08 May Aran Sweaters
If you are on tours of Ireland then treat yourself to one of our traditional Aran sweaters !!
The intricate stitches were originally designed on the Aran Islands , where fishermen’s wives knitted the spun fleece with goose quills.
The stitches were passed from mother to daughter , and it is said that the different patterns helped island families identify bodies long lost at sea. All a little sad.
The cable stitch recalls the fisherman’s rope and the diamonds the net. The trellis stitch represents the stonewalled fields of the West.
There are machine made sweaters widely available throughout Ireland when on your Ireland tours……
However a traditional one is best and they are available at little craft shops that our driver/guides frequent.
Bring a little bit of Ireland back home with you !!!