Blog by ZWAI member Zihan Zheng
Ireland produces nearly 7,000 tonnes of wool annually, most of which goes unused and is classified as a “Category 3 waste product.” For decades, Irish sheep farmers have been told their wool is worthless—it costs more to shear a sheep than to sell its fleece. Synthetic fibers, often cheaper to produce in Asia, have displaced natural wool, leaving the industry in decline. Astonishingly, much of the “Irish wool” found in stores today is imported from Australia or New Zealand.
In response to this issue, the Wise Wool Project, a Creative Communities initiative, started by Kerry locals Kerry Walker and Lisa Sandow, funded by Creative Ireland and supported by the Kerry County Arts Office, is raising awareness about wool waste and reimagining its role as a valuable resource. The project delivers educational workshops throughout County Kerry, engaging communities in sustainable practices that promote the circular economy.
Reimagining Wool’s Potential
Wool has immense potential beyond traditional textiles. It can be used as a soil mulch, conserving moisture and acting as a slow-release fertiliser. It also shows promise as an insulating material for eco-friendly construction. By fostering a deeper understanding of these applications, the Wise Wool Project encourages a shift from seeing wool as waste to recognising it as a versatile, sustainable resource.
Workshops Across Kerry
Throughout the year, Wise Wool has hosted felting workshops for children and adults at schools, community centers, and public events such as the Festival of Wool and Cloth, Wild Mind at Fenit, and K-Fest in Killorglin. These workshops teach participants how to transform raw wool into decorative pieces while sharing insights into wool’s environmental benefits.
“People need to understand the importance of community involvement in tackling wool waste, If we can bring communities together to find value in wool again, we can create a sustainable solution to this waste dilemma,” the organiser explained.
Woolly Celebration Day
As the project’s culminating event, the Woolly Celebration Day was held on November 9th at Kate Kearney’s Cottage in the Gap of Dunloe, Killarney. This free family-friendly event featured felting workshops for all ages, storytelling, panel discussions, film screenings, and live music. Local fiber artists and sheep farmers joined to share their knowledge and inspire the public to embrace sustainable practices.
A Call to Action
The Wise Wool Project is more than a local initiative—it’s a call for a nationwide shift in how Ireland views and utilises its wool. By fostering community collaboration and promoting eco-friendly solutions, it’s paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Join the movement, celebrate wool’s potential, and help solve Ireland’s wool waste dilemma. Keep an eye on Wise Wool Project’s website for updates about new events: