Aran Woolen Mills Founder Máire Hughes and her husband Padraig.AWM
Founded in 1965, Aran Woollen Mills began with a simple but powerful idea: preserve the tradition of Aran knitting while creating meaningful work for local women along Ireland’s west coast. That founding belief continues to guide the Mayo-based company as it balances heritage, innovation, and sustainability.
The story starts with Máire Hughes, a woman ahead of her time. In an era when married women were often expected to stay out of the workforce, Máire recognized both their talent and their need for flexible employment. Drawing on the deep-rooted Aran knitting skills passed down through generations, she created a business model that allowed women to work from home while supporting their families and communities.
Her first shop, Carraig Donn, laid the groundwork for what would later become Aran Woollen Mills. From the outset, the mission was clear: empower women, celebrate Irish craftsmanship, and build something that could last beyond a single generation.
The Newgrange style of knit at the Aran Woolen Mills.
The business quickly became a true family endeavor. Máire and her husband Padraig were joined by their children, who helped with everything from design to distribution. In its early years, more than a hundred knitters across the west of Ireland produced hand-knit Aran sweaters and woolen goods from their homes, creating a vital source of local employment.
Aran Woolen Mills' the next generation
As the company grew, so did its ambition. The next generation of the Hughes family brought modern knitwear technology back to Westport, marking a turning point in the company’s history. By integrating machinery into production, Aran Woollen Mills was able to scale while maintaining the integrity and quality of traditional Aran patterns.
That willingness to adapt ensured the business's future without sacrificing its soul. Production expanded to include a second facility in Bellmullet, County Mayo, and today Aran Woollen Mills employs more than 100 people locally, remaining deeply rooted in the region where it began.
Inspiration from the land
Place has always mattered to the brand. Westport is not just a headquarters but a source of daily inspiration. The town’s colorful streets, creative energy, and strong sense of community are reflected in the warmth and character of every garment.
Westport town, County Mayo.
The surrounding landscape of the Wild Atlantic Way plays an equally important role. The shifting blues of the Atlantic, the soft greens of the fields, and the muted grays of Mayo’s mountains all find their way into the color stories and textures of Aran Woollen Mills collections. Each piece is designed to feel connected to the land it comes from.
Global audience
While proudly local, the brand has also embraced a global audience. The move into digital retail allowed Aran Woollen Mills to share authentic Irish knitwear with customers around the world, particularly among North American audiences and the Irish diaspora seeking a tangible connection to their heritage.
That digital growth was guided by care and intention. The goal was never rapid expansion at the expense of identity, but rather steady growth rooted in the same values established in 1965. During the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, this approach led to the creation of a dedicated Aran Woollen Mills collection that told the brand’s story through language, folklore, and landscape.
Sustainability
By using 100% wool, the brand reduces reliance on synthetics.
Sustainability now sits at the center of the company’s mission for the future, especially in the United States market. Wool, one of the most natural and renewable fibers available, has always been at the heart of Aran Woollen Mills. By using 100% wool, the brand reduces reliance on synthetics and creates fully biodegradable garments.
Ethical sourcing is equally important. The company is committed to responsible wool production that respects animal welfare and honors the natural resources that make the craft possible. These values reflect a long-standing respect for the land that has shaped Irish life for centuries.
Sustainability also extends to how garments are worn and cared for. Wool’s natural breathability means pieces stay fresh longer, encouraging customers to wear them often and wash less, conserving water and extending the life of each sweater.
After 60 years, Aran Woollen Mills remains focused on what truly matters. It is a family business, a local employer, and a guardian of Irish knitting traditions that continue to evolve with modern life.
As the company looks ahead, it does so with the same belief that inspired Máire Hughes decades ago: that tradition, when cared for properly, can shape a stronger and more sustainable future.