Donegal tweed is a special form of tweed, some of which is still produced on traditional looms today. Historically, the fabrics come from the town of the same name (and the surrounding area) of Donegal in Ireland. Nowadays, the majority of Donegal tweed production comes from factories, but traditional handicrafts are still favoured by many. The fabrics are still handmade and many of the production steps have hardly changed in the last hundred years.
There are over 40 different colour combinations, with the fil-à-fil pattern being the classic. Tweed production in Donegal has been refined over generations, which is why this tweed is considered to be of particularly high quality. Magee or Magee of Donegal, where Donegal tweed has been successfully produced for years, is particularly well known. A jacket or hat made from Donegal tweed protects against wind and weather, as it has had to withstand Ireland's stormy conditions. The natural oils of the woollen fabric are not removed, which gives the tweed its resistance to water in particular.
