The tradition of spinning, weaving and knitting with wool was known to take place in South West Donegal, Ireland as early as the 1800s. Many homes would process, dye and spin the wool before either knitting garments or selling it to a local weaver for the making of cloth.
Donegal wool has small, colourful specks of fibre spun into the main wool shade, creating a unique, heather-like appearance. The process involves blending and spinning wool that has been dyed in contrasting colours, very often inspired by the local landscape. This creates a distinctive, textured look and a soft, natural yarn that can be used for both weaving and knitting.
This signature look is known as Donegal tweed, and these garments are traditionally made from 100% pure wool, making them a classic, sustainable, and cozy option.
Natural Fibres
Only natural fibres are used and sourced from the finest wools in Ireland, New Zealand & Australia . Made from soft merino with low lanolin content, Donegal Wool is naturally breathable and insulating, and can absorb large quantities of water vapour and allow it to evaporate, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer.
Wool is the original eco fibre. As well as creating high quality, durable, comfortable and beautiful products, wool is 100% natural, renewable and biodegradable. No other fibre, natural or man-made, can match all of wool’s naturally inherent benefits.
100% Biodegradable – when wool is disposed of it will naturally decompose in soil in a matter of months or years, slowly releasing valuable nutrients back into the earth.
Looking after your Donegal jumper
Presoak your sweater in slightly warm water (86F / 30C) with some mild detergent for at least 30 minutes or overnight. Never machine wash your sweater as hot or cold water may cause the wool to shrink! Gently rinse the sweater out, don't pull at it or wring it out as this can affect its shape.
Our Layla, Weston, and Eyre Donegal knits are made from pure Donegal wool, spun in Ireland and knitted in the EU. Crafted with care and tradition, each piece carries the character and warmth of its origins.
