- 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.