or double cuff. Now 30% off. 

Clogher T-shirt 

Part of our ‘Casual Luxe’ collection, the Clogher t-shirt is available in grey, navy or stripes. Made from luxuriously soft cotton in a relaxed fit with curved hem, these are basics at their best. Now 20% off. 

WOMENS

Navy Lily Salt & Pepper Tweed Blazer 

A firm favourite in the Magee 1866 Women’s Collection, this lambswool jacket in navy Salt & Pepper Donegal Tweed, with its slightly slanted pockets, princess seams, peak lapel and cut-away front, give it a tailored, waisted appearance without sacrificing on comfort. Style over a dress or jeans for a put together look. Now 20% off. 

Houndstooth Clooney Coat 

Treat yourself to luxury. Our Clooney Cardigan Coat is a standout piece from our winter collection. This truly special and timeless cashmere wool blend in pewter and vanilla houndstooth is the epitome of indulgence. Featuring a deep shawl collar, waist belt and hand-warmer pockets, this style is perfect for cocooning in on winter days. Now 20% off. 

Beatrice Black Cardigan 

A classic wardrobe staple, the cashmere-blend Beatrice cardigan is available in black, navy or plum. The slim-fitting silhouette features a round neck and 3/4 length sleeves and looks great styled alone or over a shirt. Now 50% off. 

Pashmina 

Every wardrobe needs a pashmina. In Ireland, we wear ours no matter what the season. Woven in a beautifully soft cashmere-lambswool blend at our mill in Donegal, this is a piece you will reach for time and time again. Now 20% off. 

Luxury Black Leather Ring Belt 

A timeless accessory, our luxury belts are handmade using the finest quality bridle leather. Style with jeans, over a dress or cardigan for a contemporary look. Now 20% off.  

 

HOME

Wigwam Throw 

New to the Magee 1866 collection, our colourful Wig Wam throws are designed and woven at our mill in Donegal. Available in a range of colours to brighten winter evenings. Now 20% off. 

18″ Donegal Tweed Cushion

Update your interiors for the new year. Our range of Donegal Tweed cushions are designed and woven at our mill in Donegal in patterns and colours inspired by the land seascapes that surround us, and filled with a luxurious duck-down filling. Now 20% off.  

 

Escape into a world of luxury… 

Made from the softest cashmere blends, this edit features some of our most lush pieces. Natural fibres are central to our collections. Renewable, biodegradable and coming from all-natural sources creating a rich, soft feeling that can’t be imitated. Designed for warmth and comfort, these are pieces to be treasured and enjoyed for years to come.  

Houndstooth Clooney Cardigan Coat

Cocoon yourself in cosy luxury with the Clooney Cardigan Coat. This truly special and timeless cashmere wool blend in chunky pewter and vanilla houndstooth is the epitome of indulgence. Featuring a deep shawl collar, waist belt and hand-warmer pockets, style over a turtleneck knit and heeled boots. 

Cashmere Blend Hopsack Throws

With patterns and colours inspired by the land and seascapes that surround Donegal, envelop yourself in an earthy sense of calm with our lightweight wool and cashmere blend hopsack throws. 

Cushions

Cosy up on the couch with our plush duck-down filled cushions. The ultimate in interior luxury, the cashmere and lambswool blend tweed is designed and woven at our mill in Donegal.  

Emma Coat

The Emma Coat, with its contemporary boyfriend fit is a comfortable, relaxed piece. Its iconic black and white enlarged herringbone cashmere-rich cloth, designed and woven at our mill in Donegal, bears all the hallmarks of luxury and quality associated with Magee tweeds. 

Pashminas

Beat the chill and wrap up in our luxurious cashmere blend pashminas, designed and woven at our mill in Donegal. The collection features calming earth tones and Windowpane checks.  

 

Add a touch of luxury to your day with our working from home essentials.

Candles

Handmade in Ireland from a natural wax blend and essential oils, our candles are available in a range of luscious scents like the invigorating Sweet Grapefruit & Lemon Zest or calming Lavender & Heather. 

Casual Luxe Collection

High quality cotton jersey basics, our Casual Luxe collection is designed to be worn alone or layered. Low maintenance and comfortable without compromising on style. 

Pashminas

Beat the chill and wrap up in our luxurious cashmere blend pashminas, designed and woven at our mill in Donegal. 

Darney Knit Waistcoat

Upgrade your working from home wardrobe with a Donegal Tweed Darney knit waistcoat. Style over a Tullagh shirt for a smart Zoom look! 

Salt & Pepper Tweed Notebook

Jot down your best ideas in our limited edition Salt & Pepper Donegal Tweed notebooks, made in Ireland.  

Donegal Tweed Cushion

Enhance your home office setup with a Donegal Tweed cushion. Designed and woven in Donegal in colours inspired by the land and seascapes that surround us. 

 

We’re all looking a bit closer to home for our getaways this year, and we might be bias, but Donegal really does have it all. Voted ‘Coolest Place on the Planet’ by National Geographic in 2017, whether you’re looking for adventurous outdoor pursuits, a bit of luxury or breathtaking scenery, there is something here for you.

Here are some of our family’s top tips for things to see and do on a three-day staycation in Donegal.

Stay

Base yourself at the Lough Eske Castle Hotel, this 5-star award winning hotel and spa is nestled at the foot of the Blue Stack Mountains just five miles from Donegal Town. From Cedars Restaurant you can take in sweeping views of the castle gardens and surrounding woodland while enjoying simple, exquisitely fresh ingredients prepared to perfection.

Day 1

After you get settled at the hotel, take the short, 10-minute drive into Donegal Town – a lively spot all year round. The epic Donegal Castle, built in 1474 sits on the banks of the River Eske and was the stronghold of the O’Donnell clan, one of the most powerful Gaelic families in Ireland. Pop over the bridge and you’ll find the start of the Donegal Bank Trail, a pleasant scenic stroll along the river that takes you out to Donegal Bay and back.

The Diamond is the main hub of Donegal Town, surrounded by café’s and restaurants and our Magee of Donegal shop, which stands on the site of the original drapers shop, founded in 1866. Here we specialise in Magee men’s and women’s wear and accessories – designed and made in Ireland. Other brands include – Barbour, Dubarry, Seasalt and luxury Irish made gifts including Newbridge Silver. Call ahead to arrange a weaving demonstration in our heritage room or take a break at the Weaver’s Loft café where we focus on a seasonal menu and home baking.

Day 2

Time to explore the Wild Atlantic Way. Just up the coast is Mountcharles Pier, stop for a coffee at the small café there, and have a splash in the ocean if you feel up for it. After enjoying the views across the bay, head to Salthill Gardens, built within old stone walls, this contemporary garden is bursting with flowers, shrubs and vegetables. Wander the paths, peer through rod iron garden gates, and feel as if you’ve stepped into the pages of The Secret Garden. (Open 1 May to 30 September 2020).

Continuing along the coast you will find Killybegs, Ireland’s largest fishing port. Just in time for lunch, The Seafood Shack  will not disappoint. Famous for their seafood chowder (winner of Ireland’s Best Chowder at the 9th All Ireland Chowder Cook Off in Kinsale in 2019) the rest of their offering is delicious too, freshly prepared local seafood all to be enjoyed al fresco accompanied by views of the sea and busy fishing boats.

Onward to Sliabh Liag , the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Stretching to over 600m above sea level, the views are unmissable. Drive to the top of the cliffs, or park and enjoy the hike.

Take the loop back through the winding Glengesh Pass to the heritage town of Ardara, a must for fans of traditional Irish music and also a town steeped in the wool trade. A busy market town, in the late 19th century our founder John Magee would visit the market in Ardara to buy and sell handwoven tweeds. On your return, treat yourself to a delicious dinner at the Lakeside Restaurant at Harvey’s Point Hotel on Lough Eske. Their seven-course tasting dinner is the perfect way to enjoy the best of Irish produce.

Day 3

Head north to Glenveagh National Park, the second largest national park in Ireland covering 170 square kilometres of hillside above Glenveagh Castle on the shore of Lough Veagh. The park hosts a variety of walking trails to suit everyone from the novice to experienced hiker. The fresh air and stunning views are guaranteed to blow away all your cobwebs. If hiking isn’t your thing, cycling and fishing are also on offer as well as a relaxed stroll through the castle’s walled Victorian gardens.

We hope you enjoy your trip through our home county and the landscapes that have inspired our talented weavers and designers for more than 150 years.


From dark origins during the Roman empire (think martyred saints and animal sacrifices), Valentine’s Day evolved over centuries to become the loved-up holiday we know today. Chaucer and Shakespeare romanticised Saint Valentine’s Day in poetry. In the 18th century, the first Valentine’s Day cards (handmade!) were sent. These cards were discreetly slipped under doorways or tied to the door-knocker of a beloved one. Then, in the early 1800’s, mass-produced Valentine’s Day cards began circulating.

Today, we celebrate Valentine’s Day with cards, flowers and chocolate, gifts, and a date! It’s also quite common to celebrate the day by getting together with friends and loved ones. We’ve put together some gift ideas to show someone in your life, whether it’s your partner or a close friend, that you love them!

Left: The Birra technical fleece
Centre: Handmade teddy in pink Donegal Tweed
Right: Pink Herringbone pashmina

For more gifting inspiration, check out our gift guide here. And don’t forget to check out our Valentine’s Day city escape on social media, which we’ll be gifting to one lucky couple! The offer includes a night in the Merrion Hotel in Dublin, and one of our Made to Measure suits from Magee 1866 on South Anne Street in Dublin.

From everyone at Magee 1866, including chairman Lynn Temple above, happy Valentine’s Day!

‘Tis the season for gift-giving and gift-opening, and we’ve been really good this year. Here are the gifts we’re hoping to find under the tree!

“My wish list includes one of our throws, designed and made by our weaving mill in Donegal. They are perfect for snuggling down with on the sofa and watching a Christmas film. If it’s just me – The Holiday or Love Actually are my favourites, and if with my children and husband – The Snowman followed by the Snowman and Snowdog!

I would also love a notebook – I have a terrible memory and need lists for everything. I know we live in a digital age and there are all sorts of apps for lists and organisation but I prefer writing things down with a pencil and paper. These beautiful Donegal Tweed bound notebooks are made in Ireland.”

“I do a lot of travelling for work, visiting fabric fairs and factories,! so if Santa wanted to bring me one of our lovely Donegal Tweed passport covers, it would be the perfect accessory to dress up my rather dog-eared passport! As an only child and grandchild, Christmas with my small family is generally a quiet one but we always look forward to Boxing Day when we go for a walk along the seafront in my hometown in the Southeast of England. We watch the either brave or slightly mad locals embracing a charity Boxing Day swim, followed by a walk along the promenade to walk off the Christmas Day dinner. One of our Merino Wool waffle knit sweaters and the gorgeous new red and grey Alexa coat will be sure to keep me warm.”

“For Christmas, I’d love a teddy bear in Donegal Tweed to give to my nephew. It’s something he can hang onto throughout childhood, and pass on when he’s older — a real family heirloom. For myself, I usually spend a lot of the Christmas holidays outside. You can find me having a dip in the sea at dawn (highly recommended!) or taking long walks through the countryside with family. A warm scarf and the Demi jacket are the perfect things to keep me warm through the winter.”

“With two small sons at home, the holidays involve a lot of running around outside, visiting family (and Santa!), and a lot of silliness. This year, I’m hoping for a really smart, versatile piece of outerwear – a coat that will keep me warm while I’m chasing the wee boys around, but also something that will look smart if I manage a rare night out! Having a young family is a bit of a juggling act, so a good-quality piece of outerwear like the Moross Duffle coat that I can take everywhere with me that’s made to last, is top of the list. “

My early memories of Magee as a child were built around what Dad wore as he left for the office at exactly 0750 every morning – namely a navy suit with a brightly coloured tie. (While Dad has never worked directly in our design departments, he has always had a natural flare for colour and styling!) The upstairs wardrobe was full of soft earthy brown and green houndstooth jackets with the odd thornproof suit in a moss green with a fine red thread running through (great for dressing up in as a child!). My brother and I also acquired a bright green linen/silk bolt that we used for ‘tent’s and ‘hide-outs’ in the woods at home. Probably not the final end use desired by the Weaving designer at the time but perfect for us – 65m went a long way for these structures.

Our fabrics and garments have evolved over the years, but the core message of quality and producing a timeless product has always been at the heart of what we do. We focus on natural fibres – wool, alpaca, cashmere, linen and silk. Traditionally Magee 1866 concentrated on jacket and suits, I joined the business in 2012 and while I have no formal training in design, I have been steeped in our brand since a child and love and believe in the the idea of taking a clothing brand and building a lifestyle around it. This is what we are striving to do and use our amazing fabrics as much as possible in these collections.

The Magee 1866 fabrics would have been originally all handwoven and their function was not fashion but utility. In the 1960’s two leading Irish designers – Sybill Connelly and Irene Gilbert started to use our Donegal tweed in the women’s collection. We have always been renowned for our brightly coloured and intricately designed apparel fabrics. In 2018 we launched our first interiors collection.

While we do buy from other mills, particularly in suiting – the UK and Italy, this vertical approach from mill to finished garment allows us to develop truly unique fabrics for our product collections.

Each season we are working to subtly push the boundaries, combining the best of Donegal cloths with contemporary styling – AW19 the Duffle and Alexa coat, while still retaining our more classic pieces. A tricky balance! The Autumn Winter season is so strong for us, colours are rich with earthy tones and our natural cloths really come into their own.

Trends are evolving all the time and the casual direction the world is moving is very prevalent – I still believe there will always be room for a smartly tailored suit, so much so we have just launched an extensive made to measure service!

Spring Summer is a little more difficult, but we are looking to develop the Irish linen story across a number of products and use a more softer colour base across our lightweight wools. For us the ideal spring piece is something that can transcend seasons, particularly in Ireland where our weather is so unpredictable.

A sneak preview to SS20 and our Irish linen suit in an olive green Glencheck (also available in navy) is a wardrobe must – the great thing about this suit is how you can mix up the styling – the checked jacket with plain linen trousers and a t-shirt or the trousers with one of our Irish linen grandfather shirts (an exclusive made in Ireland product). Embracing the casual trends we are introducing a casual lux collection.

I have been working with our team to review how we can use our beautiful Donegal tweeds and linens in some timeless and the more quirky accessories, e.g. our Donegal tweed teddy bear (Made in the UK) and our throws – made in Donegal by us. This is an exciting area for development – watch this space!

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