Artist Spotlight: Eileen McNulty
Eileen McNulty is accomplished Irish embroidery artist whose textile landscapes are inspired by the rolling hills of County Meath and the rich traditions of Irish folklore. Growing up with stories of fairy trees, she combines these influences to create evocative works that blend narrative with landscape. Working primarily with Irish tweed, linen and cotton Eileen uses Free-Motion Embroidery to produce distinctive, timeless artworks that celebrate Ireland’s landscape, folklore, and textile traditions. Her work reflects a balance of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary expression and has been exhibited nationally and internationally.
Her latest project in collaboration with Škoda required 7.562km of thread, 637 hours of work and 48 different kinds of fabric to create a tapestry of Ireland. We spoke to her about the project.
Tell be about the process of making the tapestry?
The process of creating the Škoda tapestry was a really enjoyable experience. Working with Boys+Girls and Škoda was something new for me, and I really enjoyed collaborating with both teams throughout the project. This piece challenged me in a completely different way.
“This piece challenged me in a completely different way.”
My goal was to include all of the stories, events, and places that Škoda wanted to feature while still staying true to my own artistic style. Finding that balance wasn’t easy, but I think it worked well. I was able to maintain my distinctive way of working while creating a tapestry that reflected everything they wanted to celebrate.
“I was able to maintain my distinctive way of working while creating a tapestry that reflected everything they wanted to celebrate.”
What’s your favourite detail within the tapestry?
My favourite detail in the tapestry is probably Newgrange. It feels closest to the style of work I usually create, as it connects with the folklore, history, and old ways of thinking that have always inspired me. A lot of that influence comes from my mother, so it has a personal meaning for me as well.
“it connects with the folklore, history, and old ways of thinking that have always inspired me”
I especially love the third panel because it brings together the ancient world of Newgrange with the more modern side of Dublin. I really like that contrast—showing the old alongside the new—and I think it captures something special about Ireland. Looking back at the finished piece, Newgrange is definitely my favourite detail.
Why does this project feel particularly important to you?
This tapestry is important to me because it shows that I have range as an artist. It pushed me outside of the way I would normally work. Usually, I create pieces inspired by Ireland in a more mystical, magical way, drawing on folklore and imagined landscapes rather than depicting specific places or modern landmarks. This project challenged me to include real locations and elements—things like wind turbines and recognisable places across Ireland—that I wouldn’t normally explore in my work.
“This project challenged me to include real locations and elements—things like wind turbines and recognisable places across Ireland—that I wouldn’t normally explore in my work.”
It encouraged me to approach my practice from a different perspective, and I really enjoyed that challenge. While I still love creating the more imaginary worlds that come from my own imagination, this project showed me that I can adapt my style while staying true to it. That’s what makes this tapestry so meaningful to me.
