Our Story
Aran Woollen Mills in Numbers
Modest Beginnings
Our founder Mrs Maura Hughes began knitting the story of Aran Woollen Mills in 1965. She established the business to further her own passion for Irish craft and heritage, and to provide employment opportunities locally in the West of Ireland.
For three generations since that humble first step, our family business has grown to become Ireland’s largest home-based Aran knitwear manufacturer. From Westport to the world, we are proud to be design-led global leaders in the manufacturing of traditional and contemporary Aran knitwear.
OUR VALUES
100% NATURAL YARNS
DESIGNED AND MADE IN IRELAND
ETHICALLY SOURCED MATERIALS
PROVIDING IRISH EMPLOYMENT
OUR HERITAGE
History
Aran Woollen Mills was originally established as Carraig Donn Trading in 1965 by Mrs Maura Hughes and her husband Padraig. A true trailblazer of her time, Mrs Hughes established a highly successful business in the rural West of Ireland, while raising 13 children. The Hughes family are very much integral to the family business today, with their passion for Aran craft continuing to steer the business forward.
Craftsmanship
We love our knitwear and we have an appreciation for the craft and time that goes into making each piece, from yarn to design, and manufacturing to shipping. Passing through countless pairs of hands to ensure the highest quality finish, the craftsmanship of our workforce and their unique skillset is something we feel empowered to champion.
Manufacturing
As a trusted manufacturer for decades we appreciate our customers growing expectations. With this in mind we now offer an extensive range to shop from with specific collections including men's, women's, homeware and accessories among others. We continue to develop and introduce new products as a forward-thinking, innovative brand. Our knitwear is versatile, appealing to a contemporary audience through both design and colour, while the traditional Aran classics ensure our heritage story continues to be told.
Authentically Irish
Our history is firmly rooted in the west of Ireland. One of the core values of our founder Mrs Hughes, was to keep the craft of Aran alive and create local employment.
Aran Woollen Mills continues to design and manufacture in Co. Mayo, with our improvements in these areas only matched by the same willingness to invest in our people. Our commitment to keeping the craft alive remains indisputable with the addition of a new manufacturing facility launched in Belmullet in 2021.
100% Natural
Aran Woollen Mills operates with a dedication towards manufacturing entirely natural, long-lasting products from ethically-sourced materials. The benefits of wool signify this dedication the most with all our yarns being biodegradable, odor-resistant, breathable, and body temperature controlling. Truly a natural, sustainable product.
Future
We will continue to cherish and advocate our manufacturing in Ireland emphasis where our strive towards creating high-quality, heritage knitwear will endure. Our ongoing innovation with product developments will only be matched by our fundamental insistence on continuously using our natural and sustainable material, wool.
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