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An Interview with Damian Browne

While on his recent visit to Donegal to shoot our latest campaign, we sat down with extreme adventurer Damian Browne and picked his brain about what motivates him to achieve his incredible feats, what he’s listening to right now, and of course, the wild coasts of the Atlantic Ocean.

What kept you motivated when crossing the Atlantic?

In a word; meaning. The project was one of great purpose and meaning to me because of its fulfilling nature. It would give me enormous rewards on many different levels of life if I was able to complete it and plenty still if I wasn’t. Meaning is like a center mass of indefatigable energy that if you can understand your why and align your actions to that why, you will never run out of energy in the pursuit of the goal. Harnessing emotional energy through the powers of your imagination is a great way to fuel your actions and neutralise the effects of the darkest of negative states.

Best piece of advice you have ever received?

You can motivate by fear, you can motivate by reward, but the only lasting motivation is self-motivation.

Do you have a motto you live by?

Life is a fight. (And you better cultivate the capacities to deal with the fight).

What drives you?

Self realisation. Getting to my deathbed with a sincere knowing I didn’t waste a minute of my life and tried with all my heart to live courageously, authentically and lovingly.

What do you consider the greatest success in your life?

The peacefulness, contentment, and security of my default internal state.

What did you want to be when you grow up?

A professional golfer or professional rugby player.

Where is your favourite place in the world?

Impossible to pick one but Glassilaun beach in Connemara, The Flaggy Shore in North Co. Clare or Bequia in The Grenadines in The Caribbean

Damian Browne with Patrick, Rosy and Charlotte Temple

What is your favourite book?

The Oxford Atlas of The World.

Describe your dream day at home in Ireland.

A mentally challenging training session, a dip in the Atlantic Ocean, quality time with Rozelle and Élodie, at least one great double espresso, a laugh with a friend/friends, a walk in nature with the dog and family, a meaningful conversation with Rozelle and 3 home cooked meals including some quality Irish beef or lamb.

What do you listen to when training?

My internal voice. I pay attention to what I am feeling; physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Apart from your own, what podcasts do you enjoy?

Desert Island Discs.

You are an incredibly busy person, what do you do to relax?

I operate out of a pretty calm state so never really feel the need to deliberately relax. However, training brings a greater sense of peace to me as does a dip in the ocean or a walk in nature.

What’s next?

I am still recovering emotionally from the incredible demands of the North Atlantic row, so I don’t have anything “big” on the horizon for the next while. In the meantime, for my travel and adventure fix I am climbing Kilimanjaro back to back in June and July.

Photography by Alex Hutchinson

Season 4 of Damian’s podcast ‘Deep Roots’ launches in June 2023

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Features

Teaming up with Extreme Adventurer Damian Browne 

Our latest campaign features the extreme adventurer and peak performance athlete, Damian Browne. After retiring from a sixteen-year professional rugby career, Damian has since scaled some of the world’s highest peaks, crossed deserts and, last year, completed an epic 112-day row from New York to Galway. 

Sharing common traits of resilience, commitment, skill, and character, together with a mutual affinity for the wild shores of the Atlantic, Damian captures the essence of Magee 1866. 

Shot on location, by the sea in our home county of Donegal, the rugged coastline of which offers us endless inspiration, this campaign brings to life the character of our 5th generation family brand. 

Known for our weaving heritage, sustainable fabric and high-quality, long-lasting pieces, we are committed to supporting the tradition of weaving and manufacturing textiles in the northwest of Ireland bringing a contemporary edge to an age-old craft.   

As a family, we are avid fans of the outdoors, being in the elements and embracing wild places. When it comes to the water, Chairman Lynn Temple has a traditional Galway Hooker boat, which during the summer can be seen off the coast of Mountcharles and was used for this campaign, while CEO Rosy has represented Ireland at the World Rowing Coastal Championship. On land, Rosy has taken her bike and tent to explore remote places like Patagonia and Norway.  Design Director Charlotte and CEO of Magee Weaving Patrick also hold a daring streak, with Charlotte having climbed Kilimanjaro and trekked the Himalayas and the Alps and Patrick’s love of exploring the wilds of Scotland.  

This shared interest in adventure drew us to Damian as we admire the depth of courage and determination it takes to complete his feats. 

Shop the lookbook online or in any of our three stores. 

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Spring Summer 23

⁠Lightweight Summer Style – Blazers 

Our signature blazer range represents the best of what we design and weave at our mill in Donegal. For spring summer collections, the focus switches from heavier weight wools to lighter fabrics, expertly designed and woven by our talented team using the finest natural fibres. 

Lightweight alternatives for warmer months include soft merino, silk blends, Irish Linen, and hints of cashmere. The patterns range from classic checks to contemporary sharkskins and, of course, the two “true” Donegal Tweed patterns of Herringbone and Salt & Pepper.  

Tailored fit styles feature patch pockets for a more carefree feel while classic fit styles with standard pocketing give a smart casual look. 

When designing our collections, we draw inspiration from the land and seascapes of Donegal and this season our blazers can be broken down into two colour stories.  

Inspired by the Land 

Earthy tones of rust orange, raspberry and greens taken from the beaches, shores and hillsides.  

Inspired by the Sea 

From sky blue to rich, inky navy, this range of calming, nautical shades offer endless opportunity for coordination. 

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Spring Summer 23

One Suit – Three Ways 

We are all about making our wardrobe work for us, and now more than ever we are looking to add select pieces that can be pulled out time and time again. As a brand we are working on our collections to enable you to do just that – mix and match, season after season.  

For Spring Summer 2023 the Mourne navy-blue Irish linen blazer and matching Tina drawstring trousers are the perfect starting point – two wardrobe staples that can be styled in lots of ways. We are huge fans of linen, and this beautiful, natural fabric is designed and woven in our mill in Donegal.  

Here, we have styled it three ways: 

Night out glamour – just add heels and statement jewellery and you’re good to go. 

9 to 5 – layer with the Eve organic cotton cashmere blend jumper for a comfortable, put together look or add a pop of print with the Patty top, made with Liberty Fabrics. 

Weekend brunch – drop the blazer and pop on the Aisling oversized shirt in Irish Linen for a relaxed weekend look. 

These are our suggestions, but we would love to see how you make these pieces your own, tag @magee1866 on Instagram or Facebook. 

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Spring Summer 23

Stay Sharp in Summer Tailoring

Experts in tailoring since the 1940s, weknow what it takes to make a good suit. This season, the designs are straightforward and timeless with a focus on high-quality, natural fibre fabrics. What more would you expect from weavers of fine cloth for over 150 years and five generations? 

The pallet features earthy shades of brown, camel and green, inspired by the landscape of Donegal, as well as classic navy and greys with subtle and unexpected pops of colour throughout. 

The range of summer-weight suits feature styles in 100% Irish linen and lofty blends of cashmere, linen and wool, designed and woven at our mill in Donegal and perfect as the weather warms. Laid back and carefree, these suits are just made for destination weddings, add an extra dimension with the coordinating waistcoats. 

Staying true to our roots in Donegal Tweeds, this season sees two striking suits in 100% wool, woven at our mill. The rich dark green glencheck is flecked with the colourful neps Donegal Tweed is known for, while the classic Green Windowpane Check offers a timeless country look. Style with a shirt in 100% Irish Linen for a contemporary update. 

With styles across classic and tailored fits, refresh your weekday wardrobe with a host of options for the office. Our travel suits are designed to stay looking crisp on the move and designed for maximum versatility while the flexible Mix & Match range sees jackets, trousers and waistcoats sold separately, allowing you to find the best fit for you. 

Whether you are a future groom, a guest or want to update your 9 to 5 wardrobe, we have a range of tailoring options to suit every occasion.

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Design

Home Interiors – Designed & Woven in Donegal 

Our talented in-house design team look to the rugged land and seascapes that surround Donegal for inspiration when creating our range of throws, which are then woven at our mill. 

Here is a little insight into some of our favourite patterns.  

Cavalry Twill crossed with an oversized plaid  

Directly inspired by a pattern in our weaving archive, the intricate weave creates a Cavalry twill plaid. The steep double twill lines, which define the term ‘Cavalry twill’ are flecked with unexpected pops of colour throughout.  

The ‘Cavalry twill’ design was originally developed for use in riding breeches/pants for military uniforms – it was stretchy and durable, and made in wool or cotton blends.  

St Brigid’s Cross 

A well-known symbol in Irish heritage, our team have recreated the elaborate St Brigid’s cross in a range of natural colourways drawn directly from the local landscape.  

St Brigid’s day is celebrated on 1st February and traditionally a cross, often with a diamond in the middle was woven from rushes or straw. It was hung in the rafters of a house and left there for protection for the rest of the year.  

Oversized Houndstooth in Irish wool 

A contemporary take on a timeless classic, the exaggerated houndstooth makes this a real statement piece in Irish wool. 

We are committed to developing Irish Wool for use in our textiles and have been working with our yarn supplier on sourcing wool from farms across Ireland. This wool is spun locally by Donegal Yarns and designed and woven into luxurious fabrics at our Mill in Donegal Town. 

Fern  

Taking inspiration from the flora of the rugged landscapes that surround us in Donegal, the unexpected flecks of colour in the weft delicately encapsulate the traditional character synonymous with Donegal Tweeds.  

Painterly Herringbone 

One of the two “true” Donegal Tweed patterns, herringbone is said to have been inspired by the fish caught in the Atlantic Ocean by the part-time fishermen and part-time weavers. These throws feature a contemporary oversized herringbone with subtle flecks.  

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Design

Future Heirlooms

We are so excited to share our new baby blankets with you, these are something we have been wanting to do for a long time and they were worth the wait.

Designed and woven at our mill in Donegal in 100% lambswool, these luxuriously soft blankets are available in seven gentle tones. The intricate diamond herringbone pattern highlights the colour throughout.

An heirloom piece to cherish for years to come, our baby blankets make the perfect gift for a new arrival.

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Autumn Winter 22

The Best of Black Friday

This year, we are offering 20% off online and in store* as part of our Black Friday event. 

We always encourage considered shopping, and investing in quality pieces, so want you to use this opportunity to find something you will enjoy for years to come. 

Donegal Tweed Jackets & Blazers 

Crafted in tweed, designed and woven at our mill in Donegal, our selection of Donegal Tweed blazers for men and women are designed to stand the test of time. We pay special attention to the fit and comfort of each garment. The fabric is luxuriously soft, washed in the peaty waters of the River Eske. Fabrics are colourful – country inspired greens and browns crossed with blue and burgundy checks, classic Salt & Pepper urban blacks and greys with a hint of seasonal red and a range of timeless blues – from navy to contemporary micro checks. 

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Cashmere Blend Knits 

Organic cotton and cashmere are blended for a touch of luxury in this selection of lightweight knits. The high-quality, natural fibres make these pieces ideal for layering, making them go-to styles you will reach time and time again. Styles for men includes 1970’s inspired turtlenecks, polo necks (a great alternative to a shirt) and for women classic crew and V-necks. Colours include black, honey yellow, spice red, navy, moss green and grey.  

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The Rebecca Shirt Dress 

A classic shape, the belted Rebecca shirt dress looks just as chic with leather boots in winter as it does with trainers in spring. A style you can wear all year round in two striking Liberty of London prints and a lush striped Irish Linen, designed, woven, and finished at our mill. 

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Irish Linen Shirt 

Renewable and biodegradable, linen comes from an all-natural source, offering a rich, soft feeling that cannot be imitated by synthetic fibres. It is also truly sustainable – requiring less water and land to grow than cotton, for example, and it can be processed without chemicals. 

The relaxed look of linen and its natural breathable properties make it the perfect choice for pieces we wear close to our skin like shirts. We love to style a linen shirt under a Donegal Tweed jacket or gilet for a put together look   

Shop Men’s Irish Linen Shirts

Home Interior Throws 

Designed and woven at our mill in Donegal, our talented designers look to the local land and seascapes for inspiration when creating our range of throws. Crafted using the finest natural fibres, these cosy throws make a great gift for friends, or for yourself!  

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Shop Black Friday Sale 

*Excludes Outlet 

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Christmas

Gifts to Treasure

Our carefully curated gift guides have something for everyone this Christmas. Bringing together a luxurious selection of ideas from across our collections, you can be assured that each piece has been designed and made with longevity in mind and will be enjoyed and treasured for years to come. 

As a 5th generation Irish family business, we are acutely aware of the importance of spending time with family and stressing about gifting should be the last thing on your mind. Our collections focus on slow fashion and high-quality pieces that will stand the test of time.

For Her 

Contemporary tweeds, designed and woven at our mill in Donegal, are paired with timeless styles in the women’s range of jackets and coats. These are show stopping pieces that will bring a smile to anyone’s face on Christmas morning. 

Lightweight and luxuriously soft, our new range of organic cotton and cashmere blend jumpers are available in two styles – the Imogen and Eve – and a range of festive hues. For fans of colour, look no further than our selection of Liberty of London print shirts and tunics in a deliciously soft cotton. 

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For Him

One of the key characteristics of Donegal Tweed is the colourful neps you find in the threads, originally made using natural-plant dyes found in the surrounding landscape, this season we have brought this ‘Donegal fleck’ through to our knitwear. New styles the Clifden turtleneck and Port fisherman rib cardigan both pay homage to Ireland’s long standing fishing traditions and join a range of knitwear focusing on natural fibres including lambswool and organic cotton and cashmere blends.  

There is always space in his wardrobe for a beautifully made shirt, from Irish Linen to super soft flannel and traditional checks, you will find something to suit his style. These styles pair perfectly with our signature Donegal Tweed jackets, choose from tailored or classic fit and for someone extra special, explore the pieces in handwoven tweed. 

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Made in Ireland

Our weaving mill in Donegal Town, on the banks of the river Eske, is still the beating heart of everything we do at Magee. we are proud to support a tradition of weaving and manufacturing textiles in the northwest of Ireland, bringing a contemporary edge to an age-old craft. Our exclusive range of scarves, pashminas, and home interior throws are designed and made in Ireland in a range of colours and patterns inspired by the land and seascapes of Donegal. 

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Stocking Fillers 

Look to our Donegal Tweed accessories for fantastic stocking fillers, from notebooks to teddy bears to the classic tweed cap, available in two styles – the flat cap and baker. Fill their home with luxurious scents with a selection of candles and diffusers, made in Ireland. And if you are just not sure, you can’t go wrong with a gift voucher.   

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Complimentary gift wrapping availble.

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Autumn Winter 22

Timeless Tweeds

Our Winter 2022 outerwear showcases the best of what we do, taking our unique fabrics, designed and woven at our mill in Donegal, and creating timeless pieces.  

These versatile and adaptable pieces are designed to be styled multiple ways and to integrate well into your existing winter wardrobe. We dipped into our weaving archives and revived some exciting patterns, adding a contemporary slant. 

WOMEN’S
  • Nessa Quilted Coat
  • Josie Tweed Coat in Oversized Glencheck
  • Jessica Donegal Tweed Coat in Charcoal Grey Herringbone
  • Cara Parka

The women’s outerwear centres on design but also function. New to the collection, the Nessa quilted coat is a future wardrobe staple. A relaxed fit finishing mid-thigh, this is the style to wear while on the school runs or shopping at the weekend. Another new style, the Cara is a more put together take on the parka coat, a sophisticated silhouette featuring a wide, oversized collar, deep patch pockets in a wool blackwatch check, designed and woven in Donegal and coated with Teflon for protection against the elements.

These new styles join favourites such as the Jessica tweed coat in a bold twill and the popular Josie short coat, introduced last year, in a classic black and cream check.  

Constantly developing new and interesting styles in our own fabrics, the Clodagh overshirt is a triumph. Simple, unstructured, and utterly stylish, the Clodagh is presented in a modern blue check with pops of silver lurex and a luxurious baby alpaca and lambswool blend herringbone, a cloth which pays full homage to our heritage. 

MEN’S
  • Corrib Tweed Coat in Glencheck
  • Melvin Donegal Tweed Jacket
  • Erne Donegal Tweed Coat in Blue Salt & Pepper
  • Sheelin Quilted Jacket in Blackwatch Check

The men’s outerwear offering is enhanced this season by two new casual styles. Ideal for seasonal transitions, the Sheelin quilted jacket is a short lightweight style available in two showerproof styles – faux suede and a luxurious Blackwatch wool check, designed and woven in Donegal, coated with Teflon. Heavily influenced by Chairman, and 4th generation family member, Lynn Temple’s love of the outdoors, the Melvin is a chunky shirt jacket in tweed, lined with a lofty fleece. A wardrobe workhorse, this style, in two rich winter checks, looks just as good in the great outdoors as it does on a city break.   

Joining classic coat styles like the Erne and Corrib coats in signature Donegal Tweeds, the Moross duffle coat is a heavier weight style for colder months. The ultimate winter coat in a navy and charcoal Glen check tweed, the Moross features all the details synonymous with a duffle coat, this cosy style is a timeless investment piece.  

Complete the look with our selection of scarves and pashminas, designed and woven at our mill in Donegal using the finest natural fibres.

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Shop Women’s Outerwear
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