Having seen a huge surge in popularity this winter season within international fashion houses, Aran knitwear is a much sought after gift this Christmas period.

Overcoming the strong and unforgiving elements of the Aran Islands through the ages, it’s no surprise that the inhabitants of these three little islands off the west coast of County Galway have found a way of fighting off the global downturn while making their mark on the world’s high street stores.

The unique tradition of producing handmade Aran sweaters and other Irish knitwear has sustained the islanders down through the centuries while these skills are now contributing majorly to the local economy – and on an international level, Aran style garments are causing quite a stir in the fashion world making a huge impact with high street retailers throughout Europe and North America.

And battling the waves of the Atlantic Ocean along with the West of Ireland wind has taught the people of the Aran Islands a thing or two about producing garments that stand the test of time.

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In fact, the historic tradition of weaving and knitting has grown to become one of the most successful craft industries in the world; driven on by the pioneering work of The Aran Sweater Market, located on Inis Mór – the largest of the three islands.

The Aran Sweater Market is a cornerstone of this small island economy, employing islanders in all aspects of its business. The organisation employs hundreds of skilled knitters from the islands and the mainland to supply their authentic Aran sweaters, ensuring that their customers receive only the best examples of Irish knitwear.

In addition, The Aran Sweater Market is helping to perpetuate an ancient craft and skill that brings the best of indigenous Irish products to a global market.

Products sold by The Aran Sweater Market range from traditional heavyweight Aran wool sweaters to stylish wool cardigans for him and classic Aran cable style coats to contemporary Celtic wraps and shawls for her. A wide range of kids and house & home products are also available online while you can follow in the footsteps of the Aran Islanders by ordering your very own wool knitting kit.

A sister website of AranSweaterMarket.com, the classic Irish design online retail shop GlenAran.com featuring a large range of internationally renowned products. All collections are handpicked and always feature the best of new Irish design delivered at quality prices.

Along with their own famous Aran Sweater Market and ClanArans (a wholly original style of Aran sweater based on individual Irish Clan patterns) ranges of Irish knitwear, the website also sells ranges from international suppliers such as Newbridge, Tipperary Crystal, Waterford Crystal, Galway Crystal and Belleek Pottery among many more locally based craft producers.

All garments sold within the Aran Sweater Market range are authentic, hand produced and are created in the historic tradition by expert craftspeople.

The Aran Sweater Market has outlets on Inis Mór, Aran Islands and in the charming tourist resort of Killarney, Co. Kerry and operates retail outlets under the GlenAran umbrella in Shannon Airport, Kenmare in Co. Kerry and Kinsale and Glengarriff in Co. Cork. This 100% Irish owned retail and e-commerce company continues to lead the Irish craft field globally while continuing to generate new employment locally in Ireland.

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