Hi Everyone,
This week I’m delighted to present our stunning Inishmore Collection of Aran Knitwear. First of all, just like our County Collection of Aran Sweaters, we at The Irish Store have designed each piece. This stunning new collection takes its name from the largest of the Aran Islands.
Inishmore
Inishmore is the largest of the Aran Islands and the birthplace of the iconic Aran sweater. Each of the six pieces of Aran knitwear in The Inishmore Collection takes its name from one of the many islands dotted around the coast of Ireland. I’ve been lucky enough to visit all six so as we look at each piece in the collection, we’ll take a tour of the islands too. So let’s get started!
The Inishmore Collection of Aran Knitwear
1. The Inisheer Boyfriend Cardigan
The boyfriend cardigan is a timeless fashion staple with its generous length. It gives you cozy comfort and a classic casual look. Taking its name from the smallest of the Aran Islands, classic Aran stitch patterns combine beautifully here in exquisite detail. This stand-out cardigan has been crafted from luxuriously soft merino wool while the 2 front pockets give extra warmth on chilly days.
Inisheer
Inisheer is the smallest of the Aran islands measuring just 4 kilometres wide by 2 kilometres long. A trip to this enchanting place is truly unforgettable. The welcome is warm, the skies are vast and the sea is shimmering while the views of the Cliffs of Moher on the nearby coast of County Clare are nothing less than breathtaking.
2.The Inishmaan Aran Sweater
Our design beautifully combines the fisherman’s rope cable stitch with classic lucky honeycomb, a tribute to the hard-working honeybee. Furthermore, it’s been given a stylish modern finish with a snug stand up collar and a 3 button fastening so he’ll be stepping out in style year after year. The perfect gift for him this holiday season.
Inishmaan
Inishmann is the second largest of the Aran Islands measuring 5km long by 3km wide. It is also the least visited of the Aran Islands so a trip here gives you a true feeling of getting away from the hustle and bustle of the modern world. It was also a favorite retreat of legendary Irish writer J.M.Synge who spent 5 summers here.
3. The Skellig Aran Dress
The Skellig Aran dress showcases the popular cable stitch in stunning detail and we’ve also incorporated lucky honeycomb and diamond stitches. Our gorgeous design beautifully weaves this age-old craftsmanship into an on-trend sweater dress. Beautiful crochet work also features at the neck and hem. Choose classic cream or versatile charcoal in super soft merino yarn. This is Aran knitwear at it’s finest.
The Skelligs
No visit to the Ring of Kerry would be complete without a trip to see the Skelligs and a boat ride to Skellig Michael. Here, you really feel like you’re on the edge of the world. The ancient monastic settlement is incredibly preserved. No humans have lived here since the monks left in 1100 who even escaped the ravages of the Vikings. Maybe someone was looking down on them! Now the birds have taken over, especially the puffins in Spring. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A truly special part of the world.
4. The Sherkin Aran Sweater
The Sherkin Aran sweater combines 2 classic Aran stitches. The diamond stitch symbolizes the Aran Island fields and was believed to wish the wearer good fortune and plenty. This is coupled with everyone’s favorite cable stitch. Beautifully crafted from gorgeously soft merino wool. Best of all, it’s available for either him or her in a choice of 3 great colors.
5. The Achill Aran Tunic
If you’re looking for a piece of Aran knitwear with a difference, then look no further than the Achill Aran Tunic. Classic cable and honeycomb combine beautifully here. and this stunning piece also features exquisite crochet work and a scalloped hem and cuffs. Finally, it comes in classic Aran cream or versatile charcoal grey and the yarn is beautifully soft merino. A true show stopper for your winter wardrobe.
Achill Island
Achill Island is Ireland’s largest island and connects from the mainland at Westport by a road bridge. You can’t help but marvel at the towering sea-cliffs, gorgeous beaches and awesome mountains. The air is clean while the welcome is warm and you can really get away from it all and discover a real sense of peace and tranquillity here.
6. The Valentia Aran Cardigan
The classic zig-zag stitch takes centre stage here. According to Aran Islander folklore, this stitch represents the ups and downs of married life as well as symbolizing the twisting Aran Island cliff paths leading down to the mighty Atlantic. Classic cable and everyone’s favorite lucky honeycomb stitch create a beautiful finishing touch.
Valentia Island
Valentia Island has situated off the south-west coast of County Kerry. Just like Achill Island, it is connected to the mainland by the bridge. Here you will find more dramatic cliffs with breathtaking views while the effects of the Gulf Stream give Valentia Island it’s a balmy microclimate. As a result, the plant life is beautifully lush and vibrant.
Well, I hope you enjoyed our trip to some of Ireland’s most beautiful islands and I really hope you like our new Inishmore Collection of Fisherman sweaters and Irish Sweaters.
Next week I’ll be back on the road to continue our Journeys Around Ireland series. I’ll also be starting my Countdown to Christmas Irish gift guides so do drop by for further Irish road trips and exciting gift ideas for the upcoming holiday season!
Slán go fóill!
Lulu.
