Happy Saint Patrick's Day folks! I hope everyone has a wonderful time celebrating our Irish heritage.
To help mark the occasion in true Irish style I've teamed up with the Aran Sweater Market to host a very special giveaway.
The first prize is a child's Aran sweater, and the second prize is a child's Aran jacket/cardigan. But before I share the details of the prizes and how to enter our little giveaway, first let me tell you a little bit about the Aran Sweater Market.
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Aran Sweaters For Sale On The Aran Islands
This store is actually located on none other than Inis Mór, one of the magnificent Aran Islands, off Ireland's west coast.
The Aran Sweater Market sells knitwear on the very islands that lend their name to these culturally iconic symbols of Ireland.
Aran sweaters are part of Ireland's cultural artifacts.
Founded by the McCarthy family in the early 1990's, the Aran Sweater Market has grown from being a cornerstone of the small island community of Inis Mór, to now being one of Ireland's leading suppliers of authentic Aran knitwear.
Their vision is to provide quality Aran Sweaters that remain true to the original product created many moons ago. Through a passion for quality they celebrate the long and fascinating heritage of the Aran Islands.
With markets also in Killarney, County Kerry, and at Shannon Airport, together with a beautifully designed online store, the Aran Sweater Market brings the elegance of authentic Aran knitwear to a global audience.
The Beauty of the Aran Islands
The Aran Islands lie off the coast of County Galway in western Ireland. These islands boast wild and rugged landscapes and are rich in antiquities, and prehistoric Celtic remains.
The people of these islands have courageous hearts and resourceful natures.
For generations they have battled the elements to sustain life on land which to many may appear uninhabitable.
The Islanders have lived for centuries by working the land, farming, fishing, harvesting and of course by knitting the famous bánín sweaters that have made them famous throughout the world today.
Here are a few business philosophy statements from the Aran Sweater Market that really struck a cord with me...
"We are driven by a shared passion for the history of the Aran Sweater and see it as our duty to keep the story, beauty and true essence of the sweater and the spirit of the Islands alive."
"We truly believe that buying a sweater is much more than a weather protector or a nod to current fashion statements, but rather an investment in one’s ancestry, a memento of your time in Ireland or a wistful reminder of a magical place yet to be explored."
"We love to pay homage to our roots through our precious sweaters as well as our brand."
Knitting - A Time Honored Tradition Of The Aran Islands
The Islanders were both fishermen and farmers whose lives and livelihoods were deeply intertwined with the rugged terrain and the thunderous oceans surrounding them.
The Aran Sweater was born of this environment, with the skills for creating these masterpieces passed down from generation to generation. The Aran Sweater has evolved to become the ultimate symbol of Irish Clan heritage.
From its origins, the Aran sweater has been intimately linked to clans and their identities. The multiple combinations of stitches seen on each garment are far from incidental.
The intricate patterns impart vast amounts of information to those who know how to interpret them. Aran sweaters were, and remain, a reflection of the lives of the knitters, and their families.
On the Aran islands, sweater patterns were zealously guarded, kept within the same clan throughout generations. These Aran sweaters were often used to help identify bodies of fishermen washed up on the beach following an accident at sea.
An official register of these historic patterns has been compiled, and can be seen in the Aran Sweater Market on the Aran Islands.
Clan Patterns For Aran Sweaters
In line with ancient Irish folklore, and over many years Irish clans adopted the Aran Sweater as the ultimate Clan symbol. Historically these patterns were safeguarded within families and passed down from generation to generation.
Today there are over 130 different patterns available, inspired by various locations in Ireland and by Irish names. Each pattern's foundations are deeply rooted in ancient Irish legend, culture and traditions making ClanAran an authentic family gift that can be treasured for generations to come.
ClanAran knitting patterns and wool are available from the Aran Sweater Market website, for anyone interested in undertaking a project to create a family heirloom.
I love the double cable in the O'Neill family pattern in the sweater shown above.
I didn't find a Geary or O'Gara pattern on the list, but perhaps your clan is amongst the 130 patterns available.
The Prizes
And now it's time to share the details of this fabulous giveaway ....
The first prize is a totally adorable kid's traditional Aran Fisherman Wool Sweater, with a crew neck style and beautiful Aran cable patterns. It can be worn by a boy or girl. It's made in Ireland of 100% soft merino wool, with natural and organic fibres helping to regulate body temperature. Color choices include natural white, blue or parsnip. It comes with a signed and stamped Certificate of Authenticity.
The second prize is a beautiful kid's Aran jacket or cardigan as we say in Ireland. It's made in Ireland of 100% soft merino wool, in a fisherman's crew neck style with leather look buttons.
It's available in pink, white and parsnip and boasts beautiful Aran stitches. It comes with a signed and stamped Certificate of Authenticity.
The Giveaway
To enter just leave a comment on this blog post by noon on Friday, March 25th, 2016.
Any comment will do. What you write does not affect your chance of winning, but if you need inspiration for your entry why not tell us if you have every visited the Aran islands, or if you own and treasure an Aran sweater.
Two winning comments will be chosen randomly. Remember to leave your e-mail so that I can contact you should you win. Your e-mail won’t be published, just used to contact our lucky contestant for ordering and mailing of the prizes.
Winners will be announced on Friday March 25th, 2016, at the bottom of this blog post.
You may check out Irish American Mom’s complete terms and conditions for sweepstakes’ entries by clicking here.
A big thank you to the Aran Sweater Market for sponsoring this prize. And thanks to everyone who supports this little giveaway.
Best of luck to all the entrants, and a very happy St. Patrick's Day to each and everyone who visits my blog and reads my recipes and ramblings.
Update - Winners Chosen
Good news! We have our two winners. Sorry this notification is a little late - I marked the wrong Friday on my calendar for completing this giveaway. Call it Spring break fever! But as we say in Ireland - "better late than never."
The winner of the child's sweater is Laura.
The winner of the child's cardigan is Judith.
I'll send you both an e-mail to let you know you have won.
A big thanks to everyone who stopped by and supported this giveaway. And many thanks to the Aran Sweater Market for sponsoring these wonderful prizes.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
Disclosure: Irish American Mom did not receive payment for publishing this giveaway post. I wish to thank The Aran Sweater Market for graciously sponsoring the prizes for this Irish sweepstakes.
Here are some other recipes and ramblings you might enjoy...
Where To Celebrate Saint Patrick's Day In Ireland
What The Irish Eat For Saint Patrick's Day
Fruit Rainbow for Saint Patrick's Day
Mary Therese Ladell
Happy St. Patrick's Day to you! I am enjoying your blog and have plans for your potato and leek soup tonight! Beautiful sweaters and I have grandchildren!
Irish American Mom
I hope you enjoy your Irish soup tonight, Mary. Happy St. Patrick's Day.
Mairéad
Patricia
☘☘ Happy St. Patrick 's day to you, Mairead, and to all of your readers as well! Beautiful sweaters of the Aran Islands! ☘❤️
Irish American Mom
Thanks so much, Patricia. Have a lovely Irish celebration today. ☘☘
All the best,
Mairéad
Joan
I have been to the Aran Islands and have a lovely bed blanket and recently bought online a lovely knitted coat.
My dad is from Galway and would love to one day live in Ireland for a short time in honor of my parents
Irish American Mom
Hi Joan - I hope you make it to live in Galway sometime. When the sun shines on Galway Bay there's no place else on earth quite like it. Glad to hear you made it to the Aran Islands on a trip to Ireland.
Best wishes for St. Patrick's Day.
Mairéad ☘☘
Veronica Vatter
I want to be able to knit one of these so bad! I am just on my first sweater now. It's just stockinette with raglan sleeves. I'm not read to attempt cables yet.
Irish American Mom
Hi Veronica - Keep knitting and you'll just get better and better. Someday soon you'll be ready to tackle these cables.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Julie B Green
Happy St. Patrick's day!! These sweaters are not only lovely but warm and cozy!! Thank you for the opportunity to have one. Have a grand day!!
Irish American Mom
And I hope you have a grand day too, Julie.
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Pat Egan Fordyce
Happy St Patrick's Day!! ? I was so sorry when we visited Ireland we weren't able to go to the Aran Islands.it was a very rainy stormy day, and didn't think we wanted to test ourselves on the ferry over!
Would love to give my grandaughter one of theses beautiful sweaters! Thanks Mairead.......?
Irish American Mom
Hi Pat - I'm sure your grandaughter would treasure one of these sweaters. Have a lovely Paddy's Day.
Mairéad
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Jason
Happy St. Patrick's Day to all!
Irish American Mom
And to you too, Jason.
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Lee R
Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig Oraibh
Thank you for the information on the Aran Islands. The pictures are absolutely beautiful. Ireland is on my list (top of the list) of places I want to visit. I'll be adding the Aran Islands to that!
Irish American Mom
Agus ort féin freisin.
I hope you make it to Ireland someday soon, Lee.
Have a lovely day celebrating all things Irish.
Mairéad
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Laurie Ann Neeley
Thanks for sharing--I'm dying to visit the Aran Islands!
Irish American Mom
Hi Laurie - Me too. I've never made the crossing to the islands. I've been in Connemara, County Galway many times, but the weather never cooperated for a trip to Aran. Next time I make it to Galway I hope to take the trip, and I hope you make it there someday very soon too.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
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Mary Mac
Happy St. Patrick's Day from NYC! I love this blog! I've been to Ireland twice and plan on returning soon. Am 100% Irish American with family from Kildare and Meath and love your ramblings on all things Irish! Right now I'm reading Rebel Sisters. Been to the Gaol but knew nothing about the Gifford family. Thank you for sharing!
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary - Thanks so much for following my ramblings. Enjoy your book, Rebel Sisters. I too love historical novels, especially those set in Ireland.
I hope your next trip to Ireland will be very soon.
All the best,
Mairéad
Mary Nolan
Happy St. Paddy's Day. I need an Aran sweater.....mine is from childhood! Would love to have one for my children as well. Thank you for this wonderful giveaway.
Irish American Mom
Thanks so much for stopping be to support our little Irish giveaway.
Happy St. Patrick's Day.
Mairéad
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Maureen O Hanlon
Thank you Mairead and Happy St Patricks day to you.
I love the Aran stitch and its tradititions of Ireland.
all the best Mauteen
Irish American Mom
Best wishes for a lovely St. Patrick's Day, Maureen.
Thanks for stopping by.
Mairéad
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Kristy
The sweaters are beautiful, I would love to have one for my son.
Irish American Mom
Hi Kristy - Little boys always look adorable in an Aran sweater.
Enjoy this special Irish holiday today.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
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Laura
Happy St. Patrick's Day! I spent a few days on the Aran Islands, and it is one of my very favorite places. I hope to get back in the near future!
Irish American Mom
Hi Laura - A bleak and beautiful place that will probably call to you always. Hope you make it back there someday soon.
All the best,
Mairéad
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Jayne Gautreau
Grew up in Northern Ireland, my mum knot these sweaters. I have one she recently knit for one of my boys but I absolutely love this give away and would love to win. I am often stopped in stores here and asked about my sons cardigans 🙂
Irish American Mom
Hi Jayne - When my kids were born my mom knit them some cable cardigans - they were adorable, and just like you, people stopped me all the time to ask about them. There is something so special about a handknit gift from grandma.
Best wishes for St. Patrick's Day,
Mairéad
Laura
Happy St. Patrick's Day! ?. The sweaters are beautiful!
Irish American Mom
🙂 🙂 🙂 ☘☘☘☘
Susan
Happy St Patrick's Day from Boston! I fondly remember my visit to the Aran Islands, and we all love the raisin scone recipe!
Irish American Mom
Hi Susan - Hope you're having a fabulous St. Paddy's Day in Boston, and thanks so much for giving my raisin scones your seal of approval. I really appreciate it.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
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Athena
Just beautiful! My eight year old would love it. Have a blessed St Patrick's day!
Irish American Mom
St. Patrick's Day blessings to you too, Athena.
🙂 🙂 🙂 ☘☘☘☘
Arizona Deiter
What a wonderful giveaway! The Aran Sweaters are such a lovely piece of handmade craftmanship, I would to own one!
Irish American Mom
Hi Arizona - They are beautiful works of art, and iconic symbols of the Emerald Isle.
🙂 🙂 🙂 ☘☘☘☘
Abby Nolan
What a wonderful website you run here! Though I have visited the Emerald Isle several times, I have not made it to the Aran Islands. Hopefully one day I may. The sweaters and traditions behind them have long interested me - this article was so lovely. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Irish American Mom
Hi Abby - Thanks for your kind words about my website and this article. I'm so glad you enjoyed it.
Have a lovely St. Patrick's Day.
Mairéad
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Mattie Lennon
I do not ,at present, own an aran sweater. But I did in the sixties. Didn't I think I was one of the Clancy Brothers (or even Tommy Makem!)
I visited one of the Aran islands once.
Patricia
Oh, Mattie...had to laugh at your comment. Weren't Makem and Clancy the best? I saw them in concert 3 times and enjoyed every one. Have a great day! ☘
Mattie Lennon
And a happy Saint Patrick's Day to you. Up our way they know that Christmas is well and truly over when they see people wearing shamrock.
Mattie
Patricia
Wow, that long? Although I do see house that still have Christmas decorations up still. I guess they are just getting a head start on next year!
Irish American Mom
Hi Mattie - I'd say you looked smashing in your Aran sweater in the sixties. I was born in the sixties and I always had a báinín to wear. My mom used to knit them. I even had an Aran hat with the biggest pom-pom ever wobbling on the top. I thought I was smashing.
All the best,
Mairéad
P.S. I hope your Christmas decorations have been replaced by shamrocks. You made me laugh with that one.
🙂 🙂 🙂 ☘☘☘☘
Amy Molloy
Beautiful work from a magical land ??☘?
Irish American Mom
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Allys
Absolutely lovely post about these beautiful islands! I have not been to Inis Mór for about 6 years but I still remember the little dog we played fetch with on the shore in the wind and rain. They certainly have the right weather for these fantastic knits!
Irish American Mom
What a lovely memory of the Aran Islands, Allys. I've heard they are magical. I hope to make it there someday, rain or shine.
Have a lovely St. Patrick's Day.
Mairéad
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Sherry O'Dowd
Would give the Aran sweater or cardigan to my granddaughter 🙂
I am married to an Irishman, have been to one of the beautiful Aran isles...forget which one!
Thx!
Happy St Patrick's Day!!
Irish American Mom
Hi Sherry - I'm sure your granddaughter would wear her Aran with Irish pride.
Best wishes for a lovely St. Patrick's Day.
Mairéad
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Timothy Magnuson
A very happy St Patrick's day to you and yours! Loved your posts, and recipes.... 🙂
Irish American Mom
Thanks so much Timothy. Have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day too.
All the best,
Mairéad
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Debbie Egizii
Happy St. Patrick's Day to you and yours!
Always admired these lovely wearable pieces of art! And I have 2 granddaughters who would love one !
Irish American Mom
Hi Debbie - "Wearable pieces of art" that sums these lovely sweaters up exactly. Thanks so much for stopping by and have a lovely day celebrating all things Irish and St. Patrick.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Catherine Farrell
Love the sweaters and their history.
Happy St. Patrick's day to all. ☘
Irish American Mom
Happy St. Patrick's Day to you too, Catherine.
Thanks so much for checking out this post.
All the best,
Mairéad
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Mary
Happy day to you! I too would love either for my granddaughter! Mary
Irish American Mom
Mary - Happy St. Patrick's Day to you and yours, too.
All the best,
Mairéad
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Sharon
I wore my mother's Aran sweater when I was a young girl and it always made me feel connected to her and Ireland. Would love to give my grand child one Sharon
Irish American Mom
Hi Sharon - What a lovely way to feel connected to your mother and your Irish ancestry. Your grandchild might feel a connection to the Emerald Isle too in a beautiful Aran sweater.
Thanks so much for supporting this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
🙂 🙂 🙂 ☘☘☘☘
Ruth
Happy St. Patrick's Day from Los Angeles! My daughter and I have just made your chocolate biscuit cake - I LOVED chocolate biscuit cake when I was little and have been looking for a good recipe. Yours looks delicious!!
Irish American Mom
Enjoy your chocolate biscuit cake, today. A perfect treat to celebrate St. Patrick.
All the best,
Mairéad
🙂 🙂 🙂 ☘☘☘☘
Jennifer
Happy St. Patrick's Day Everyone!!
Irish American Mom
🙂 🙂 🙂 ☘☘☘☘
Elizabeth Mulcahy
Beautiful sweaters! Happy St Patrick's Day and a special thanks for your tea brach recipe!!
Irish American Mom
Hi Elizabeth - Thanks for giving my tea brack your seal of approval.
Happy St. Patrick's Day to you and yours.
Mairéad
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Sharon
Happy St. Patrick's Day! I LOVE my Aran sweaters! Thank you for the opportunity to perhaps win one for for my niece and nephew!
Irish American Mom
Hi Sharon - Thanks so much for stopping by and checking out this blog post. Hope you have a lovely St. Patrick's Day.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
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Marypat Bowen
I am so happy to have found you!!! I am 100% Irish and live in Maine. My relatives come from up Mayo……years ago on a trip back home as my cousins call it…I bought an Aran sweater……it feels like being wrapped up in Ireland love! I hope I get to win one as it is the best treasure ever. Thanks for writing this….I love it!
?? from Marypat
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Irish American Mom
Hi Marpat - I'm thrilled you found my website. It's my little corner of the world wide web where we can have a little chat about all things Irish and Irish American. I love how you say wearing your Aran sweater makes you feel like you're "wrapped in Ireland love." Fantastic.
All the best, and have a lovely St. Patrick's Day.
Mairéad
Michael Johnson
Happy Saint Patrick's Day! Aran sweaters are SO beautiful! I would love to be able to give one to my daughter Esther!!
Irish American Mom
Hi Michael - Aran sweaters are truly beautiful and I'm sure Esther would love to wear one.
All the best for St. Patrick's Day,
Mairéad
🙂 🙂 🙂 ☘☘☘☘
Vanessa Richardson
I came for the recipes and I saw this and had to enter. I have two boys and one of these would be be amazing. Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Bill Cokas
Mairéad, not only is this a generous giveaway, it proved to be invaluable information and research for my novel-in-progress, which is set in Ireland and prominently features an Aran sweater!
Meredith
Happy St. Patrick's Day Mairéad!
The history of the aran patterns is facinating, just like the plaid Scottish Kilt patterns. I can't wait until I get a little free time to dive into that subject!
Enjoy your day 🙂
Kara
Beautiful sweaters! I have never visited the Aran Islands, or Ireland for that matter, but my dream is to someday visit the area where my family is from.
Colleen Diffely-Sullivan
Oh, how my heart longs for a trip to Ireland!
JG
Happy St. Patrick's Day!
sara roberts
Happy St. Patrick's Day,
I have always wanted one of these sweaters so winning one for my child will be the next best thing.
Catherine Rapple
Happy St. Patrick's Day! Loved visiting the Aran islands and have always loved Aran sweaters.
judith
These are gorgeous! I'd love to go explore the Aran islands and get a chance to see some beautiful countryside and meet some new people and cultures!
Natalie
I bought an Aran sweater for my Irish mother a few years ago. Now I have given her Irish grandbabies. Time to adorn them in Aran sweaters too.
Happy Irish Day!
Sherrill
I came by for the Kerry Apple Cake I made it today for the Family. Delish and quite easy thanks. Made my first soda bread as well. Hubby liked it as much as some of my yeast breads.....We have a ginger haired grandson who would look grand in the Aran Sweater, and a blonde who would be a picture in the cardi. Thanks
Debbie Calver
You can't beat knitting a good Aran.
Molly
The Aran Islands look beautiful! I own two Aran sweaters, and I love them. I have a grandson who would look so cute in one.
John Tierney
Ah, my daughter would look beautiful in one of those sweaters! Well, more beautiful than usual. 😉
Danielle Christensen
Aran sweaters are definitely my favorite part of colder weather. I would love to win one for my niece or one of my nephews! They'd look so darn cute in them.