User:Noraslace

|Sources Kenmare Journal, published by Kenmare Historical Society 1982 Kenmare Lace www.kenmare.com

Kenmare Lace Kenmare lace was started as an industry in Kenmare by the Poor Clare nuns in 1861. It's purpose was to create employment after the great potatoe famine. It is a needlepoint lace and is made with a needle and thread similar to Venetian needlepoint lace. It is very labour intensive and therfore is very expensive. It is said to be 'worth it's weight in gold'. The making of Kenmare lace thrived for almost 100 years. During that time the lace was bought by many wealthy people including Queen Victoria who had 5 pieces of Kenmare lace. The industry went into decline after the second world war, but has been revived receintly and is again being made in Kenmare today in small amounts by a few dedicated enthusiasts.