Made in Ireland: leather & tanneries

There was a time in this country - not long ago - when raw animal hides were transformed into leather. The skins of cows, sheep and even goats were sold by meat factories to local tanneries where the labour-intensive job of turning skin into leather took place.

Not any more. Leather is no longer made in Ireland because all the tanneries have closed down. Like so much in manufacturing, tanning has moved eastwards to China where it can be made for less money.

In her continuing look at goods that are “Made in Ireland”, Ella McSweeney joined Pat on RTE Radio 1 this morning to take a look at Ireland last tannery, and the future for leatherwork in this country.