Máire Ní Thaidhg was one of the first tenants at Ceardlann an Spidéil when the ground-breaking craft village opened in 1984. Since then, her unique, colourful textiles, which she makes using traditional methods, have won her fans from near and far. As she retires, Máire tells JUDY MURPHY how her hobby became her livelihood. 

Weaver Máire Ní Thaidhg has been an integral part of Ceardlann An Spidéil since the craft centre opened its doors in 1984.

As you drive into An Spidéal from Galway City this vibrant collection of buildings on the outskirts of the village demands attention – and rightly so.

Pottery, art, ceramics, jewellery, basket, and glass craft are all made and sold here and, until recently, Máire was at its heart. Six days out of seven, she was in her shop with her dog, Maisie, designing, making and selling her vibrant scarves, tapestries, rugs, jackets, and demonstrating the weaving process to interested visitors.

Age-old skills and traditional looms were used to create unique pieces that are now set to become heirlooms since Máire shut up shop. But, after 50 years, her passion for weaving remains undimmed and now, in retirement, she hopes to focus on her own creativity.

Máire, who is originally from Limerick, was teaching in Kilkenny in the 1970s when she took her first weaving course. She had always loved arts and crafts but when she took up weaving, she knew this was for her.

“I loved that you got to choose colours and to create textiles from scratch, starting with threads and ending up with the finished article,” she explains.

Back then, Máire still worked as a teacher and weaving was a hobby – one that she dedicated a growing amount of time to.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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