The Wild Atlantic Way Lace Festival took place in the Trident Hotel, Kinsale from March 10th to 14th 2014.
The highlight of the Festival was the lecture by world-renowned lace historian Marianne Stang on Lace Moves With The Times.
Over 100 lace makers were fascinated to learn the direction lace making is taking. Such was the interest in the lecture that it would have been possible to hear a pin drop. Marianne graciously answered questions for some time at the end of the lecture. We all were left with images and ideas to think about.
The following afternoon we learned what it cost families, particularly in France, to have their men at court properly attired in lace as fashion dictated. Stang also told us about the part played by men in forming and running the lace schools among them Kiskunhalas, Hungary and Sansepolcro, Italy, schools that members are familiar with. Along with the daily workshops, these lectures made for a great Festival. A small taste of the Festival can be found on YouTube - Wild Atlantic Way Lace Festival.