irish aran knitwear 100% irish merino wool men's shawl neck cardigan sweater with pockets (oatmeal, x-large) irish aran knitwear - this beautiful men's chunky shawl neck cardigan is exquistely stitched from 100% merino wool - aran sweaters were first crafted in the 1900s, when women of the aran islands decided to sell these warm, functional sweaters in order to generate their own income. - families created their own unique, complex patterns; a precious heritage which has endured since. - the cable stitch represents the fisherman's rope, a symbol of safety and good luck. - we have been selling aran knitwear for over 70 years from the heart of the gaeltacht in connemara, county galway.