There are countless beautiful places in the world, but Ireland takes some beating with its stunning landscapes, sweeping coastline and romantic vistas. The colours and textures of the Irish countryside are reflected in many of the gorgeous garments and homewares in our catalogue, as our highly skilled artisan makers are inspired by the variety and beauty in the world around them.

Irish culture is ancient and complex, and many of our designs feature unique symbols of Irish identity. Many Irish legends are rooted in the rugged landscapes of the Emerald Isle and the dramatic colours and natural beauty of rural Ireland provide inspiration for traditional and contemporary styles, including Irish hats, bags, wool throws, wraps and traditional Aran sweaters. Here, we’ll share some of our favourites as we explore the connection between our designs and Ireland’s breathtaking landscape.

 

The Colours of Ireland

Looking at the colour blends in some of our gorgeous designs is a similar feast for the eyes as looking at the natural landscapes of Ireland, and we see many of the same colours echoed in both. You’ll see the following colours in many of our designs:

• Ireland is, of course, renowned for its long association with the colour green and the shamrock and the leprechaun have been popular motifs for many years. We have a beautiful range of garments and homewares in many different shades of green and these are not just for St Patrick’s Day! Inspired by the rolling hills and the lush grasslands that make up Ireland’s wild areas and farmland, our designs include classic green tweed jackets and gorgeous scarfs and wraps in a combination of green dyed wools. The Donegal Irish Tweed Waistcoat is woven in a traditional style with two front pockets and an adjustable belt for a timeless Irish look, and the eye-catching Islander Stole in Green and Black is a contemporary style that combines the most incredible shades of green in a nature-inspired wrap that is versatile and durable, made with a wool blend that includes alpaca and merino wool for maximum comfort.

• The daily lives of communities in Ireland have revolved around the sea for millennia and the colours and depths of the ocean can be seen in some of the sumptuous shades of blue used by our skilled weavers. Our Luxury Cashmere Wool Throw in Sea Blue is the perfect choice for an engagement or wedding gift, woven from extra fine merino wool and cashmere and inspired by the sea to evoke the calm, restful feeling it brings on a summers day. If you prefer your seas stormy and dramatic, you’ll love the Lambswool Celtic Ruana Wrap, made with superfine Lambswool, so you can make a sweeping entrance this year. This stunning wrap can be worn as an open shawl, a scarf or even a skirt, and the blend of blues evokes the wild mood of the sea, perfectly captured by the weavers at Kerry Woollen Mills, which has been located on the Ring of Kerry on the Atlantic Coast of Ireland for more than three hundred years.

• Purple is the colour that dominates the Irish landscape at certain times of the year, as the heather takes over the countryside. From pale lavenders to vivid purple tones, this colour features in many of our designs so that you can go as bold as you like. The Ladies Tweed Newsboy Hat in Dark Purple is a striking design that is handwoven by the skilled weavers at Mucros, in the heart of the Killarney National Park. The deep purple colour is an excellent choice for this classic cap, which will protect you from the elements in style and add personality to any outfit. If you prefer a more subtle shade, you’ll love the Ladies Cropped Aran Sweater in pale lavender, with its fashionable cropped length and featuring a classic trellis and cable stitching pattern.

• The earthy browns and natural neutral tones that feature in many of our most popular designs evoke the harsher landscapes of the colder seasons, as well as the rich autumnal leaves and bare fields that follow the harvests. You simply can’t beat the Vintage Tweed Flat Cap in Brown, a timeless design made from luxurious tweeds in warm browns to reflect the Donegal countryside. It’s 100% wool so it’s a great option to protect you from rain showers and it lends itself to casual attire or a more formal occasion if you want to bring some Peaky Blinders style into your life! If you want to embrace natural fibres in your home decor, you’ll love the Deep Pile Sheepskin Rug in brown. This is a classic option that is believed to be excellent for babies and children to lie on, helping to regulate the temperature and reduce the risk of allergies, according to some studies.

 

Our colour options also include some beautiful shades that evoke the array of wild flowers seen in the Irish countryside, and we love to wear the brighter, bolder colours in the summertime and the muted, paler tones in the spring.

 

Natural Fabrics and Textures

Most of our gorgeous garments are made from natural wool and tweed fabrics, although we also have some cotton, linen and waxed fabric options in our hat and waistcoat lines. Wool and tweed make excellent choices for wearing outdoors due to the natural properties of the fabrics, as well as being sustainable, organic choices that are environmentally sound. Wool is sheared from sheep, or other animals such as goats and alpacas, on an annual basis and can be reused and recycled. It is used to create garments and homewares that will last a lifetime if cared for properly, so it is a great alternative to the fast fashion movement.

Wool is easy to wear and is a very good option all year round since it helps to regulate the temperature, warming you up in the winter and keeping you cool when the weather is warm by wicking away sweat and letting your skin breathe. It is an effective insulator that can be improved even further with chunky stitching patterns such as cable knit, and it is also naturally water repellent, able to take on up to 30% of its weight in water before feeling wet. All of these qualities make it the ideal fabric for outerwear, especially in changeable climates, and the high quality wools we use mean it is also a great option to wear next to the skin.

 

The Stories in the Stitches

Did you know that the texture of an Aran knit connects it uniquely with its environment and the landscape the stitches evoke? Aran sweaters, for instance, were first created on the Aran Islands many years ago by the families of the farmers and fishermen who worked on the harsh coastlines. The crafters who developed the Aran stitching patterns we know and love today were believed to have created these to reflect their lives on the Aran Islands at this time, and the stitches are associated with a variety of meanings. For instance:

 

• Cable stitch. Cable stitch is said to represent the ropes that were in daily use by the fishermen of the Aran Islands, and also the paths that connected their homes on the cliffs to the sea. These are thick, overlapping stitches that add extra layers of insulation to your Aran sweater, ensuring that you stay warm and dry, whatever the weather. The Women’s Merino Wool Cable Knit Hoodie is a great example of a classic style given a contemporary twist, and the cable stitching makes it a warm and versatile design with a cosy feel. The bright sky blue and natural green are perfect spring colours and the natural white is ideal for any season.

• Honeycomb stitch. Honeycomb stitch is believed to reflect the hexagonal shape of a beehive, paying tribute to the work ethic of the bees and bringing good luck and abundance to those who share this dedication to their efforts. The Honeycomb Turtleneck Sweater is a cosy choice for the colder seasons, practical and oversized with a classic turtleneck for extra warmth. You can choose from rich reds, greens and blues that are perfectly suited to the cooler seasons or pick the classic grey or natural white tones that are popular all year round.

• Moss stitch. Moss stitch is commonly used in Aran knitwear and is said to bring luck for a good harvest. It represents the carrageen moss, which is a type of seaweed that grows on the coast of Ireland and has been used as a food source in times of scarcity. This is often used as a filler stitch, in between more decorative stitches, such as in the striking Aran Cable and Moss Poncho. This is an exceptionally comfortable and versatile option for layering up at any time of the year and it works well with jeans and boots or with a long skirt or dress for a more relaxed look. It’s made in Ireland from soft Merino wool and the colour choices include wine, parsnip and apple green, which can be worn in the summer, autumn and winter, or the neutral soft grey, white or charcoal, for any season.

• Trellis stitch. The Trellis stitch is a light, delicate stitch that is often used in feminine designs, and it is said to symbolise the unique landscape in the Aran Islands, in which fields are surrounded by roughly hewn stones for protection against the strong winds coming off the Atlantic. Trellis stitch is often used to highlight special features within a design, such as the beautiful neckline on the Wool Cashmere Aran Trellis Sweater. This design perfectly combines classic style with a modern twist to create a slim fitting sweater made from 95% wool and 5% cashmere, which can be worn over a long skirt or dress for an elegant, formal look.

• Diamond stitch. The geometric diamond stitch is believed to be symbolic of the nets used by the fishermen to carry out their work at sea. This stitch is said to be lucky, blessing the wearer with an abundant catch and the promise of wealth and prosperity. This makes items made with diamond stitch ideal for gifting to your loved ones, such as the Large Merino Shamrock Throw, which features a beautiful combination of stitches surrounded by a border of dark green shamrocks. We also love the Patchwork Cardigan with Collar, one of our best loved designs, with its gorgeous combination of cable, diamond and chevron stitches and over-sized ribbed wool collar. It’s a unique design made from soft Merino Wool and it is a classic that looks fantastic worn with bootcut jeans and ankle boots.

 

Ireland has a rich and inspiring history, interwoven with ancient legends, and the artisan crafts produced from this unique heritage reflect the natural beauty of this incredible place. The colours and textures that give these pieces their character echo the depths of colour in the landscape and the textures that are seen in the natural world to create timeless garments and homewares that are truly special.

 

Preserving Irish Heritage Through Textiles

Here at Weavers of Ireland, we make it our mission to preserve the traditional skills of Irish craftspeople for the next generations, and we source the very best of locally made wool garments and homewares for you. We bring together a stunning collection of sweaters, cardigans, jackets and scarves made from the finest fabrics, bringing traditional crafts and contemporary style together to create unique gifts and garments that will transform your wardrobe.

Our range includes a variety of homewares, including throws and blankets that make wonderful wedding and newborn gifts, and a unique range of Celtic jewellery to really celebrate the connection with your Irish roots. You can visit one of our stores in Ireland, located in Killarney, Kenmare, Dublin, Galway, Glengarriff and Kinsale, or visit us online to explore our full catalogue at Weavers of Ireland.