Experiencing Inis Meáin
Evoking Warmth & Comfort

Knitwear is an emotive textile. Aran Knitwear in particular with its intricate patterns, is a well-known and loved, symbol of Irish design and culture. Knitted sweaters, cardigans and blankets were often lovingly made by a mother or grandmother and passed down through generations as family heirlooms. When the latest generation of Inis Meáin de Blacams were born, they received knitted Christmas stockings from an islander relative in Boston with their names and years of birth knitted into the design. They take pride of place at the hearth during festive season, as they did for the previous generation. We have heard similar nostalgic stories from our valued clients. The look and feel of knitwear can evoke feelings of warmth, comfort and memories of loved ones and loved places. Seeing the detail and feeling the quality of an Inis Meáin piece first-hand is to experience the best of those knitwear characteristics.

More than 40 years ago we built a yarn store for our growing knitting workshop on Inis Meáin. Designed by pre-eminent Irish architect Shane de Blacam, a light-filled first floor houses our Island Store. Current collections as well as knitwear from our archive and imperfect prototypes from the workshop next door fill the shelves, along with a curation of Synge-related manuscripts and historic island photography.

The store has limited hours for the season but can be opened for weekday appointments made in advance almost all year around, and our team are happy to help with island travel information whether for a day trip or longer. 

If a unique last-minute Inis Meáin escape might be of interest, while usually fully booked a year in advance, sometimes late cancellations arise with Inis Meáin Island Stays. Right now, due to a booking postponement there is a rare opportunity for an Inis Meáin Island Stay next week in the Currach House, pictured below, from Wednesday 27th August 2025. Inis Meáin Island Stays is run by the same family as Inis Meáin Knitting Company and the Island Stays are of 4 nights duration from Wednesday to Saturday inclusive with full details available here. 

Outside of the Island Store in Inis Meáin, our nearest stockist is an exceptional boutique in Clifden, Co. Galway called Millars Connemara. Situated on the main street in Clifden, Millars is a family-run, destination shopping experience since 1890 specialising in high quality clothing and interiors. Pictured below, Millars have curated a discerning selection of Inis Meáin pieces for Men and Women including signature Cashmere/Merino Aran and Boatbuilder Sweaters, Ribbed Accessories and our Patented Aran Scarves, Shawls and Throws in Baby Alpaca and Silk. 

To see our specialist Inis Meáin retailers all around the world please visit the Stockists page here. To help find the nearest stockist, press the Control/Command and F keys to search for a country or city, as we have done for "Ireland" in the screenshot below. Some of these specialist retailers have been carrying the Inis Meáin collections for more than 40 years and we very much appreciate their, and their client's support of authentic Aran Sweaters and Irish Knitwear of the highest quality - designed, made and hand-finished here in Inis Meáin, in the only knitwear workshop in the Aran Islands. 

Míle buíochas as bhúr dtacaíocht.