Tactile interaction, or being able to touch a product on a shelf, allows potential customers to familiarise themselves with its quality, texture and detail. It’s a potent retail strategy that is closely associated with engaging the senses, creating a warmth or a positive vibe around items, and ultimately, driving the desire to purchase.
The psychology of this is obvious when holding a luscious, handmade silver velvet patchwork throw made from swatches of sample materials from a sofa factory. Then there’s a colourful tote bag in harvest tones or a cute dog coat, made from leftover fabric. A bright patterned long-life shopper bag was formerly a shower curtain, while a vivid quilted jacket is unused material from a dressmaker that was heading for the bin.
This is upcycling or the circular economy, but on a luxe level, with top-class design and craftsmanship driving a sustainable approach to textiles. Irish Country Living is visiting the home of CycleUp, an award-winning social enterprise based in rural Roscommon, which since 2019, has diverted over eight tonnes of textiles from the landfill and created more than 1,000 beautiful bespoke products.
Based in a restored church building in Athleague on the banks of the River Suck, the shop and studio are a riot of colour and a hive of activity on a rainy morning. Downstairs, Derek Fallon from nearby Knockcroghery, is working on a handmade pouffe, while Ahmad Abo Haileh, originally from Syria but now an Irish citizen, is close by, fashioning leather offcuts on an industrial sewing machine into one of their best-selling tote bags.
“I did a bit of upholstery years ago, but I hadn’t done sewing until I came in here,” explains Derek, whose background is in carpentry and high-end furniture making. “It’s a great skill; there is a lot to it,” he explains, showing some of the elements of the piece he is making from donated foam, colourful fabric and waste clothes as the filling.
Pointing over to a smiling Adhmad, who comes from a tailoring background, Derek continues: “He has opened my eyes to a lot of the craft and skills. Just to watch him every day, you learn a lot.”
Derek also makes striking patchwork footstools from broken dining chairs, one of which was purchased by RTÉ and TG4 presenter Mary Kennedy on a visit in 2025.
The group were also delighted to see now-President Catherine Connolly wearing a CycleUp baker boy hat presented to her during a visit to Roscommon during her campaign, a photo of which ended up on the front page of a national newspaper.
Abo Haleh Adhmad, originally from Syria, starts work on a tote bag made from waste materials.\ Claire Nash
High-end finish
The support of the local community and links with businesses like Sofa Source, The Curtain Centre and local dressmakers are a godsend to the project by diverting items ordinarily going to landfill. This is something Derek and Aisling Owens, the new manager, both emphasise during a tour of the building.
“Supply isn’t an issue at all. We have a constant stream of donations,” points out Aisling, who says they are very reactive to what is coming in. “We have to strike a balance between using it and making a commercial product that will sell,” says the Strokestown native, who spent many years working as a fashion buyer in Canada.
“People are always so amazed and surprised when they realise our products are upcycled because when people hear that, they think of scrappy and crafty and homemade and, you know, very obviously, something that was something else. That’s not the case with our products. They are bespoke, one-of-a-kind and handmade – and it’s about marketing that correctly.”
A leaflet uses the sage motto ‘turning waste into opportunity’, and that sums up the essence of CycleUp, which is empowering people to develop skills to make high-end sustainable giftware, accessories and homewares for sale in Athleague and via their online shop. At the same time, it is providing employment for people with sewing skills and training for those who never picked up a needle and thread before. Trained tutors also give workshops in the community in a bid to spread the message further afield.
Aisling Owens, new manager of CycleUp, pictured in the shop and studio in Athleague, Co Roscommon with products made by social enterprise from waste textiles.\ Claire Nash
The roots of the project began in 2018 when members of Roscommon Women’s Network, a community development organisation based in Castlerea, decided to do something about the clothes that were not selling in their charity shop in town. The idea came directly from volunteers who initially started an upcycling group to give a second life to fabric that could end up in landfill.
After undergoing training, it was formalised in 2019, and funding allowed CycleUp to develop into a social enterprise.
It now has 14 participants, a mix of those part-funded by the Community Services Programme (CSP) (and shop income) and others on community employment schemes.
Moving upstairs, there is that familiar runaway whir of a sewing machine being put to good use in the workshop, where Maria Kiernan from Athleague is working diligently on zipped pouches surrounded by shelves and shelves of fabric.
She started working in the office initially after she couldn’t find work in sound engineering, the subject of her degree, but later had to leave that for health reasons. When a sewing position came up – and given her interest in arts and crafts – she went for it.
Maria Kiernan from Athleague working on zipped pouches at CycleUp, a social enterprise in rural Roscommon turning waste materials into sustainable fashion and homeware items. \ Claire Nash
“I’ve learned a lot because I was at a beginner/hobbyist level, so it was nice to come into the job and learn how to do things properly,” she tells Irish Country Living.
“My family was always good at recycling things or reusing or turning something old into something new, so it’s not a new concept to me, but it’s great to see it on a larger scale.
“A friend used to say to me, ‘Buy cheap, change often’. That never made sense to me,” she points out, adding that the sustainability story gives more satisfaction to what they are doing, and customers are increasingly interested in that message.
Manager Aisling Owens remarks that their work is focused on maximising people’s potential in a creative industry where many of the skills have been lost over the years. “Our output is not just the products we create. It’s the impact we’re having on people’s lives.”
It’s a theme that Alena Gurn, production team leader, mentions frequently too. Originally from Belarus, she has been in Ireland for over 20 years, working as a dressmaker with designers.
What she most enjoys about the role is the creativity and nurturing that among the team. She spoke about one Ukrainian lady, a professional designer, who came here and was at a loss in terms of finding work to use her skills.
“She was delighted [to join CycleUp] because she loves being creative, and that’s where she can use her talent and abilities, so that’s very inspiring for me to be able to help her to continue that.”
Sustainability satisfaction
Another lady who was at retirement age was “heartbroken” when she came to Ireland after losing her husband and the wrench of leaving Ukraine following the outbreak of the war. “It was a godsend for her. She says she would come here to work for free because it gives her purpose, keeps her busy. She is earning an income and she feels useful.”
Nora Fahy, manager of Roscommon Women’s Network, says the project shows that big things can happen from conversations among women, and this successful “feminist climate action project” is evidence of the power of collective action and collaboration.
She is excited about their plans to open a new shop in Roscommon Town on 1 June.
“As well as being a retail destination for our products, it’ll be an information hub around the circular economy. So, the idea is, if someone comes in for a browse, they’ll leave feeling more enlightened,” concludes Aisling.
One of the popular patchwork upcycled footstools made from a broken dining chair and leftover swatch fabrics by social enterprise CycleUp in Co Roscommon.
\ Claire Nash
See cycleup.ie
Tactile interaction, or being able to touch a product on a shelf, allows potential customers to familiarise themselves with its quality, texture and detail. It’s a potent retail strategy that is closely associated with engaging the senses, creating a warmth or a positive vibe around items, and ultimately, driving the desire to purchase.
The psychology of this is obvious when holding a luscious, handmade silver velvet patchwork throw made from swatches of sample materials from a sofa factory. Then there’s a colourful tote bag in harvest tones or a cute dog coat, made from leftover fabric. A bright patterned long-life shopper bag was formerly a shower curtain, while a vivid quilted jacket is unused material from a dressmaker that was heading for the bin.
This is upcycling or the circular economy, but on a luxe level, with top-class design and craftsmanship driving a sustainable approach to textiles. Irish Country Living is visiting the home of CycleUp, an award-winning social enterprise based in rural Roscommon, which since 2019, has diverted over eight tonnes of textiles from the landfill and created more than 1,000 beautiful bespoke products.
Based in a restored church building in Athleague on the banks of the River Suck, the shop and studio are a riot of colour and a hive of activity on a rainy morning. Downstairs, Derek Fallon from nearby Knockcroghery, is working on a handmade pouffe, while Ahmad Abo Haileh, originally from Syria but now an Irish citizen, is close by, fashioning leather offcuts on an industrial sewing machine into one of their best-selling tote bags.
“I did a bit of upholstery years ago, but I hadn’t done sewing until I came in here,” explains Derek, whose background is in carpentry and high-end furniture making. “It’s a great skill; there is a lot to it,” he explains, showing some of the elements of the piece he is making from donated foam, colourful fabric and waste clothes as the filling.
Pointing over to a smiling Adhmad, who comes from a tailoring background, Derek continues: “He has opened my eyes to a lot of the craft and skills. Just to watch him every day, you learn a lot.”
Derek also makes striking patchwork footstools from broken dining chairs, one of which was purchased by RTÉ and TG4 presenter Mary Kennedy on a visit in 2025.
The group were also delighted to see now-President Catherine Connolly wearing a CycleUp baker boy hat presented to her during a visit to Roscommon during her campaign, a photo of which ended up on the front page of a national newspaper.
Abo Haleh Adhmad, originally from Syria, starts work on a tote bag made from waste materials.\ Claire Nash
High-end finish
The support of the local community and links with businesses like Sofa Source, The Curtain Centre and local dressmakers are a godsend to the project by diverting items ordinarily going to landfill. This is something Derek and Aisling Owens, the new manager, both emphasise during a tour of the building.
“Supply isn’t an issue at all. We have a constant stream of donations,” points out Aisling, who says they are very reactive to what is coming in. “We have to strike a balance between using it and making a commercial product that will sell,” says the Strokestown native, who spent many years working as a fashion buyer in Canada.
“People are always so amazed and surprised when they realise our products are upcycled because when people hear that, they think of scrappy and crafty and homemade and, you know, very obviously, something that was something else. That’s not the case with our products. They are bespoke, one-of-a-kind and handmade – and it’s about marketing that correctly.”
A leaflet uses the sage motto ‘turning waste into opportunity’, and that sums up the essence of CycleUp, which is empowering people to develop skills to make high-end sustainable giftware, accessories and homewares for sale in Athleague and via their online shop. At the same time, it is providing employment for people with sewing skills and training for those who never picked up a needle and thread before. Trained tutors also give workshops in the community in a bid to spread the message further afield.
Aisling Owens, new manager of CycleUp, pictured in the shop and studio in Athleague, Co Roscommon with products made by social enterprise from waste textiles.\ Claire Nash
The roots of the project began in 2018 when members of Roscommon Women’s Network, a community development organisation based in Castlerea, decided to do something about the clothes that were not selling in their charity shop in town. The idea came directly from volunteers who initially started an upcycling group to give a second life to fabric that could end up in landfill.
After undergoing training, it was formalised in 2019, and funding allowed CycleUp to develop into a social enterprise.
It now has 14 participants, a mix of those part-funded by the Community Services Programme (CSP) (and shop income) and others on community employment schemes.
Moving upstairs, there is that familiar runaway whir of a sewing machine being put to good use in the workshop, where Maria Kiernan from Athleague is working diligently on zipped pouches surrounded by shelves and shelves of fabric.
She started working in the office initially after she couldn’t find work in sound engineering, the subject of her degree, but later had to leave that for health reasons. When a sewing position came up – and given her interest in arts and crafts – she went for it.
Maria Kiernan from Athleague working on zipped pouches at CycleUp, a social enterprise in rural Roscommon turning waste materials into sustainable fashion and homeware items. \ Claire Nash
“I’ve learned a lot because I was at a beginner/hobbyist level, so it was nice to come into the job and learn how to do things properly,” she tells Irish Country Living.
“My family was always good at recycling things or reusing or turning something old into something new, so it’s not a new concept to me, but it’s great to see it on a larger scale.
“A friend used to say to me, ‘Buy cheap, change often’. That never made sense to me,” she points out, adding that the sustainability story gives more satisfaction to what they are doing, and customers are increasingly interested in that message.
Manager Aisling Owens remarks that their work is focused on maximising people’s potential in a creative industry where many of the skills have been lost over the years. “Our output is not just the products we create. It’s the impact we’re having on people’s lives.”
It’s a theme that Alena Gurn, production team leader, mentions frequently too. Originally from Belarus, she has been in Ireland for over 20 years, working as a dressmaker with designers.
What she most enjoys about the role is the creativity and nurturing that among the team. She spoke about one Ukrainian lady, a professional designer, who came here and was at a loss in terms of finding work to use her skills.
“She was delighted [to join CycleUp] because she loves being creative, and that’s where she can use her talent and abilities, so that’s very inspiring for me to be able to help her to continue that.”
Sustainability satisfaction
Another lady who was at retirement age was “heartbroken” when she came to Ireland after losing her husband and the wrench of leaving Ukraine following the outbreak of the war. “It was a godsend for her. She says she would come here to work for free because it gives her purpose, keeps her busy. She is earning an income and she feels useful.”
Nora Fahy, manager of Roscommon Women’s Network, says the project shows that big things can happen from conversations among women, and this successful “feminist climate action project” is evidence of the power of collective action and collaboration.
She is excited about their plans to open a new shop in Roscommon Town on 1 June.
“As well as being a retail destination for our products, it’ll be an information hub around the circular economy. So, the idea is, if someone comes in for a browse, they’ll leave feeling more enlightened,” concludes Aisling.
One of the popular patchwork upcycled footstools made from a broken dining chair and leftover swatch fabrics by social enterprise CycleUp in Co Roscommon.
\ Claire Nash
See cycleup.ie
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