Cleas Aran Knitting Workshop

Discover your creative streak with two ceardlanna trádisiúnta le Cleas, Inis Oírr

The Aran Islands are steeped in Ireland's rich heritage and history. In these creative willow-weaving and Aran knitting workshops, you will learn to make a hanging basket and to create your first Aran stitches.

Aran Knitting

Aran is a style of sweater that takes its name from the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland. Often known as a fisherman's sweater they are distinguished by their use of complex textured stitch patterns, several of which are combined in the creation of a single garment

You will need:
• knitting wool (approx 50 grms);  
• 2 knitting needles (around size  5mm).

Cleas aims to enhance life on the island of Inis Oírr.

They provide a public transport service with the bus Síob an Phobail, a year-round daily service, and support the promotion of the Irish language through their Translation Service Business to clients and the general public.

They sell hand harvested island seaweed products Fiúntas Feamainne including carrageen, dulse and bathing seaweeds and repair the Island's Seashore Walkways to ensure they remain open throughout the year.

Their locally grown willow is used to produce traditional and modern Items of Basketry and the world famous model Aran Currachs in various sizes are hand crafted by the team and sold in their shop, as is the multi-coloured traditional belt the Crios.

The Cleas Crafts outlet, situated in the Áras Éanna premises, stocks crafts produced by local island craftspeople and remains open throughout the year. 

The Taste of the Gaeltacht caters for groups keen to sample the island's food heritage and Guided Walking Tours are available all year around.

Through Environmental Projects, Cleas endeavours to keep the many walking routes, sideroads and wells on our island accessible and litter free.

Commissioned by St. Patrick’s Festival.

Supported by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under the 20 Year Strategy for the Irish Language 2010 – 2030.