Irish Linen Centre

The Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum is a multi-award-winning cultural institution located in the historic Market Square at the heart of Lisburn's old town centre, County Antrim, Northern Ireland.

Pearse Lawlor: Lisburn - The Burnings, 1920

It serves as a vital custodian of Ireland's industrial heritage, specifically the rich and globally renowned story of Irish linen, alongside the broader history and cultural heritage of the Lisburn and Lagan Valley region.

A Journey from Flax to Fabric: The museum's permanent and acclaimed exhibition, 'Flax to Fabric: the Story of Irish Linen,' takes visitors on an immersive journey through centuries of linen production in Ulster. This comprehensive exhibition traces the intricate process from the cultivation of flax, through its transformation into yarn, to the finished woven product. Expert guides enhance the experience with engaging narratives and captivating live spinning and weaving demonstrations on authentic 19th-century Jacquard damask hand-looms, allowing visitors to witness these traditional skills firsthand. You can even try your hand at spinning flax.

World-Class Collections: The Irish Linen Centre boasts an impressive and extensive collection of linen artefacts, showcasing the artistry and evolution of the industry. Highlights include:

• Fine Damask Linen: Exquisite samples of 17th-century Coulson's damask, a luxurious fabric once sought after by Royal houses across Europe.
• Costume Collection: Designs by renowned Irish designer Sybil Connolly, whose dresses were famously worn by Jackie Kennedy, as well as fine linen christening robes and stockings embroidered for Queen Victoria.
• Historic Wares: Pieces from the world-renowned Robinson & Cleaver.
• Linen Thread Artefacts: Items related to the linen thread-making process.
• Archaeological Finds: Notably, the museum's collections even contain linen artefacts from the tomb of Tutankhamun, highlighting the ancient origins of linen.

Beyond linen, the Lisburn Museum's collections, largely dating from the 17th century, delve into:

• The foundation of the Conway estate and the Huguenot settlement in Lisburn.
• 18th and 19th-century people and politics, transport, and militaria.
• Artefacts relating to the two World Wars and 20th-century social history.
• A small fine art collection featuring local topographical views, general works by Irish artists and sculptors, portraits, and prints of local interest.
• Large photographic collections related to linen and local history.

Engaging Activities and Educational Programmes: The museum offers a diverse programme of activities and events catering to all ages, including:

• Free Guided Tours: Explore the museum's galleries, the historic town of Lisburn, and the picturesque Castle Gardens, which are only a short walk from the museum.
• Workshops: Tailored arts, science, and history workshops for schools and special interest groups, covering topics from WWI to Ancient Egypt.
• Temporary Exhibitions: Regular and rotating exhibitions on local history, textile art, fine art, and prominent Lisburn residents.
• Research Services: Visitors can access two extensive library collections by arrangement: the Museum's local history collection and the library of the former Linen Industry Research Association (LIRA).
• Museum Shop: A shop area offers a selection of linen goods, including a range of linen tableware featuring the exclusive Flax Flower damask design, which is unique to this location, along with books on linen and local history.

Location and Accessibility: The Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum is housed within the historic 17th-century Market House, which notably survived the Great Fire of Lisburn in 1707. The building is accessible, with fully accessible toilets and baby changing facilities on the ground floor, lifts/elevators, and accessible parking nearby. It is also surrounded by numerous cafes, restaurants, and bars.

The Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum is more than just a place to learn about linen; it's a vibrant hub celebrating the enduring legacy of an industry that shaped a nation and continues to inspire with its rich history and cultural significance.