Hailing from Donegal, where it is possible to enjoy all four seasons in one day, the inspiration for shades of green is endless. Our designers look to the landscapes of our home county when creating our luxurious collections for men, women and the home.
Green features across our Made in Ireland range of throws, woody, teal and sea greens are crossed with oats and cream.
As always, we focus on the use of natural fibres in our pieces. For spring styles, this means luxurious blends using silk and Irish Linen and lightweight merino and lambswool.
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.
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!
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.
We have been specialising in exquisite tailoring since the 1940s. Our design philosophy has always promoted the concept of ‘slow fashion’ through timeless styles designed to be worn again and again. High-quality, long-lasting products define our DNA.
When it comes to suiting, there is no such thing as a ‘one size fits all’ approach. The first thing to ask yourself when suit shopping is “what are my needs?”, followed by “where am I going?”. Whether you are a future groom, a guest or want to update your 9 – 5 wardrobe, we have a range of tailoring options for every occasion.
Let us help you find your perfect fit.
Mix & Match
In our flexible Mix & Match range, jackets, trousers and waistcoats are sold separately, allowing you to find the fit that suits you best.
Designed for maximum versatility, these are styles for your weekday wardrobe, or a special occasion. Patterns in this collection are classic. The jacket and trousers make a great workday choice, add a waistcoat for a special occasion, or pair the trousers with our cotton cashmere knit for a smarter casual look.
Bearing all the hallmarks of quality associated with Magee 1866, our 2-piece and 3-piece suits are crafted in an array of luxury fabrics.
From Donegal Tweeds and Irish Linens, designed and woven at our mill in Donegal, to lightweight wools and blends from mills in the UK and Italy, you will find a style for you. For those on the move, the Travel Suit is a practical option for the working day, wool-rich with added stretch for comfort.
The classic dinner suit never goes out of style. A timeless choice for black tie weddings and events, Mix & Match for an exquisite fit and add your own twist with a contemporary cashmere-blend turtleneck.
Our Made to Measure service, available exclusively in our three Magee 1866 stores, combines our expert tailoring with our love of luxury fabrics.
With dozens of fabrics available to choose from, many of which are designed and woven at our mill in Donegal. Our tailoring experts will guide you through the selection of every detail – linings, buttons, collar melton, piping and stitching. You can even add personalised embroidery to your suit or jacket for that extra special finishing touch.
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.
New in knitwear, expertly crafted in Scotland for Magee 1866.
There is a long history and heritage of knitting and textiles in Scotland. As with the Irish Aran jumper, Scotland has its own traditional styles, most famously the Fair Isle, named after the remote island, halfway between Shetland and Orkney to the north of Scotland.
Originally handknit, the intricate patterns of Fair Isle knits were passed down through generations. The vibrant colours came from natural dyes, similar to those traditionally used to create the colourful neps of Donegal Tweeds – indigo and madder gave blues and reds, with lichens, berries and flowers producing a rainbow of shades.
Industrialisation paved the way for mass production of finer, more delicate knits and so began Scotland’s legacy for producing the highest quality cashmere and lambswool knitwear.
Clyde Fair IsleJura Fair Isle
Fair Isle styles, the Jura and Clyde are full of charm, the two-tone colourways give a contemporary slant to the traditional design.
Knit in the round with a seamless construction for extra comfort, our Made in Scotland pieces are crafted in all-natural fibres and offer a rich, soft feeling that cannot be imitated.
Tory JumperLomond Jumper
The Lomand and Toryare perfect for layering, the rich bases are scattered throughout with colourful flecks in contrasting shades, adding the tonal texture synonymous with Donegal Tweeds.
We are so excited to share our new baby blanketswith 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.
“Cosying up on the sofa with the kids under one of the new brightly coloured throws to watch a Christmas film (‘A Boy Called Christmas’ is our favourite) is my idea of bliss. If my children are reading this (or husband!) this is what I would love for Christmas.”
“I love the new Sheelin jacket in the Blackwatch check. It’s warm and comfortable but smart enough to pair with jeans for a Christmas night out with friends.”
“You can never have too much knitwear. I love the Achill polo jumper, it’s a nice casual alternative to a shirt under a Donegal Tweed jacket or just on its own. Lightweight and super soft thanks to the cashmere, yet warm and cosy. A great layering piece.”
“One of my favourite things to do on Christmas morning is to go out for a walk with family and plan the day ahead. Weather in the Northwest can be unpredictable to say the least, so the Nessa coat would be perfect! The quilting and longer length mean I can pop it on over a jumper and jeans and wrap up well in one of my Magee 1866 scarves. Ideal!”
“Christmas is a really busy time, travelling around to catch up with family and friends with lots of different events. I would love to find the Clodagh shirt jacket (the herringbone one in a luxury baby alpaca blend) under the tree, it’s so versatile and will go with so many different looks – both smart and casual.“
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.
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.
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.
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
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!
Our versatile range of knitwear focuses on natural fibres. From lofty lambswool to rich blends of organic cotton and cashmere, these are styles to keep you warm this season and beyond.
Lambswool
Naturally insulating, our styles in 100% lambswool make great layering pieces. Style over a cotton shirt and under a Donegal Tweed jacket for put-together, comfortable look.
Wool is also a resilient, natural product and has the potential for a long and useful life. With care and attention, you can safeguard your knitwear and it will last for season after season.
In our knitwear care guide, you will discover everything you need to know to look after your knits from how to freshen up between wears, to spot cleaning, de-pilling, washing, reshaping, folding and storing.
We are proud to champion sustainability as a fundamental part of our ethos which has evolved over the last 150 years. Our weaving mill predominantly uses biodegradable and renewable natural fibres like wool and linen, and our sustainable message is continued through our increased use of organic cotton.
Cotton is one of the most widely grown crops in the world. Organic cotton employs methods that have a lower impact on the environment – it is non-GMO, (genetically modified organism), non-toxic and its production reduces the risk to local biodiversity.
The organic cotton used in our rich, cashmere blend knitwear is grown in compliance with BCI (Better Cotton Initiative) Better Cotton Principles and Criteria, these include promoting water stewardship, soil health and the concept of decent work.
Our design philosophy has always promoted the sustainable concept of ‘slow fashion’ through timeless collections, where our pieces are designed and made to last. We are continually striving to improve our sourcing, products and ways of working for a better world. Looking to organic cotton is just a small part of this ongoing process.
Great care is taken in creating our knitwear, these pieces will add a touch of luxury to your wardrobe and are designed to be worn and enjoyed for as long as possible.
