Discovering Irish tweed on a Porsche road trip around Ireland

Meet the Irish designers turning tweed into a modern work of art

June 26, 2025 | 3 min read

Clothes rail with colourful garments hanging from it

The rolling hills, rugged coast and emerald green fields of Ireland make it a memorable destination for Porsche Travel Experience participants, where they connect with artistry that reveres tradition and embraces the future

There’s plenty to take in on a journey through Ireland with the Porsche Travel Experience. Dream-like scenery, miles and miles of coastal roads and encounters with flocks of sheep are an integral part of any road trip through this magical country. During our journey, it is easy to grasp how nature and the landscape is a great source of inspiration for creatives – whatever artistic form that takes.

There are plenty of ever-changing opportunities to stop off for rich encounters with the Porsche Travel Experience. In this particular episode, en route from Dublin to the Wild Atlantic Way on the west coast of Ireland, we make a stop in Galway, in the rugged north-west of the country, to visit The Tweed Project. Ran by fashion designers Triona Lillis and Aiobheann McNamara, the duo’s work blend traditional Irish tweed or linen with contemporary design.

Aoibheann hands us a cup of coffee. We’re sitting in her open kitchen, where we can already get an impression of their aesthetic. Generous use of wood, light fabrics, and subtle splashes of colour on the sofa cushions.

Two women in design studio, throws and cushions on floor — Designers Triona Lillis (left) and Aiobheann McNamara decide everything together – the patterns, shapes and details of their colourful and tactile tweed collaborations Photo: Porsche

What is The Tweed Project?

Triona and Aiobheann founded The Tweed Project in 2014. Their studio, which also serves as the showroom for their collections, is located at the rear of the house.

“Back then, we identified a market niche for contemporary fashion made from Irish fabrics,” explains Triona. “And,” adds Aiobheann, “we wanted to bolster local craftsmanship.”

Triona brought her design expertise – her usual job is designing costumes for film and television – to the joint project, while Aiobheann has a business background and runs her own restaurant in Galway. “We have learned so much from each other over the past few years,” says Aiobheann. “Now, I’m also designing, while Triona is equally involved in the business aspect.”

Woman wearing gilet-style jacket, hands outstretched — In this collection from The Tweed Project, its designers employed quilted, light fabrics adorned with geometric patterns Photo: Porsche

“Our designs draw inspiration from the raw Irish nature, particularly in the west of the country,” says Aoibheann. “And they are always a reflection of the topics that are on our minds at the moment,” Triona adds. Like when they went big on colours – “to break up the dreariness” – for a collection revealed following the end of the pandemic.

In their designs, Irish tradition and modernity are harmoniously balanced. “Every collection is different. We only do what we feel like doing and make things that we ourselves would wear,” explains Triona.

Rack of clothes hangers with garments on — With each collection that Triona and Aoibheann put out they reflect what’s on their mind at the time. Their first one released after the pandemic was dominated by bold colours and patterns to reflect their mood Photo: Porsche

“We make use of every inch of our fabrics, because they are so precious to us,” adds Triona. “We don’t want to waste any of it.” Even the tassels, which are usually discarded as waste by the weaving mills, are stylishly incorporated into the designs.

All products are made to order and are meant to last a lifetime. “And we listen to our customers’ requests and ideas,” says Triona. “If someone wants to add sleeves to a dress, add a few pops of colour or change the length, we’re happy to add that personal touch. Every item we create is a one-of-a-kind.”

An appreciation of an individual’s needs, of the true meaning of craftsmanship and the importance of learning from the past to create a vision for the future? That’s something we can all get behind.

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