Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum
Market Square
LISBURN
BT28 1AG 

Contact name:  Paul Allison
Position:           Museum Services Manager

Phone:             028 9266 3377
Fax:                 028 9267 2624

Email:  ilcreception@lisburn.gov.uk
Website: www.lisburncity.gov.uk

Step back in time when you visit the Irish Linen Centre & Lisburn Museum.   The Flax to Fabric Exhibition begins in Lisburn's 17th century Market House, where in times gone by cottage weavers brought their cloth to sell.  It tells the story of the Irish Linen industry, with skilled demonstrations of hand spinning and handloom weaving and a display of historic linen treasures. The centre, which comprises a café and a shop is open Monday to Saturday between 9am and 5pm all year

The Museum Shop provides a wide range of linen and craft goods and an excellent range of books, cards and small gifts.  Café Crommelin serves refreshments and light snacks throughout the day. 

Opening hours:

Monday – Saturday:            9.30am – 5.00pm throughout the year

Admission charges:

Admission free and accessibility for all

INFORMATION ABOUT CURRENT EXHIBITIONS:

IRISH LINEN CENTRE & LISBURN MUSEUM

 February – April 2008

• CURATORS CHOICE - FROM THE COLLECTIONS

A display of some of the varied and interestng items in the Museum's collections, many of which have been donated by loal people.

• LISBURN HISTORICAL SOCIETY

In celebration of the establishment of  Lisburn Historical Society 40 years ago, some of the artefacts which the Society has donated to the Museum are on view in the Assembly Room.

• THE DUBOURDIEU FAMILY – HUGUENOTS OF LISBURN

A display of some rare surveying instruments, books and portraits dating back to the 18^th century which have recently been donated by the descendents of an old Huguenot family.

• THE GREAT FIRE OF LISBURN, 1707

A small exhibition in the Museum reception area commemorating the 1707 great fire of Lisburn.

• DESIGNS IN DAMASK

Irish damask linen is famous world wide for its quality and richness and the skills in its production were of the highest artistry. Displayed in this exhibition are patterns, sketches and damask linen cloths made for a bygone era of elegance and leisure in the world's hotels and clubs, shipping and railway companies.

Associated with this exhibition, an exclusive range of damask table linen with a 'flax flower' pattern designed by staff of Lisburn Museum is now available for purchase in the Museum Shop.

·        FLAX TO FABRIC – THE STORY OF IRISH LINEN

Situated in Lisburn's 17^th century Market House, this permanent exhibition features the story of the Irish linen industry from earliest times including skilled demonstrations of hand spinning of flax and hand loom weaving of fine linen cloth on original looms.  Visitors can see the finest costume, dress and household linens dating from a past when Irish linen from Lisburn was known world-wide.

• CASTLE GARDENS TOURS

The newly restored historic gardens, dating from the 17^th century, are open from 8.00am-8.00pm daily.  Guided historical walking tours of the Castle Street gardens, starting at the Museum and lasting approx, 1 hour, are available free of charge.  These must be pre-booked (min. of 5 people) by contacting Museum Reception staff.

ADMISSION  FREE TO ALL EXHIBITIONS            

9.30am –5.00pm Monday – Saturday      

Tel. 028 9266 3377   

Email ilc.reception@lisburn.gov.uk