Overview
This is the only museum in Ireland devoted to Clones crochet lace, and it’s free to visit. It sits inside the Ulster Canal Stores, an 1839 cut-stone storehouse on Cara Street overlooking the canal, next to Sean O’Casey Park. The building is now the town’s cultural hub, with the museum sharing it with a bistro, gift shop, free parking and a children’s playpark next door.
What began as a survival strategy for rural women after the Great Hunger grew into a real export industry, sending fine handwork to buyers in London, Paris, Rome and New York. The permanent display runs chronologically, from heavy Victorian ecclesiastical pieces through to contemporary fashion collaborations. Give it half an hour; it rewards a close look more than a quick loop.
The Story Behind the Stitch
The origins of Clones lace are tied directly to the devastation of the Great Hunger. In the early 1850s, Mrs Cassandra Hand, wife of the local rector, introduced crochet lacemaking to the area as a means of providing income to displaced families. Women in the drumlin countryside of West Monaghan and South Fermanagh adapted the notoriously slow Venetian Point Lace technique, developing a faster crochet method that could be taught quickly and worked from home.
This adaptation produced the distinctive “Clones Knot” – a rolled ball of thread that securely joins intricate motifs like shamrocks, thistles and roses. The technique allowed makers to produce larger pieces more efficiently without sacrificing the delicate, three-dimensional quality of the original point lace. By 1910, Clones had grown into the most important centre of crochet lace-making in Ireland, with more than 1,500 women actively producing lace for international buyers.
The industry eventually declined in the mid-20th century, but the craft was saved from obscurity by a dedicated group of local women in the 1980s. Mamo MacDonald and Máire Treanor led the revival, founding the Clones Lace Guild and launching the International Clones Lace Summer School. Their efforts ensured that the techniques, patterns and community spirit survived into the modern era.
Inside the Museum
The permanent exhibition is arranged chronologically, guiding visitors through the evolution of the craft. Early displays focus on the practical realities of lacemaking during the Famine period, showing how patterns were distributed and how finished pieces were graded for quality. Later galleries highlight the craft’s peak years, featuring tablecloths, altar frontals, bridal veils and evening wear that once commanded premium prices abroad.
A standout feature is the “Wall of Fame,” a living record that lists the names of makers from the 1850s to the present day. The museum maintains an active research desk where visitors can trace family connections to the craft, cross-reference historical records and access archival photographs. Genealogists and craft historians regularly visit to consult the growing database.
Beyond the galleries, the visitor centre offers several complementary experiences:
- International Clones Lace Summer School – Held each June, this event brings together instructors and enthusiasts for workshops, live demonstrations and talks on both traditional and contemporary techniques.
- On-site Shop – Browse contemporary lace accessories, locally made crafts and educational materials about Irish textile heritage.
- Bistro & Café – The historic dining room serves homemade Irish breakfasts, light lunches and evening meals, providing a comfortable place to rest after exploring the town.
Visiting & Practical Information
Opening hours Published hours for the centre aren’t reliable, so ring or check the website before travelling, particularly out of season and around bank holidays and Christmas.
Admission Entry is free for all visitors. School groups and organised tours are welcome free of charge but are best booked in advance so a guide can be arranged.
Access & facilities
- Address: Ulster Canal Stores Visitor Centre, Cara Street, Clones, Co. Monaghan
- Parking: Free on-site car park; coaches welcome by prior arrangement.
- Accessibility: Full wheelchair access, including accessible toilets and step-free routes. Guide dogs are welcome.
- Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, on-site bistro, gift shop selling local crafts and Clones lace, and a children’s playpark next door.
Exploring Clones & Beyond
Clones is a compact town built around centuries of religious and monastic history. A short walk from the museum takes you to the 10th-century High Cross, the medieval Round Tower and the ruins of the “Wee Abbey” (see Clones historic religious sites). For a deeper look at the period that shaped the lace industry, the Cassandra Hand Folk & Famine Centre offers exhibits on rural life and the Great Hunger.
If you are interested in comparing Irish textile traditions, a drive north to Carrickmacross leads to the Carrickmacross Lace Gallery, which showcases the county’s celebrated appliqué lace. For broader regional history, the Monaghan County Museum in Monaghan Town covers archaeology, natural history and local industry. All of these sites sit within the Ancient East tourism region, making it easy to string together a heritage-focused road trip.
Planning Your Visit
The museum is open year-round, making it a reliable indoor option during Ireland’s wetter months. If you plan to attend the June Summer School, book workshops ahead of time as spaces fill quickly with both local crafters and international visitors. Check the visitor centre website or call ahead for bistro opening times, as café hours can shift seasonally. Arrive early on weekends to avoid peak lunch crowds and allow plenty of time to browse the research archives.