Handknitted Aran Sweaters and Accessories
An Púcán, Inis Mór, Estd. 1977
Inis Mór, Aran Islands
The Original Aran Sweater Shop
On the enchanting island of Inis Mór, An Púcán is a family-owned craft shop that has been dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of traditional Aran sweaters for over 45 years. Our sweaters are not just garments; they are a piece of Irish history, carefully handcrafted using techniques and patterns that have been passed down through generations of skilled knitters.
Authentic Aran Sweaters
At An Púcán, we take pride in offering genuine, hand-knitted Aran sweaters, accessories, and high-quality wool. Each item is made to order, tailored to the unique size and shape of our customers. Our team of expert knitters use time-honoured techniques and patterns that date back centuries, ensuring that every stitch tells a story of the island's rich heritage.
Inis Mór Aran Knitwear
ESTD. 1977
Our Story
Nestled in the heart of Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands, lies a small, unassuming cottage that has stood the test of time. This 200-year-old thatched dwelling is not just a home, it is the birthplace of An Púcán, a family-owned craft shop that has become synonymous with the finest hand-knitted Aran sweaters in Ireland.
The story of An Púcán began in 1977 when Bartley and Frances Beatty, a young couple deeply in love with their island home, decided to turn their passion for traditional craftsmanship into a business. What started as a small summer hobby quickly blossomed into a thriving enterprise, fuelled by the couple's dedication to preserving the age-old techniques of Aran knitting.
As word of their exquisite sweaters spread, the Beattys found themselves welcoming visitors from all corners of the globe, each eager to take home a piece of Ireland's rich heritage. The humble cottage shop became a sanctuary for those seeking authenticity, warmth, and a connection to the past.
Today, An Púcán is run by the third generation of the Beatty family, who continue to uphold the values and traditions passed down by their grandparents. For the last 20 years, the shop has had new premises at the foot of the ancient monument Dún Aonghasa in the village of Kilmurvey. However, our beloved cottage is still in the family. It has gone back to being used as a family home, a testament to the enduring spirit of the Aran Islands and the unwavering commitment of the Beatty family to their craft.
However, the art of hand-knitting Aran sweaters is a dying tradition. As the world becomes increasingly modernised, fewer young people are learning the skills necessary to create these intricate garments. At An Púcán, our youngest knitter is 62 years old, a stark reminder of the urgent need to preserve this invaluable aspect of Irish culture before it disappears forever.
