Navigating the Global Currents: The Journey to a Fully Authentic Irish Business
October 04, 2023
In 2007, Ian McKeever successfully completed the ‘Seven Summits’ challenge in record time, becoming the first Irish man to succeed in such an endeavour. After some incredibly difficult setbacks that almost derailed the expedition, one of which consisted of severe sunburn of the cornea after descending Mount Everest, Ian and his team inspired a generation of young Irish explorers to follow in their footsteps. Now, what has this to do with Tweed clothing? You might expect to read of an expedition sponsorship deal; Not quite! Ultimately, we are inspired by the character of great Irish explorers like Ian McKeever and the many that came before him. We like to think that Celtic Tweed embodies this. In an age of globalisation, where cheaper labour, materials, and designs can be readily outsourced, the path to establishing an authentic and fully functional Irish business can feel like climbing a tall mountain. In hindsight and after establishing the business, revisiting the journey that got us to where we are today, we would recall several daunting mountains overcome, with some still ahead of us. It certainly feels like mountains we’ve conquered at Celtic Tweed. We want to share our story—a story of resilience, determination, and the unwavering commitment to revive Ireland's rich manufacturing history.
The Globalisation Challenge
Globalisation undoubtedly offers opportunities for businesses to streamline operations and reduce costs. It's a tempting proposition, particularly when facing fierce competition in the fashion industry. For us, the allure of cheaper labour, materials, and mass-produced designs was a constant temptation. But we held steadfast to our vision.
Dreams of Reviving Irish Manufacturing
From the outset, it was our director's dream to rekindle the flame of Ireland's manufacturing heritage. Our mission was clear—to design, manufacture, and ultimately sell authentic Irish Tweed on a global stage, while creating jobs and opportunities here at home. It was a dream rooted in the belief that we could not only preserve but also celebrate the traditions that make Ireland unique, creating garments that the wearer could be proud of and take anywhere.
The Rocky Road to Authenticity
The journey was far from smooth. We faced numerous challenges, from sourcing sustainable materials to finding skilled local artisans who could craft our tweed with the precision and skill it deserved. Balancing authenticity with competitiveness in a globalised market was and remains a constant test.
Proudly Guaranteed Irish
However, we persevered. Today, Celtic Tweed stands as a proud and authentic Irish clothing manufacturer. We are part of the "Guaranteed Irish" movement, a symbol of our commitment to quality, sustainability, and the Irish community. Our journey has taken us through ups and downs, but it's a journey we would embark on again without hesitation.
Leading the "Made Local" Campaign
We are not alone in our quest to revive Irish manufacturing. Celtic Tweed proudly stands at the forefront of a growing "Made Local" campaign. We believe in the power of local businesses to contribute to the unique character and culture of our nation. Our success story is a testament to what can be achieved when we invest in our communities and honour our traditions.
Introducing the Celtic Tweed Manufacturing Tour
To share our journey with the world, we are excited to announce the launch of the Celtic Tweed Manufacturing Tour. This tour is more than a behind-the-scenes look at our operations; it's a story of passion, heritage, and the resilience of Irish craftsmanship. We invite you to join us on this adventure, to witness first-hand the revival of Irish manufacturing, and to be part of a movement that values authenticity and quality above all else. In conclusion, the road to building a fully authentic and functional Irish business in a globalised world is challenging, but it's a road worth traveling. At Celtic Tweed, we've proven that with unwavering commitment, dedication to authenticity, and a deep belief in our heritage, it's possible to conquer even the loftiest of mountains. While the bravery of explorers the likes of Ian McKeever remains unmatched, we like to think our business actively contributes propagating the spirit of Irish authenticity and adventure that we are most famous for! We're excited to share our story with you through the Celtic Tweed Manufacturing Tour and to inspire others to embark on their own journeys of authenticity and revival.
