Rosemary Cathcart & The Sheelin Antique Lace Museum, Ireland

My hat goes off to anyone who sets up an independent textile museum, and my hat is certainly doffed to Rosemary Cathcart who set up an antique lace museum to showcase the finest examples of Irish lace on the planet.

Set in the picturesque village of Bellanaleck, just south of Enniskillen in Ireland, the Sheelin Antique Irish Lace museum is a beautiful attraction and one of the largest collections of antique Irish lace in the world, displaying Youghal Needlelace, Inishmacsaint Needlelace, Crochet, Limerick and Carrickmacross. All the lace dates from between 1850 to 1900.

Adjoining the shop is the Sheelin Lace Shop - a treasure trove of antique Irish lace items and other vintage textiles and clothing. Items for sale include antique wedding dresses, wedding veils, shawls, collars, bonnets, christening gowns, 1920s dresses, feather fans and headpieces. And right next door is a fabulous tea shop - what are we waiting for? For more details click here.

If you are not able to make the trip to Ireland, Lilee Cathcart has another antique lace shop in Alfie's Antique Centre, Marylebone, London. Click here for more details of the London shop.