Clones Lace Museum

Overview

Clones Lace Museum sits inside the Ulster Canal Stores Visitor Centre, a cut‑stone 19th‑century building on the banks of the former Ulster Canal. The centre is a hub for locals and tourists alike, offering a bistro, gift shop, free parking and a children’s playpark next door. The museum is the only dedicated venue in Ireland to the art of Clones crochet lace, a craft that emerged in the 1850s as a post‑Famine social enterprise and quickly became a major export to London, Paris, Rome and New York.

Visitors are welcomed into a series of galleries that display antique lace pieces ranging from Victorian tablecloths to contemporary wedding dresses. The exhibition is complemented by a “Wall of Fame” that records the names of makers from the 19th century to today, and a research desk where genealogists can trace family connections to the craft.

History

The story of Clones lace begins with Mrs Cassandra Hand, the wife of the local rector, who introduced crochet lacemaking to the area in the early 1850s. Faced with the devastation of the Great Hunger, women adapted the time‑consuming Venetian Point Lace into a faster crochet technique, creating the distinctive “Clones Knot” – a rolled ball of thread that joins motifs such as shamrocks, ferns, thistles and roses.

At its peak, more than 1,500 women in the Drumlin countryside of West Monaghan and South Fermanagh were producing lace for markets across Europe and the United States. By 1910 Clones had become the most important centre of crochet lace‑making in Ireland. The craft survived the decline of the industry through the dedication of a small group of ladies in the 1980s, most notably Mamo MacDonald and Máire Treanor, who revived the tradition, established the Clones Lace Guild and launched the International Clones Lace Summer School held each June at the Canal Stores.

Today the museum not only preserves antique pieces but also celebrates the living tradition, with demonstrations, talks and a growing collection that reflects the craft’s evolution from heavy Victorian work to modern design.

What to See & Do

• Permanent Lace Exhibition – Walk through chronological displays that trace the craft from its post‑Famine origins to contemporary creations. Highlights include a Victorian lace table centrepiece, a 20th‑century bridal veil and a modern art‑inspired collar.
• Wall of Fame – See the names of makers whose hands have kept the tradition alive for over 150 years. The museum is actively compiling a database for genealogical research.
• Guided Heritage Tours – By prior arrangement, the centre organises tours of Clones’ historic sites, including the 10th‑century High Cross, the Round Tower, the “Wee Abbey” and the Famine Graveyard.
• Lace Summer School (June) – If you visit in early summer, you may catch workshops and live demonstrations as part of the International Clones Lace Summer School.
• Shop & Bistro – The on‑site gift shop sells contemporary lace items and local crafts, while the Bistro serves homemade Irish breakfasts, light lunches and dinner in a cosy, historic setting.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Any other times can be arranged by contacting the centre in advance.

Admission

Contact & Access

• Phone: +353 (0)47 52125
• Email: ulstercanalstores@gmail.com
• Website: Ulster Canal Stores Visitor Centre
• Address: Ulster Canal Stores Visitor Centre, Cara Street, Clones, Co. Monaghan, H23 DN76
• Coordinates: 54.17583, -7.23632
• Parking: Free onsite car park.
• Accessibility: Full disabled access across two floors, wheelchair‑friendly routes, guide‑dog welcome, accessible toilets.
• Facilities: Free Wi‑Fi, on‑site café, gift shop, children’s playpark, meeting rooms for up to 50 people.

Getting There

The museum is located on Cara Street in the heart of Clones, a short walk from the town’s main street, shops and cafés. Local bus services stop nearby, making it easy to reach by public transport from Monaghan, Cavan and other towns in the region. Free on‑site parking is available for visitors arriving by car.

Nearby Attractions

While you’re in Clones, consider extending your visit to other local points of interest:

• Clones historic religious sites – explore the 10th‑century High Cross, the Round Tower and the medieval “Wee Abbey” (see Clones historic religious sites).
• Carrickmacross Lace Gallery – a short drive north to Carrickmacross showcases another celebrated Irish lace tradition (Carrickmacross Lace Gallery).
• Cassandra Hand Folk & Famine Centre – learn more about the Great Famine and its legacy in the area (Cassandra Hand Folk & Famine Centre).
• Monaghan County Museum – for a broader view of the county’s heritage (Monaghan County Museum).

Family & Accessibility

The museum’s free admission, interactive displays and on‑site playpark make it an excellent family‑friendly outing. All areas are wheelchair accessible and guide‑dogs are welcome, ensuring a comfortable visit for all guests.

The museum is open year‑round except for bank holidays and Christmas, making it an ideal rainy‑day activity in Ireland’s Ancient East. Whether you are a lace enthusiast, a family looking for an educational outing, or a history buff eager to explore the social fabric of post‑Famine Ireland, Clones Lace Museum offers a richly textured experience that weaves together craft, community and heritage.