.png)
The Galway Wool Co-Op
The Galway Wool Co-Op is a farmer-owned and run Irish Wool Co-Operative dedicated to supplying Irish-grown Galway Wool. Our Farms are found in all four provinces of Ireland, some are Organic Certified, and all are on a grass fed system. Family Farms that for many generations have been growing wool from Ireland's Native Breed, called the Galway. Our wool is grown on Irish Soil, from our Native breed in tandem with Nature.
​
Most of our farmers have small flocks, ensuring each animal is raised with care. As an EU member state, we adhere to some of the strictest animal welfare standards in the world, not just regulated by the industry standard but by statutory requirements ensuring each fleece has come from a farm that adheres to legal requirements governing animal welfare.
​
Working with wool from the Galway Wool Co-op, a voluntary community, ensures you are also joining a community that values the work done by the growers and rewards them for their efforts, not just to preserve this rare breed but also to present wool that is clean from dag, rolled and presented to the buyer with pride.
​
Sustainability Efforts
As a native breed to Ireland, Galway sheep thrive well in their local environment, which promotes a greater immunity with herds thriving on local flora. This reduces the need for dependence on chemical medication, etc. They are a docile breed that also makes it perfect for starter flocks and crafters interested in having their own flocks. Traditionally, her wool was spun in the grease, making many of the garments not just cosy but waterproof also. Her gentle ecological footprint makes her an ideal spreader of seedlings and as she grazes, she can also reduce dock and thistles numbers.
Wool Production
All of our farms produce Purebred Registered Native Irish Galway sheep, ensuring the survival of the breed and creativity with 120 years of provenance.
We have an annual harvest in July. We are a voluntary community that calls the farmers of this very rare breed to one location for the harvest. Here, we match buyers of 50 kgs or more with the wool. The buyers can also meet the growers and enjoy a chat over a cup of tea and some traditional music. We begin taking bookings for fleece in Greece from March onwards. We only harvest once a year, and we highly recommend pre-booking as there are fewer than 2000 of this breed left in the world.
History
Wool from Ireland's Native breed, called the Galway was once the fibre of choice for the women of Aran to create with. All over Ireland, this beautiful white sheep's (BÁINÍN) wool was collected from Irish farms and sent to local mills and processing facilities before the importation of synthetic fibres and later imported merino wool. Her wool is strong and, when processed with care, is bouncy and ideal for excellent stitch definition and sturdy tweed fabric.