On 4 August 2021, Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sports and Media Catherine Martin announced that Headford Lacemaking had been accepted to the National Inventory for Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The establishment and maintenance of this National Inventory is one of Ireland’s obligations under the 2003 Convention UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. It protects, promotes and celebrates Irish living cultural heritage practices, customs, crafts and tradition. The National Inventory is broken up into six categories: oral traditions and expressions (including language); social practices, rituals, and festive events; performing arts; knowledge and practices concerning nature and the universe; and, traditional craftsmanship. It is in this final category that Headford Lacemaking was placed and we were thrilled that Clones Crochet Lace Making was also accepted at the same time – what a day for Irish lace! Existing Irish Laces on the list include Limerick Lacemaking, Irish Crochet Lace and Carrickmacross Lacemaking, as well as other needlework such as Mountmellick Embroidery.
We are absolutely ecstatic that our beautiful craft tradition has been recognised for its intrinsic value to Irish culture and that it will be safeguarded and celebrated for generations to come.