A Landmark Moment for Celtic Tweed

Recognition within the fashion industry often arrives quietly, built on years of consistent work rather than a single defining moment. For Celtic Tweed, being named Irish Fashion and Accessories Designer at the 2026 Guaranteed Irish Business Awards marks one of those significant milestones. Sponsored by An Post, the award celebrates businesses that champion Irish craftsmanship, innovation and local enterprise. For the Balbriggan based fashion house, the recognition reflects a journey that began over a decade ago with a simple belief that clothing designed and made in Ireland could once again stand proudly on the world stage. Founders Cathy and Frank Coghlan accepted the award surrounded by peers, makers and supporters who share a commitment to strengthening Irish industry and celebrating the people behind it.

A Vision That Began in 2012

The origins of Celtic Tweed trace back to 2012, when Cathy and Frank Coghlan set out to create something distinctly Irish in both character and production. Having spent many years working across the international textile industry, they had seen first hand how much manufacturing had moved overseas. Yet they believed there was still a place for clothing designed and made locally, shaped by the traditions and skills that had long defined Irish craft. Their ambition was not simply to launch a fashion label, but to reconnect people with fabrics and design traditions that carried deep cultural meaning. The idea began with a question that would shape the future of the brand: could clothing once again be created in Ireland while celebrating the country’s long history of craftsmanship?

Balbriggan and Its Textile Heritage

Choosing Balbriggan as the home of Celtic Tweed was never accidental. The coastal town north of Dublin has a rich textile history stretching back centuries, once known internationally for its weaving and hosiery industries. Generations of skilled makers built livelihoods through the production of cloth and clothing, creating a legacy that remains part of the town’s identity today. By designing and creating their collections in Balbriggan, Celtic Tweed continues that tradition while bringing new energy to the area’s manufacturing heritage. The town’s history, atmosphere and sense of community influence the brand’s identity in subtle but meaningful ways, shaping everything from design inspiration to the way the business connects with local suppliers and craftspeople.

Clothing Inspired by Irish Craft Traditions

From the beginning, Celtic Tweed collections have drawn inspiration from the traditions of Irish clothing while adapting them for contemporary life. Jackets, waistcoats, coats and linen pieces reflect a balance between heritage and modern tailoring, offering designs that feel timeless yet relevant. Rather than following short lived trends, the focus has always been on creating pieces that hold meaning through craftsmanship and thoughtful design. For many customers, particularly those within the Irish diaspora, wearing clothing connected to Ireland carries a sense of pride and belonging. Through these collections, Celtic Tweed offers people around the world a tangible connection to Irish craft and culture.

Connecting Ireland with the Wider World

Over time, Celtic Tweed has grown from a local business into a brand recognised internationally. Customers across Europe, North America and beyond discover the collections through the brand’s stores and online presence. Many of them are members of the Irish diaspora who feel a strong emotional connection to Ireland’s cultural traditions. For others, the appeal lies in the authenticity of the story behind the brand. In an era when many fashion labels rely on global supply chains, the idea of clothing designed and created in a historic Irish town resonates with people seeking something more meaningful from the pieces they wear. This connection between place, craft and identity continues to shape Celtic Tweed’s growth.

Sustainability Through Local Production

Local production remains central to the philosophy behind Celtic Tweed. By designing and creating collections in Balbriggan, the company stays closely connected to every stage of development while supporting skilled makers and Irish suppliers. Keeping production nearby allows the team to maintain a deep understanding of materials, construction and finishing, strengthening the relationship between design and craft. It also supports employment and economic activity within the community. At a time when conversations around sustainability are becoming increasingly important within fashion, Celtic Tweed’s approach reflects a belief that thoughtful design and local production can form the foundation of a more responsible industry.

Innovation Through Digital Product Passports

While Celtic Tweed draws heavily on heritage, the brand also embraces new technologies that enhance transparency and storytelling. One of the most notable developments is the introduction of Digital Product Passports, a system that allows customers to scan a QR code inside selected pieces to discover more about the story behind them. Through this digital experience, customers can explore information about materials, inspiration, care and the creative process that shaped each design. By combining craftsmanship with modern technology, Celtic Tweed offers a deeper connection between the wearer and the clothing they choose.

Recognition from Guaranteed Irish

The Guaranteed Irish Business Awards celebrate companies that contribute meaningfully to Ireland’s economy and identity. Being named Irish Fashion and Accessories Designer places Celtic Tweed among a group of businesses recognised for strengthening Irish enterprise while maintaining high standards of quality and innovation. The award acknowledges the work of the entire team behind the brand, from designers and pattern makers to the wider network of suppliers and partners who help bring each collection to life. For Cathy and Frank Coghlan, the recognition reflects not only the growth of their business but also the resilience of Irish craft traditions that continue to inspire new generations.

A Community of Makers and Supporters

Behind every successful fashion house lies a network of people whose contributions often remain unseen. At Celtic Tweed, that network includes designers, cutters, makers, suppliers and retail teams who share a commitment to craft and quality. Their combined skills shape every stage of the creative process, from the first design sketches through to the final finished piece. The award from Guaranteed Irish therefore represents more than a celebration of design; it recognises the collective effort of a community dedicated to keeping Irish craftsmanship alive.

The Celtic Tweed Experience in Balbriggan

For those interested in discovering more about the story behind Celtic Tweed, the brand offers a unique visitor experience in Balbriggan. Through the Celtic Tweed Tour Experience, guests can explore the design process, learn about the fabrics that inspire each collection and gain insight into the traditions that shape Irish clothing. Visitors are welcomed into the world of Celtic Tweed through guided tours, storytelling and the opportunity to see how design ideas evolve into finished pieces. For many guests, the experience offers a deeper appreciation of Irish craft and the history that surrounds it.

Looking Ahead to the Future

Being named Irish Fashion and Accessories Designer at the 2026 Guaranteed Irish Business Awards represents an important moment for Celtic Tweed, yet it also signals the beginning of a new chapter. As the brand continues to grow, its focus remains rooted in the principles that inspired its founding: celebrating craftsmanship, supporting Irish industry and creating clothing that reflects the culture and character of Ireland. With new collections, innovations like Digital Product Passports and a growing international audience, Celtic Tweed continues to demonstrate that heritage and modern design can move forward together. For Cathy and Frank Coghlan, the journey that began with a simple question in 2012 has evolved into a brand that proudly represents Irish craft on the global stage.