Go maire tú is go gcaithe tú é… May you live long to wear it… This is the eloquent sentiment traditionally used on the island when gifting a unique piece, woven or knitted especially for the recipient. Clothing has always had an importance beyond warmth on the Aran Islands. Women looked after the dressing of the whole household; spinning, dying, weaving and knitting yarn to design, and make, clothing for all the family. read more

Presenting a festive gift of a beautiful traditional Irish tune, Master Crowleys, played by TG4 Young Musician of the Year, Sorcha Costello. It was a significant year for Inis Meáin Knitting Company as founders Tarlach and Áine de Blacam, passed on management to their son Ruairí, and his wife Marie-Thérèse after almost 50 years. We are proud to continue making luxury knitwear in the Aran Islands, helping to sustain a small island community and an important part of Irish culture, through the very appreciated support of many loyal customers and discerning stores around the world. read more

This week, Shane de Blacam gives a talk about his life's work in the Royal Academy in London on receipt of the RA Architecture Prize 2023. Exactly 40 years ago, we completed construction of Siopa an Chniotáil, our knitwear store, showroom and yarn store designed by Shane. read more

All of our garments are designed, made, and hand-finished on this small Atlantic island. As a place of great natural beauty and tradition, the simple life here informs every part of our collections. Without distraction, the eye is drawn to small details in nature, and in the work of the island's farmers and fishermen, providing endless inspiration. read more

The unique natural beauty and rich Irish culture of the three Aran Islands have long attracted artists, musicians and literary figures. One of the latest visual and literary representations is The Banshees of Inisherin, mostly filmed on our neighbouring island of Inis Mór, pictured here behind Inis Meáin. read more

The traditional Aran pattern lies at the heart of our heritage, yet we are always looking at ways to creatively rework its unique, clever construction. This season, and for the first time, we completely deconstructed this complex style, unfurling it all the way back to the intricate, repeated rhythms of the pattern. read more

Our much-loved Carpenter’s Jacket is the comfortable alternative to that classic workwear staple, the chore coat. Finished with three pockets – two front and one interior – to carry a phone and glasses. Side vents ensure a neat, unbulky finish both standing and sitting. The saddle shoulder lends a squared, tailored jacket structure without compromising on comfort or fit. read more

Our Subtle Stripe Tunic heralds a new look for a new season. With it, we capture the way we experience the colours of our Island landscape and the constant shifts and blends created by changes to the light and weather. With a slightly high mock neck, the Subtle Stripe Tunic features reversed seam details, and uses roll trim and set-in sleeves to enhance the experience of relaxed, bohemian style. read more

Irish Aran Knitting is traditionally quite heavy, usually 2.5 or 3 gauge or 2 to 3 needle per inch. 12 gauge knitting or 12 needles per inch is rare in this part of the world. 7 years ago, we decided to experiment with 12 gauge because we saw it as an important addition to facilitate layering in our collections. We were also experiencing demand for lighter weight knitwear to suit modern living conditions. read more

It began with a single photograph, taken in 1918. We have it on the wall in our studio. A father and his daughter, with five young children alongside them. Everything they are wearing was locally hand-made. All the children are in petticoats, as was Island custom, because the tailor didn’t have time to sew trousers for boys until they reached seven or eight. He always made them his standard jacket though; even young lads got one. That tradition was part of Island life, and, in 1992, became the original inspiration for our iconic Shirt Jacket. read more