As the warmer months get nearer, check out our list of the perfect Aran sweaters to transition your wardrobe into spring and summer.

1. Flowy Chic: the Aran Waterfall Cardigan

The Aran waterfall cardigan is first on our list of must-haves for spring and summer wardrobes. Beautifully crafted using a lightweight zigzag Aran stitch, this cardigan feels less chunky than sweaters made for winter-wear. Its delicate Aran stitches create a slimming silhouette and allow for breathability and movement. This season, the Aran waterfall cardigan comes in a variety of neutral colours designed to complement spring and summer palettes. This cardigan tops our list as the perfect spring and summer Aran sweater as comfortably chic daily wear, and for dressing up at the office or with a little black dress on an evening out.

2. Pretty in Pastel: the Classic Aran Sweater

The classic Aran sweater has come roaring back in popularity over the past few years. It has graced the catwalks of designers like Alexander Wang, Isabel Marant, and Michael Kors and even earned a place in the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. By now, everyone should have the natural cream aran sweater in their wardrobe - but if you don't, now is your chance! In addition to the natural beauty of the cream Aran sweater, spring and summer call for a lighter, brighter range of colours. Enter: the pastel Aran sweater. This gorgeous range of spring and summer pinks and purples highlight the fusion of classic Aran tradition with modern style. Crafted from the highest-quality merino wool, the pastel range of Aran sweaters are perfectly suited to pair with denim or a printed skirt.

3. Easy Breezy: the Super-Soft Aran Poncho

This delightful Aran poncho feels like wearing a blanket - but make it fashion. It's number 3 on our list of perfect Aran sweaters for spring and summer for its comfort and versatility. You can add layers beneath your poncho as needed. And, at one-size-fits-all, it makes a lovely and comfortable gift. Choose from a collection of 8 rich colours (raspberry, green, teal, navy, oatmeal, natural, mint, and charcoal).

4. Effortlessly Artisan: the Side Button Aran Cardigan

Brand new to our shop, this side button Aran cardigan blends the unique beauty of traditional Aran knitwear with a practical style. The panels in this Aran sweater feature a collection of intricate Aran stitches, making it a stunning addition to any wardrobe. With its single button, this Aran style functions as a blend between cardigan and wrap. Its colour choices of silver grey, baby pink, and lux cream lock in its place at number 4 on our list of perfect Aran sweaters for spring and summer.

5. Keep it Cosy: the Longline Hooded Jacket

The longline hooded jacket features last (but not least!) on our list of the perfect Aran sweaters for spring and summer. As one of our best sellers, this Aran sweater really does work for everybody. It is made of luxuriously soft merino wool and comes slightly tapered through the waist for a flattering yet relaxed silhouette. This Aran sweater is our go-to for morning springtime walks or chilly summer evenings by the fire pit - s'mores highly recommended.

Ever wondered where Aran sweaters came from, or what makes an Aran authentic? This Ultimate Guide to the Aran Sweater answers plenty of common questions - from Irish origin to modern care instructions.

Origin of the Aran sweater

The Aran sweater - geansai in Irish - takes its name from the Aran Islands just off the rugged west coast of Ireland. These three islands, Inis Mor, Inis Meain, and Inis Oirr, are known for prehistoric celtic civilisations and the preservation of traditional Irish ways of life. People from these islands have traditionally worked as fishermen and farmers, which demands extreme exposure to the elements. No one knows exactly when the first Aran sweater was knit, but we do know it was knit on these islands to shield people from the wild Atlantic weather.

Sheeps wool was the first-choice to make these sweaters as the wool was readily available, its oils were water-wicking, and if it could keep the sheep warm, it could do the same for fishermen. What makes the Aran sweater unique, however, are the beautiful and intricate stitches that have been passed down for generations. In fact, the Arans special design actually originated to help keep people warm. Layers and layers of wool woven in different patterns help trap your bodys natural warmth and block cold wind from reaching your skin. Due to the sweaters popularity among fishermen and farmers, they were also sold on the island, which helped provide a living for some families

Aran patterns and meanings

Each of the beautiful patterns of the Aran sweater have unique meanings attached. These stitches have been passed down for generations and make Aran sweaters special and unique to Ireland.

What is merino wool?

While Aran sweaters were originally made with lambswool native to Ireland, most Aran sweaters today are made with merino wool, which is known for its exceptional softness, breathability, and warmth. It comes from the Merino sheep, originally native to southwestern Spain, which now live all over the world in countries like New Zealand and Australia. It is likely that merino wool has been present in Ireland since the height of Spains sheep trade in the 16th century. Merino wool eventually became the preferred fibre for making Aran sweaters because its just as durable as regular lambswool, but substantially softer. As a natural fibre, merino wool is water-wicking - meaning it sheds moisture and odors and keeps you dry in whatever climate youre in. These features have made it popular for outdoor sports and activities as well as daily wear.

Hand-knit vs machine-knit

Theres a debate in the Aran sweater world over whether you should opt for a handknit or a machine-knit sweater. Weve made a list of the benefits of either choice for you to make up your mind.

Pros of Hand-knit:

• Warmth. Hand-knit Aran sweaters are without a doubt the warmest option. Because human hands arent as strong as machines, they cant pull the wool as tight. This means that hand-knit sweaters require more wool to make. The greater amount of wool makes hand-knit sweaters significantly heavier than machine-knits, and thus warmer.
• Heritage. If youre looking for a really authentic Aran sweater, you may want to choose a hand-knit to honour the heritage and tradition of hand-knitting in Ireland.
• Stitching. Hand-knit sweaters still outperform machine-knits in the types of stitches they contain. For example, you can tell an Aran sweater was hand-knit if it features the blackberry stitch, which machines can't produce.

Pros of Machine-knit

• Options. There are significantly more machine-knit styles of Aran sweaters available. After all, manufacturing has soared in Ireland for the past several decades. While hand-knit sweaters typically come in a handful of styles and 3-4 colour options, machine-knit Aran sweaters come in hundreds of different style and colour combinations. Its easy to find a flattering cut and colour for everybody this way, and adds a touch of freshness to your wardrobe while retaining the traditional Aran elements.
• Affordability. Due to the reduced time it takes to make each sweater, machine-knit Arans are much more affordable than hand-knit sweaters. The price difference not only accounts for the modern turn in the Aran sweater industry, but also makes it more feasible to own multiple Aran sweaters and keep up with the latest styles.

Aran sweaters are an investment either way. Hand-knit or machine-knit, if you care for them properly, they will last you a lifetime. Besides, if youre having trouble deciding, why not treat yourself to one of each?

What to look for when shopping for an Aran Sweater

First and foremost, you want to make sure that the sweater is actually made in Ireland. Some of our favourite Aran sweaters are made in Donegal, Dublin, and Kildare. In short, were committed to representing Irish brands and manufacturers in our stores. Next, you want to be sure that your sweater is 100% natural fibres. Nearly all of our sweaters are 100% wool, with the exception of cashmere and cashmere-wool blends for extra softness and luxury.

If you have sensitive skin, you should look for super-soft merino wool. Its still 100% merino, but the wool comes from the first time the sheep was ever shorn, making it even softer and finer to the touch. Check out our range of super-soft merino sweaters here.

How to care for an Aran sweater

We recommend the time-tested method of hand-washing in cool water and laying flat to dry. Place your sweater in a clean sink filled with cool water and a gentle or wool-specific detergent. Make sure your sweater to submerge your sweater, but be careful not to agitate it too much, as this will cause the wool to become matted over time. We suggest leaving your sweater for around 30 minutes, and then rinsing it for a few minutes to ensure all the detergent has been removed. After rinsing, remove your sweater. You can then either place it immediately onto a flat drying rack or press gently between two towels to absorb some extra water before you lay it flat to dry. Your sweater will feel very heavy and wet at first, but dont worry, it will dry.

Remember: Aran sweaters are naturally water-wicking. This means that if your sweater has started to retain odors, you can simply air it out to clean it. While your sweater is dry, hang it near a fan or open window on a wooden or felt hanger for a day and youll be surprised to find it smelling fresh and ready to wear again.

St Patrick's Day

...also known as the best holiday in Ireland! St Patrick's Day - affectionately shortened to "Paddy's" - brings the entire world together to celebrate Ireland's patron saint. It takes just one look at the Chicago River dyed green, the Sydney Opera House shamrock lights display, or Dublin's famous parade to see how the national holiday has become a cornerstone of Irish identity both here and abroad. That said, there's really nothing quite like spending St Patrick's Day in Ireland. If you're lucky enough to be here, consider this guide from an insider for navigating the nation-wide celebration. At the end of the day, you'll be thankful for some great photos and lasting memories.

The *Essential* Full Irish Breakfast

Honestly if you don't start your day with a full Irish, are you even celebrating? This traditional bombshell of a breakfast consists of bacon, sausages, fried eggs, grilled tomatoes, mushrooms, baked beans, fried potatoes, black and white pudding, soda bread, and strong tea. Plenty of restaurants will serve a full Irish on Paddy's Day, but it's a good idea to make a reservation if you're a party of 4 or more.

We know that food is central to cultural heritage, so really you're honouring Irish culture on a deeper level if (when) you grab another helping of fried potatoes. Not only are you enjoying a traditional Irish meal, you're also preparing yourself for a big day of events. So strap yourself in for one of the most gratifying carbo-loads of your life. And, if you're really keen on getting the party started, this may be the one day a year that no one will judge you for a pint of Guinness with brekkie.

Dublin's St Patrick's Day Parade

We love a good parade, and this is absolutely a good parade. Dublin goes all-out with floats, balloons, dancers, marching bands, acrobats, musicians, and more. It's a whimsical, exciting experience for both children and adults. Try to arrive around an hour early to find a premium spot to stand. Finally, to fit in, you're going to want to wear green - and a lot of it.

Donning bright green has become basically synonymous with St Patrick's Day celebrations all over the world. In fact, it's proven that the more you commit to the green, the more fun you'll have! We'd recommend finding weather-appropriate green apparel, as springtime in Ireland can still be relatively chilly.

The parade lasts just under 2 hours, which leaves you with plenty of time to check out other events in the St Patrick's Festival, or start a pub crawl with your friends.

Paddy's Day Pubs

Did you know that the worldwide consumption of Guinness more than doubles on St Patrick's Day? It's safe to say there won't be an empty pub on the island of Ireland come March 17th. If you're looking for a seat or a table, you'll probably find a bit of a wait in the city centre. That said, it's common for pubs to overflow into the streets, and this is part of the fun, energetic atmosphere that St Patrick's Day is known for. If you need a drink recommendation, both Guinness stout and Bulmers cider are national treasures and will be enjoyed by visitors and locals alike during the holiday.

Transportation on and around St Patrick's Day

There are two main types of public transportation in Dublin and two for getting across the island. In Dublin, you can opt for either Dublin Bus or the Luas. Bus fares increase by the number of stops you take, and can run from 1 to 3 each way. If you don't have a Leap Card, you'll need to pay with coins (exact fare is best as change isn't offered). Bus routes are advantageous because they go further out from the city and run until around 11:00 pm, after which a limited night bus service begins. The Luas is relatively new an a bit faster than the bus. There are two lines - red and green - that connect the city centre. You can buy paper tickets from machines at Luas stops, but they usually cost more than a bus fare. The Luas runs until 12:30 am except on Sundays and public holidays when it stops at 11:30pm.

To travel to other cities, you can take a coach bus or train. CityLink is a popular choice for bus as it runs from Dublin to Cork and to Galway around every half hour. The train may provide a more comfortable and speedy ride, but requires more planning as it runs less frequently than the many bus options.

Venture to Ireland's other cities to celebrate

If you have time, do this! Loads of people flock to Dublin for St Patrick's Day celebrations, but cities like Cork and Galway are becoming more and more popular destinations for the creative festivals they hold. As Ireland's second largest city, Cork's St Patrick's Day parade is extremely popular. It features performances by thousands of dancers and musicians, and is known for being particularly kid-friendly. Similarly, Galway brings its alternative artistic flair to its St Patrick's Day celebrations. The city puts on a community-oriented parade and has previously screened famous Irish movies to bring people together. It also boasts a lively pub scene for after-hours.

Come for the craic, stay for the culture

St Patrick's Day is tons of fun, but it's also a meaningful holiday for bringing people together and keeping the Irish diaspora connected to Ireland and what it means to be Irish. While there's plenty of craic (Irish for "fun") to be had, St Patrick's Day also reminds us of the importance of keeping our heritage and culture alive. Check out the National Museum collection or this article for more on the history of the holiday and how Irish people brought St Patrick's Day celebrations around the world.

"Ireland is where strange tales begin and happy endings are possible"

- Charles Haughey

If you've recently booked a trip to Ireland, you're probably feeling happy, excited, and maybe a little unsure about what to expect! We meet new visitors every single day here in Dublin and love giving advice about what to see and do. So, we put together this short list of tips for travelling to Ireland to help you plan ahead and make the most of your first trip.

Tip #1: Spend time exploring free museums and heritage sites in Dublin

The National Gallery, National History Museum, and National Library are all located within a few minutes walk of one another and offer unique exhibitions of Irish art and culture. Plus, after visiting the National Library, you might find yourself more Irish than when you arrived! The library hosts a popular family history center where you can discover and trace your Irish roots all over the country. After a morning at the free museums, take a stroll through the Trinity College campus - a must-see for anyone new to Ireland. The college is over 400 years old and has many famous alumni including Oscar Wilde, Samuel Beckett, and Edmund Burke. Trinity is also home to the Book of Kells, which you can admire for a small admission fee.

Tip #2: It will rain but it will also shine

Next to Aran sweaters and whisky, Ireland is known for its rainy weather. A waterproof jacket and waterproof shoes will keep you warm and dry on rainy days - but skip the umbrella as the winds here are often strong enough to break it. For sunnier days, a pair of sneakers will keep your feet happy on cobblestone streets. To really dress like a local, pack your layers. Depending on the day (and even the hour), you can be comfortable in a jacket, sweater, or just a t-shirt.

Tip #3: Its worth it to shop local

Irelands capital city, Dublin, is booming with brand names and high street shops. While youre spoiled for choice here, its worth the experience to visit local mom and pop shops. Before the recent economic boom, nearly all businesses were family-owned, so if you want a taste of real Ireland, these are the places to make time for. While we were founders of the Aran sweater trade in Dublin and have continued for some 30+ years, some local businesses in Dublin have even been around for over 100 years! Many of these businesses (ourselves included) pride themselves on providing excellent service and care deeply about sharing Irish heritage with visitors. If youd like a more historic and authentic shopping experience, its worth it to visit local shops as you explore our lovely country. 

Tip #4: Take advantage of tax-free shopping during your stay

Money saving alert! If you are a non-EU resident, you can claim back some of the tax you pay while youre travelling in Ireland. Any time you buy a souvenir - anything you can take back with you - ask for your tax back or V.A.T. form from the retailer. Once youve collected your forms, simply fill them out and hand them in at the airport. After you pass through security in Dublin Airport (either terminal), youll see signs directing you to a special desk where you hand over these forms and your claim is processed. During peak travel season, the queues can grow, so its smart to plan an extra 20 minutes or so in case you need to wait before handing over your forms. All in all, its a pretty simple process, and a great way to save money while you travel.

Tip #5: Right left right

This one might seem simple, but its worth remembering when you first arrive! Cars and other vehicles in Ireland travel on the wrong side of the road. Spare yourself a close save and be sure to check both ways before crossing the road.

Tip #6: It's easy to eat well

Cuisine in Ireland ranges gloriously from 3:00am kebabs to Michelin Star restaurants. A major perk of being an island is that the seafood is fantastic (if we do say so ourselves). Along with traditional Irish cooking, Ireland boasts an impressive amount of international cuisines to try while youre here. 

 If youre in Dublin, check out:

• Host Restaurant in Ranelagh for artisanal farm-to-table fare
• The Millstone Restaurant near Trinity College for upscale traditional Irish cuisine
• Beshoff Bros for the best fish and chips (also offers gluten free for coeliacs)
• 101 Talbot for locally sourced Mediterranean-style cooking and popular pre-theatre menus (known for being vegetarian friendly)

If youre in southern Ireland, consider a visit to Kinsale, the foodie capital of Ireland and home to:

• Bastion, featured in the 2020 UK and Ireland Michelin Guide, offers a cosy, thoughtful, high-end dining experience perfect for those who want to spend the evening in good company and great food. 
• Nine Market Street offers lovely meals that are locally sourced and absolutely delicious. Plus the views are gorgeous.

Tip #7: Dont forget to go beyond Dublin

James Joyce famously wrote When I die, Dublin will be written in my heart, and its easy to see why our happy capital tempts so many to stay. However, the Emerald Isle has even more to offer outside of Dublin. Check out the many excellent day tour options, or rent a car and create your own adventure. The west coast of Ireland is a family favourite. Its known for its beautiful coastal roads and hiking trails, and for its preservation of traditional Irish culture and language. 

Tip #8: Go with the flow

Ireland is known as the land of a hundred thousand welcomes (cad mle filte). If youre ever unsure of where to go or what to do, dont be afraid to ask for help. Most people are happy to give advice or directions, and you can always pop into a tourist visitor centre for assistance. When in doubt, keep the faith and say as we do, itll be grand. 

There is nothing quite like throwing on your favourite Irish Aran sweater on a cold winter day, and it's even better when you have a sweater made out of natural fibres. All our sweaters are made of 100% natural fibres such as merino wool, lambswool, and a wool and cashmere blend so they will keep you warm and toasty throughout the colder days ahead. Find out more about why these fibres are so special below.

Merino Wool

Merino Wool is an amazing fibre due to it keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter due to its ability to regulate your body temperature. This amazing wool also transports moisture away from your skin because the fibres are porous - all this to say that your sweater will not only keep you warm, but also dry.  It literally is the perfect fibre for your Aran sweater so you can wear it all year around. It's guaranteed to keep the cold weather at bay and the compliments coming your way.

A lovely example of this is our gorgeous ladies crew neck sweater crafted from Merino wool - it's a classic style that will never date.

Lambswool

Lambswool is wool taken from the first shearing of a sheep at around 7 months. As a result, it is soft and elastic, so it is great for Irish Aran sweaters or plain light weight sweaters. It also insulates heat and is water resistant. Looking for the perfect gift for that special guy? The beautiful men's lambswool sweater below would be the perfect luxury gift for any occasion.

Wool and Cashmere Blend

The wool and cashmere blend has to be one of our favourites! This is a mixture of merino wool and cashmere that gives the softest and most luxurious feel to Irish Aran sweaters.

We are finding more and more customers want the softness of a cashmere sweater but find the price of 100% cashmere too high, therefore this blend is the perfect solution for your Aran sweater. You can have the softness and luxury of cashmere with the blend, but without the price tag.

This ladies wool cashmere trellis sweater in a gorgeous pink colour is one of our most popular styles and features this comfy blend of natural fibres.

Many of the products in our store are made with natural fibres like Merino wool, lambswool, and wool and cashmere. Browse our selection and should you have any queries, please get in touch or visit us in store! We'd love to help you pick the perfect sweater or accessory for you.