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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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The collective grew out of conversations with farmers, artisans, and community members who recognized both the challenges and the potential of Irish wool today. By combining Ánam Arann’s focus on cultural revival with Fibreshed Ireland’s expertise in sustainable systems, Wear the Land was created as a space for connection, education, and practical resources. Our work reflects a shared belief that wool can once again take its place as both a sustainable material and a cultural symbol for Ireland.
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The Issue
For centuries, wool was central to Ireland’s rural economy and cultural identity. It provided clothing, supported livelihoods, and carried traditions of spinning, weaving, and knitting through generations. Today, Irish wool is rarely seen in everyday textiles or clothing, and farmers have limited pathways to bring their wool to artisans or consumers. This reduces both the visibility of the fiber and the recognition of the communities that produce it. Wear the Land addresses this challenge by creating recognition, building practical connections, and providing educational resources that strengthen both the industry and its heritage.
What We Do
At the heart of Wear the Land is the Irish Wool Directory, a growing resource that connects farmers directly with artisans, crafters, and consumers. The directory makes it easy to discover where wool comes from, who produces it, and how it can be used in creative and practical ways. By linking farmers with those who wish to support and work with them, we are strengthening the chain that keeps Irish wool relevant and accessible.
Beyond the directory, we provide educational resources designed to deepen understanding of wool as both a sustainable material and a cultural resource. Our blog features stories from farming communities, research on wool’s role in sustainability, and guidance for those interested in learning more about Ireland’s textile heritage. Education ensures that knowledge about wool is not only preserved but also shared widely, helping people reconnect with traditions and practices that remain valuable today.
Why Wool?
Irish wool is durable, renewable, and deeply tied to the land. 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. 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 continued relevance in both traditional and modern contexts. Recognizing its value means supporting a material that is practical and environmentally responsible.
Our Vision
For centuries, wool was central to Ireland’s rural economy and cultural identity. It provided clothing, supported livelihoods, and carried traditions of spinning, weaving, and knitting through generations. Today, Irish wool is rarely seen in everyday textiles or clothing, and farmers have limited pathways to bring their wool to artisans or consumers. This reduces both the visibility of the fiber and the recognition of the communities that produce it. Wear the Land addresses this challenge by creating recognition, building practical connections, and providing educational resources that strengthen both the industry and its heritage.