Are you planning to explore the wilds of Ireland or heading off to foreign climes this summer? Whatever adventures you are planning, you’ll need a wardrobe that can make life easier for you every day, and an Aran sweater will be the perfect companion on your travels. If you’re not sure what your next adventure will be, read on for some ideas and inspirations, and we’ll share some of our Irish dreams with you.

At the Aran Sweater Market, we are committed to finding the very best artisan Irish clothing and gifts to represent our craftsmanship and heritage. We only work with genuine Irish businesses to ensure that we are preserving our important traditions for the next generation. Our Aran Irish Sweaters are made by Aran Sweater Market, and when you find an Aran wool sweater you love, you’ll be embracing Irish history as well as choosing a new wardrobe staple that is a practical option for all of your Irish adventures.

Discovering Ireland

If you have never explored Ireland, or you’ve been meaning to discover more of this stunning place, we’ve got some good ideas to help you plan your next adventure. We love building adventures around Ireland’s unique landmarks and legends and we would love to hear about your adventuring too.

Of course, part of your essential kit list will be the clothing you pack, and you’ll need garments that will keep you cool when it’s hot and warm when the weather is colder.

We may be biased, but wool is a great choice here because it has temperature-regulating properties and can help you maintain a good body temperature all year round. Take a look at our recommendations and see if you can find a good fit for you.

7 Amazing Irish Adventures

Before you plan a trip, you’ll need to think about the logistics and work out how long you can spare for your adventure and how much travel time you will require.

If you’re going alone, think safety first, and if you’re going with an adventure buddy, be sure to check your kit list with them and make a wet weather plan in case the Irish climate catches you out! Here are just a few of our favourites:

1. Walk The Wicklow Way

If you’re keen on walking, the Wicklow Way is an ideal choice for an Irish adventure. It’s an easy-access network of trails that includes mountains, upland lakes, farmland, forests and glacial valleys and begins in Rathfarnham, south of Dublin.

The trail is around 127 kilometres long and usually takes around eight to ten days to complete, passing several fascinating ruins and memorials as well as the extensive remains of an early Christian monastic settlement nestled in the Glendalough Valley.

If you’re planning a long walk or challenge of this nature, it’s important to ensure that your fitness is up to it, training gradually if you are new to walking or hiking long distances. You should take the time to prepare to prevent any problems along the way, and you’ll find lots of advice online, including essential kit lists to help with your packing. For a walk like this, you’ll need versatile layers and an Aran sweater is an excellent addition to your clothing list.

The Men’s Cable Knit Crew Neck Aran Wool Sweater is a popular choice that will help you to avoid overheating or getting soaked through, and it will not need a lot of washing to keep it looking fresh – simply air it out overnight in your hotel or campsite and you can pop it on again the next day.

2. Visit the Worm Hole

The Worm Hole, also known as Poll na bPeist or Serpent’s Lair, is a beautiful sea pool on Inis Mor, the largest of the Aran Islands. It’s a very special spot with a natural rectangular pool – unsuitable for public swimming but incredible to look at. In recent years, the Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series has been held here, with athletes diving from up to 27 metres into the water.

If you’re visiting Inis Mor, there are several other wonderful places to discover, including Dun Aonghus Fort. We recommend taking a few days to slow down to island pace and enjoy the stunning landscapes and views, and you can make the most of a walk along the cliffs. Wrap up warm to protect yourself against the elements, and you’ll be able to enjoy the area without getting cold or wet.

Of course, an Aran sweater is the perfect choice for wearing on the Aran Islands, really connecting with the heritage of this magical place. We love the Wool Cashmere Cable V-Neck Sweater, which puts a contemporary twist on the traditional Aran sweater and features a braided cable stitch that is believed to represent the interweaving strands of life.

3. Explore the Wild Atlantic Way

The Wild Atlantic Way is a breathtaking stretch of coastline that offers excellent potential for cycling, walking and driving holidays, and you can even enjoy a foodie experience as you sample the local delicacies along the way.

There are several bike rental companies to hire from or you can bring your own bike and stay in local bed and breakfasts or camp as you go. You can start at Rathmullen and make your way north or just pick a section of the route and take your own approach to the trip.

You’ll need to pack light if you’re travelling by bike, but if you’re driving, you can embrace luxury a little more and take a few more options and changes of clothing! If you want a lightweight, flexible option that can cope with all of Ireland’s interesting weather conditions, try the Roll Neck Irish Fisherman Sweater, with several colour options for men and women. This is a traditional style that looks great on everyone and can be worn again and again while you’re enjoying adventuring along the coast.

4. Go North to Malin Head

Malin Head, Donegal, is the northernmost point in Ireland and if you make this the goal of your next adventure, you will be able to appreciate the highest sand dunes in Europe. The cliff top tower, Banba, is named for the mythological patron goddess of Ireland, and there is a mobile cafe of the same name here that is excellent for a quick pitstop.

Star Wars fans will be delighted to discover that they can take a short walk from the carpark to find the location at which part of The Last Jedi was filmed – don’t forget your lightsaber!

The landscape here is rugged, with beautiful rocky coastline and sparkling waters. It’s even possible to see the Northern Lights from here on rare occasions, so snuggle up warm and stay for the evening just in case! A versatile top such as the Men’s Merino Wool Ribbed Cardigan is a great choice for moving from daytime to evening, giving you a warm extra layer as the sun goes down and the temperature drops. This is available in red or blue and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity, as do all our sweaters from Aran Sweater Market.

5. Go Whale Watching

West Cork is an excellent location for many reasons, and one particularly exciting opportunity is whale watching! We recommend booking your whale watching tour in advance, and checking out the many options that leave from Baltimore Harbour in West Cork. You will be sure to enjoy the boat ride even if you don’t see any interesting wildlife, but you may be lucky enough to see different species of whale, including Minke, Fin and Humpback, as well as dolphins, porpoises, seals, basking sharks and even turtles.

Being on a boat can be cold and wet if the weather turns so it’s a good idea to be prepared by packing an extra sweater for your day out on the water. You may like the Irish Fisherman’s Ribbed Sweater with Patches, which is classic choice for a sea themed adventure! These sweaters were originally knitted on the Aran Islands and were renowned for their ability to protect the wearer from the elements, with special stitches believed to bring luck and encourage a safe return home.

6. Visit the Boyne Valley

The Boyne Valley is a truly special part of Ireland, in County Meath, which can transport you back through history to sites where ancient High Kings ruled the Emerald Isle. You can explore the Iron Age Hill of Tara, which was believed to be the royal home of rulers in Celtic times, and Fore Abbey, the 7th Century Monastery founded by St Fechin. While you’re in the area, you won’t have to travel far to visit the Anglo-Norman Trim Castle, which is a well preserved site from the Middle Ages, as well as the Hill of Uishneact, one of the most important ancient sites in Ireland.

According to legend, the Hill of Uishneact was the point at which the five provinces of Ireland met in ancient times, and a large number of people would gather here to watch the High King of Ireland lighting the fire at Beltane to mark the transition to the Summer.

This tradition continues today, and is a culturally important event in Ireland. You should be aware that it is only possible to access the Hill via a guided tour, as it is situated on private land, and you must pre-book to guarantee a place on a tour.

7. Take a trip to Killarney National Park

Killarney National Park is the oldest national park in Ireland and gives you the opportunity to enjoy incredible views of lakes and mountains, as well as visiting the beautiful Ross Castle, which dates from the fifteenth century.

The Park is located in County Kerry, and is also home to the McGillycuddy’s Reeks, the highest mountain range in Ireland. You can explore the mountains, lakes and waterfalls on foot, or some areas are accessible by car if you are planning a driving tour. Alternatively, there are many guided options available if you want to make the most of an expert tour guide.

Whether you like to pack light or you want to keep your options open, we have a sweater for all occasions. The Aran Cable Knit Hoodie with Celtic Side Zip is an excellent option when you’re travelling, giving you a warm, cosy layer to pop on when the weather cools. It comes in a range of gorgeous colours so that you can look and feel your best, and we love the practical hood, which will give you some protection from a sudden burst of rain.

Whatever you decide upon for your next adventure, be sure to have a fantastic time and make the most of your Aran sweater as the perfect travel companion!

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Irish Sweaters You’ll Love at Aran Sweater Market

At Aran Sweater Market, we have a great selection of clothing and traditional craft items that reflect the heritage of this unique country, and Aran sweaters are particularly significant in their connection to the Aran Islands. They were originally made by weavers in their homes, creating garments to keep their loved ones safe while out farming or at sea and decorating them with beautiful stitches that represent the folklore and history of the area. We also have a selection of shawls, blankets and scarves that are made by Irish artisans, as well as clothing and toys for children and babies that will be treasured for many years to come.

We have stores across Ireland, in Killarney, Kenmare, Dublin, Galway, Glengarriff and Kinsale, so you can visit us and browse our range for yourself or explore the online catalogue at Aran Sweater Market. We have a team of friendly staff who are passionate about the products we stock and the heritage they represent, so feel free to talk with us and we’ll help you to find a little piece of Ireland to take home with you.