Connect with us

Fashion

Sybil Connolly and the Art of Irish Elegance exhibition opens at Limerick Museum up to July 31, 2026

Published

1 month ago

on

Sybil Connolly and the Art of Irish Elegance exhibition opens at Limerick Museum up to July 31, 2026. Limerick Museum, Old Franciscan Friary, Henry Street exhibition featuring Sybil Connolly curated by Dr Zara Power offically opened by Dr Matthew Potter. Picture: Keith Wiseman

Limerick Museum hosts ‘Dressed to Impress: Sybil Connolly and the Art of Irish Elegance’ up to July 31, 2026, celebrating one of Ireland’s greatest fashion designers

Dressed to Impress: Sybil Connolly and the Art of Irish Elegance: An Exhibition on Ireland’s Greatest Fashion Designer will be on display in Limerick Museum until 31 July 2026.. Picture: Keith Wiseman

Limerick Museum officially opens ‘Dressed to Impress: Sybil Connolly and the Art of Irish Elegance’, an Exhibition on Ireland’s Greatest Fashion Designer curated by Dr Zara Power, Assistant Curator of the Museum.

Sybil Connolly was a Dublin-based fashion designer of international renown, celebrated for her innovative use of traditional Irish textiles in haute couture.

Drawing on materials such as finely pleated handkerchief linen, intricate Carrickmacross lace, and robust Irish tweed, Connolly created designs deeply inspired by Ireland’s people, heritage and cultural traditions.


advertisement
advertisement


advertisement
advertisement


advertisement
advertisement


advertisement
advertisement

Often described as ‘Dublin’s Dior’, Connolly was a trailblazing figure in Irish fashion and among the first designers from Ireland to achieve global acclaim. Her work captivated the international fashion world, and she collaborated with prestigious retailers including Tiffany & Co., Bloomingdale’s and Lord & Taylor in New York. Her distinguished clientele included Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Adele Astaire, and Mrs. Gregory Peck.

Dr Zara Power, Assistant Curator at Limerick Museum said, “This exhibition brings together a remarkable collection of Connolly’s work, including rarely seen garments, among them a piece worn by Máirín Lynch, wife of former Taoiseach Jack Lynch, as well as maquettes, sketches, and a selection of her interior design objects.

Limerick Museum hosts 'Dressed to Impress: Sybil Connolly and the Art of Irish Elegance' up to July 31, 2026
The Museum is open to the public Monday to Friday 10.00am to 5.00pm; Saturday 10.00am-1.00pm and 2.00pm to 5.00pm. Admission is FREE. Picture: Keith Wiseman

“Kindly on loan from the Hunt Museum, and Cork Public Museum, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity to view a much-loved collection that is not normally on public display.”

Dr Matthew Potter, Limerick Museum commented, “This exhibition is the latest example of the long friendship and numerous joint projects between the Hunt Museum and Limerick Museum. I am particularly grateful to Dr Zara Power for planning and curating this exhibition in her usual professional, imaginative and engaging manner, which has become her trademark.”

Dressed to Impress: Sybil Connolly and the Art of Irish Elegance: An Exhibition on Ireland’s Greatest Fashion Designer will be on display in Limerick Museum until 31 July 2026.

Sybil Connolly was a Dublin-based fashion designer of international renown, celebrated for her innovative use of traditional Irish textiles in haute couture.. Picture: Keith Wiseman
Related Topics:

Richard is a presenter, producer, songwriter and actor. He was named the Limerick Person of the Year (2011) and won an online award at the Metro Éireann Media and Multicultural Awards (2011) for promoting multi-culturalism online. Richard says that the ilovelimerick.com concept is very much a community driven project that aims to document life in Limerick. So, that in 20 years time people can look back and remember the events that were making the headlines.