About CycleUp Textiles
CycleUp Textiles is a circular economy social enterprise that transforms waste textiles into bags and gifts, while also offering training and upskilling in the art of upcycling.
CycleUp Textiles, an initiative by Roscommon Women's Network, is a circular economy social enterprise focused on textile upcycling. We provide training that transforms pre-loved and unwanted textiles into unique, upcycled items.
Our core mission is to empower individuals through education and skills development in upcycling, while tackling the pressing issue of textile waste.
With a community-driven approach, CycleUp Textiles is dedicated to supporting the most marginalised women and families, helping them engage and participate in meaningful work.
All our products are made from 100% upcycled materials, thoughtfully designed and handmade in Athleague, County Roscommon, Ireland. Explore our collection of upcycled creations here.

Some of the CycleUp textiles team – staff and volunteers (Photo by Aengus McMahon/The Ireland Funds.)
Our Story:
From Small Beginnings to a Sustainable Future
2018
The issue of textile waste first came to light through the efforts of volunteers at the Roscommon Women's Network (RWN) Charity Shop. The question arose: what happened to all the unsold clothing? This was the turning point – it was time to take action. Research showed that diverting just 15% of discarded textiles from landfills could prevent over 100,000 tonnes of carbon emissions. This insight led to a fact-finding visit to The Rediscovery National Centre for the Circular Economy.
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2019
The RWN Textile Upcycling Pilot Project was launched, co-funded by Local Agenda21 LAPN, the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment, and clothing brand Patagonia. The project also received support from Galway Roscommon Education and Training Board (GRETB), the Roscommon Environmental Network, and the Rediscovery Centre.
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2021
Following the success of the pilot project and an evaluation by St. Angela’s College Sligo, RWN secured funding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under the Green Enterprise initiative for the WECAN project. This provided a project manager for 12 months to develop and grow CycleUp, our environmental and training social enterprise. The funding allowed us to promote upcycled products, expand our training reach across the region, and spread awareness of the circular economy through networking and workshops.
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2022
CycleUp relocated to a dedicated space at the Riverside Centre in Athleague, Co. Roscommon, and expanded our team with three part-time Community Employment Trainee Sewing Assistants and two part-time Community Employment Administration Assistants.
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2023
With support from CEIGS funding, we were able to hire a Business Development Manager and a Production Team Leader to strengthen CycleUp as a business and brand.
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2024
We received CSP funding to employ a CycleUp Manager and four part-time Production Assistants, helping us scale our operations further. That year, we were honoured to win the RDS Spring Award for Rural Social Impact. Additionally, the EU Just Transition Fund awarded CycleUp Textiles funding to hire key positions, including a Progression and Skills Coordinator, Production Team Leader, Full-time Administrator, and Business Development Manager.
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Upcycling Textiles Training
To bridge the gap in upcycling skills, CycleUp took action by supporting team members in becoming qualified tutors. In May 2021, six participants completed the Training Delivery and Evaluation QQI Level 6 program. These women, including lone parents and caregivers, are now engaged in the project as tutors for our Upcycling Textiles Training Courses and Workshops. This initiative not only addresses the skills gap but also creates employment opportunities for those involved.
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Today, CycleUp employs 3 part-time staff and 5 Community Employment workers, supported by a team of 14 volunteers. We have helped some of our trainees move into self-employment. To date, 74 individuals have completed our training, and we've upcycled over 8,000 kg of textiles, resulting in a carbon saving of 65 tonnes.
Our mission to create sustainable change is growing stronger every day, and we are proud of the difference we continue to make.


Maria training volunteers to make upcycled gifts

Cycleup Textiles training course in upcycling textiles to make beautiful gifts at our circular economy social enterprise.

Tutor Margaret helping to train participants in upcycling textiles into beautiful new gifts at our circular economy social enterprise in Co Roscommon, Ireland.

Maria training volunteers to make upcycled gifts