On 15 October 2025, Threads of Lore celebrated a significant milestone with the official launch of the first completed panel of The Journey of the River Boyne in Threads at Dunshaughlin Library. It was a proud evening for everyone involved, marking the culmination of years of planning, research, creativity and dedication.
The event was officially launched by An Cathaoirleach, Cllr Wayne Harding, who unveiled Panel 12, the first of what will eventually become a twelve-panel tapestry tracing the River Boyne’s remarkable journey from its source near Carbury, County Kildare, to the Irish Sea at Mornington.
Years of Dedication
The completion of the first panel represents countless hours of historical research, artistic collaboration and meticulous embroidery by the members of Threads of Lore. Meeting every Friday in Dunshaughlin Library, the group has worked patiently to transform stories from the Boyne Valley into a richly embroidered work of art that celebrates Ireland’s heritage.
Each image within the panel has been carefully researched before being interpreted by an artist and then brought to life through traditional embroidery techniques. Every stitch reflects the commitment and craftsmanship of the volunteers who have embraced this ambitious project.
Stories Woven into Thread
Panel 12 captures some of the Boyne Valley’s best-known myths, legends and historical landmarks through sixteen beautifully embroidered scenes. Among them are The Cattle Raid of Cooley, The Maiden Tower and Finger, The Tara Brooch, Cú Chulainn, The Milky Way, The Raven, The Salmon of Knowledge and many other stories that have shaped the identity of the Boyne Valley over thousands of years.
Together, these individual scenes demonstrate how embroidery can preserve history while creating a lasting piece of public art.
An Evening to Remember
Visitors enjoyed the opportunity to view both the completed panel and work in progress, offering a fascinating insight into the research, design and embroidery process behind the tapestry. Members of Threads of Lore were delighted to meet guests, answer questions and share the story behind the project.
A special highlight of the evening was a powerful rendition by Kieran Rushe of Daniel O’Connell’s famous speech from the Monster Meeting on the Hill of Tara, bringing one of Ireland’s defining historical moments vividly to life.
Looking to the Future
While the launch celebrated the completion of the first panel, it also marked the beginning of the next chapter.
With eleven panels still to complete, Threads of Lore continues its journey to create a unique embroidered record of the River Boyne, preserving its history, mythology and folklore for future generations.
The group is enormously grateful to everyone who has supported the project to date, including Meath County Council, local councillors, funding partners, family members, friends and the wider community. Their encouragement has helped transform an idea into a remarkable community achievement.
As the tapestry grows, so too will the stories it tells, ensuring that the rich heritage of the Boyne Valley continues to inspire visitors, researchers and future generations, one carefully placed stitch at a time.
