Just in from one of our favourite suppliers based here in Dublin, Ireland’s Eye Knitwear new Autumn/Winter range for 2015. Staying traditional but with a very contemporary twist, the model shown here in a beautiful ladies aran that is fitted and styled to perfection with a merino wool wrap. Using 100% Merino Wool soft to the touch and comfortable and warm.

Also available in mens, shown here in a traditional Merino Aran. We love the shots taken on the streets of Dublin too! the model here is just outside Christchurch in the Medieval Quarter of Dublin which dates back to the Vikings.

We are currently updating our website and look forward to having fresh new images after Easter!

“Not ’till the loom is silent,

And the shuttles cease to fly,

Shall God unroll the canvass

And explain the reason why

The dark threads are as needful

In the weaver’s skilful hand

As the threads of gold and silver

In the pattern she has planned”

We found this lovely poem in our Donegal Shop Archives today, and it reminded us of the intricacies of handweaving, an art we have supported in our products for 20 years now. Donegal is reknowned for it’s hand weaving and looming and we have the likes of Studio Donegal, Rossan Knitwear and Carnaween Clothing products in store to show the amazing craftsmanship on offer from Donegal today.

We wanted to showcase McKernan scarves this week. Remarkably Eugene and Anke McKernan make beautiful scarves on a 19th Century Hattersley Loom. Shown here is our favourite Bubble scarf. 

“The day of the festival of Patrick”. It’s a national holiday in Ireland. Traditionally a religious celebration it now emcompasses tradition and culture and is celebrated around the world. The 17th March marks the anniversary of the death of St. Patrick who is commonly recognized as the Patron Saint of Ireland c. AD 385-461.

It’s an official feast day in the Christian calendar , where mass is celebrated in honour of St. Patrick, those observing Lent are generally given a reprive from whatever they have given up for the 6 weeks of Lent, as children this meant enormous amounts of chocolate was consumed!

St. Patricks Day has become a major celebration around the world and particularly in the U.S.A where Irish Americans joined in parades and celebrations of their shared heritage.

We get a great kick here in Ireland when we see the world has joined in with the celebrations and light up some of their most famous landmarks in green for the day.

St. Patrick’s Day has become quite the party holiday in Ireland for anyone who has ever visited, you’ll know Dublin comes to a standstill for an enormous parade through the city centre with people from all over the world joining in as well local groups and bands. This year will see Brendan O’Connor aka Mrs. Brown lead the parade as the Grand Marshall.

If you are visiting Ireland this St. Patrick’s Day be sure to check out http://www.stpatricksfestival.com to see what’s on for the week long event and be sure to drop into the Donegal Shop for some lovely Irish made wool products!