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About Us
Wear the Land was founded in 2025 as a collaboration between Ánam Arann, a project dedicated to restoring traditional Aran sweaters and promoting Irish wool heritage, and Fibreshed Ireland, part of a global network advocating for local and sustainable fiber systems. Together, we saw the need for a platform that could make Irish wool more visible, accessible, and valued.
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Our collective of farmers, artisans, consumers, and educators works to reconnect wool with its historic and cultural significance in Ireland. With connections across Ireland, the UK, and the USA, we aim to expand globally and support those who keep these traditions alive
The Issue
For centuries, wool played a vital role in Ireland's rural economy and cultural identity. Born on the Aran Islands east of the Galway coast, the Aran-knit sweater helped define the Ireland's identity: passionate, skilled, and dedicated to its community. The garment itself was woven of natural, durable Irish wool, fashioned to resist harsh weather and identify wide lineages.
In the present day, Ireland's wool industry lacks the recognition it once held. True, Irish-'grown' wool is absent in the majority of domestic and internationally made goods alike. Wear the Land Collective was formed to create a network of Irish wool farmers, connecting them to artisans, consumers, and researchers globally. Through shared conversation, education, and community, we believe wool can once again take its place as both a sustainable material and cultural symbol for Ireland.
Why Wool?
Irish wool is durable, renewable, and extremely versatile depending on the breed. Unlike synthetic textiles, wool is biodegradable, naturally insulating, and long-lasting, making it one of the most sustainable materials available. Each region of Ireland produces wool with distinct qualities, shaped by local breeds and landscapes, giving Irish wool a character that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
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By choosing Irish wool, consumers and makers support farming communities, reduce dependence on synthetic fibers, and preserve a resource that has sustained Ireland for generations. Wool’s versatility extends from clothing and textiles to craft and design, ensuring its relevance in both traditional and modern contexts. Recognizing its value means supporting a material that is both practical and environmentally responsible.