From ireland to you

Aran Rose FAQ’s

Pure Merino Wool

All of our knitwear pieces are made from durable, soft, hypoallergenic Merino wool.

Made in Ireland

Our knitwear line is created in Co. Mayo, Ireland.

History And Making Of Aran Knitwear

We showcase SAOL Knitwear in our shop. SAOL means “life” in Gaelic and they manufacture Aran knitwear in Ballina, Co Mayo and Kells, Co Meath, Ireland. All SAOL woolen items are knit using an extra soft merino wool and are finished to the highest standard. All of the pieces feature authentic Aran stitches have unique meanings and symbolism that are meant to celebrate the Irish way of life.  They are innovative in the production of not only highest quality merino wool knitwear, but also pure lambswool and Egyptian cotton. These fibers are all perfect choices when seeking sustainable fashion pieces!

Aran style knitted goods originated in the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland.  The fishermen sweaters worn there were intricately made by hand, incorporating symbolism in the wide variety of stitches used. The resilient wool was perfect for being out in all weather on the temperamental Atlantic coast, and was also comfortable and temperature-regulating for the wearer. By the mid-twentieth century, bringing home an Irish sweater as a souvenir from a trip to Ireland was firmly established, and many celebrities, including Grace Kelly, Marilyn Monroe, Steve McQueen, and Elvis enjoyed wearing them.  Today, the sweaters are a gorgeous a practical item of clothing, representative of the best of sustainable fashion and high-quality clothing. We hope you will enjoy your Irish sweaters and home decor for generations!

Grace Kelly, circa 1962.

See the image below to learn some of the meanings of the different stitches!

Irish Sheep, completely oblivious of their wool’s destiny to become fashionable statement pieces…..

 

 

Sustainable Fashion

A gorgeous choice for sustainable fashion items to add to your wardrobe!

Free Shipping in the USA

Enjoy Free Shipping within the USA! Flat Rates available for Canada.

About Us

Aran Rose was born of a love of quality Irish-made knitwear and decor.  Our founder’s grandmother, Kathleen FitzSimmons, came to New York from Virginia, Co. Cavan back in 1929, and married an American of Irish descent. Their daughter Sheila passed on a love of Irish culture and tradition to her daughter Christina, the founder of Aran Rose in Virginia, USA.  Christina has traveled extensively in Ireland and is trained as an Irish harper, and she also teaches traditional Irish harp.

Aran Rose is a family run business based in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, which looks very similar to parts of Ireland!  We are happy to showcase SAOL Irish Knitwear, the very highest quality, made in Ireland, merino wool and lambswool knitted goods. Most items ship from within the USA for quick delivery, with some items shipping directly from Ireland from the manufacturer in Ballina, Co. Mayo.  We hope you enjoy your Aran knitwear for many years to come!

Slainte (cheers!),

~ Christina and the Aran Rose Team

What’s in a Name? Why Aran Rose?

Why Aran Rose? The concept for Aran Rose stems from the classic symbolism of an Irish Rose, a beautiful Irish colleen. Famous in Irish songs, the rose can also symbolize Ireland herself, such as the “Roisin Dubh” or the Black Rose. My Wild Irish Rose is a classic Irish-American song from 100 years ago, and the famous Thomas Moore song “The Last Rose of Summer.” In poetry, the famous Yeats poem “To The Rose Upon The Rood Of Time.” Also, The Rose of Tralee competition is the most famous pageant of beauty and talent in the Emerald Isle.

Sizing Guide

Our items run true to size, but for reference please see the guides below.

WOMEN’S

MEN’S:

 

 

 

Red is the Rose…

Come over the hills, my bonnie Irish lass
Come over the hills to your darling
You choose the road, love, and I'll make the vow
And I'll be your true love forever


Red is the rose that in yonder garden grows
Fair is the lily of the valley
Clear is the water that flows from the Boyne
But my love is fairer than any…

Lyrics for Red is the Rose, set to the tune of Loch Lomond