The Armagh Favour

This is one of the few traditional Irish Corn Dolly designs that still exists. Originating in County Armagh, but this design was also created in other Northern Irish counties, so not merely restricted to this one particular county.

It was said traditionally to given at the end of the year, as a symbol of the passing of one generations knowledge, onto another. Maybe also as a way to pass on the tradition of straw plaiting to a younger generation in some places?

It has a very distinctive bow shape; possibly based upon lyre. Sadly, there is very little information on this traditional Irish design that can still be found. Many of these locally created designs may have been lost due to the famine, or mass emigration from Ireland to countries such as America, from the mid 1800’s.

It is often created in a simple 4-plait, or compass plait, or as in these images, a 4 straw fill-a-gap plait. Also often created as a six, fill-a-gap plait. However, this very versatile favour can also be created using a combination of several other plaits, so is often seen as being quite varied and individual.

If you would like this design created in a specific way, or colour, please ask, as I am very happy to adapt it to suit your own tastes, or for a particular occasion.