Meet the Locals of Inis Mór: Island Stories and Traditions

“I was born in Meath, but I came here on holidays in 1972. I met my husband Bartley and never looked back. I decided to open the shop in the front room of our family home, a thatched cottage. It was more of a hobby, while I was raising the children. As they got older it became a year-round business with everyone involved. We mainly sell hand-knit sweaters, but we’ve expanded into other handmade items like soaps, prints, and painted cottages on stones. I’m 86 but I still love making things, though the arthritis is catching up with my hands!

The shop has been open 47 years and in that time there have been many changes. The Aran sweater has become an iconic piece of fashion in a world of machine-made things.

The sense of community on the island is strong. We are blessed with the best neighbours who look out for us and vice versa. I don’t think there is anything I dislike about living on the island, maybe the very bad weather in winter and the power going!”