At Inis Meáin we have been designing and making all of our high quality knitwear in the Aran Islands, for almost 50 years. While Aran Knitting has been a source of inspiration for many, we remain the only knitwear factory on any of the three Aran Islands over this time.
Aran knitting became famous in the late 19th century when highly decorated sweaters were knit in island homes and collected for the export market, however these were modelled on the "Sunday Best" sweaters of the islanders. The islander's day to day wear was much more pared back. Streamlined workwear with innovative touches, knit by the women of the house for their husbands to keep them warm, working outdoors in the harsh Atlantic weather.
The Aran Sweaters in Inis Meáin's vast repertoire are models in restraint - in tune with the rich textile traditions embedded in island life and our Aran community that inspire our designs.
Direct from the Aran Islands
Inis Meáin, the name of the middle Aran Island where our workshop is located, is a place of wild and rugged beauty. To make a living on the island has always called for a spirit of independence, resourcefulness and innovation. Inis Meáin Knitting Company was born into this spirit of independence and resourcefulness in 1976 evolving from a ground-breaking community development initiative. The collections that we design in Inis Meáin are inspired by the traditional dress of the islanders and our environment — carefully knit in the highest quality yarns in the smallest quantities.
Many of the long-standing Inis Meáin team at our Island workshop have grown up on the Aran Islands, surrounded by Aran knitting traditions and Aran Fisherman Sweaters. Inspired by the highly decorated styles once prized as "Sunday Best" formal wear on the Island, the Inis Meáin signature Aran cable knits combine luxury with this heritage. Aran patterns were passed down within families with pride and Inis Meáin Knitwear have expanded the Aran repertoire by designing and patenting additional original Aran Sweater Patterns over the years. These are integrated into many styles of Womens and Mens Aran Sweaters as well as Aran Scarves and Accessories, all knit in the most premium of yarns including super-fine Cashmere and Merino yarn from Italian heritage producer, Filati Biagioli Modesto; Baby Alpaca, Silk and European Linen – all made to the highest environmental standards using only organic dyes.
As the only knitwear factory in the Aran Islands we are the largest employer in the tiny but vibrant community of Inis Meáin, with a team of 25 from a population of just 180 people. In the process, we are helping to sustain an island community, and preserve an important part of Irish history and culture by making Aran's rich textile heritage relevant to a modern, worldly audience.
All Inis Meáin pieces carry the Inis Meáin name and our logo of the upturned traditional island boat - the Currach - carried by three men. Each of these Inis Meáin pieces, our Aran Sweaters included are designed, made and hand-finished in our Aran Island's workshop. True, authentic and original Aran Sweaters of the highest quality and provenance.
Many thanks to our wonderful clientele for your ongoing support.
Míle buíochas as do thacaíocht.
