Irish linen

Most of the world crop of quality flax is now grown in northern France, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Since about the 1950s to 1960s, the flax fibre for Irish linen yarn has been imported almost exclusively from France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Irish linen spinning has now virtually ceased, yarns being imported from places such as the eastern part of the European Union and China.

Linen damask weaving in Ireland has less capacity, and it is confined at very much the top end of the market for luxury end-uses.

Finished garments or household textile items can be labelled Irish linen, although they may have been made up in another country.