(12) Standun

Founded in 1946 by May and Máirtín Standún, Standún quickly became a beacon of innovation in traditional Irish fashion and Aran Knitwear. While rooted in the local community, Standún’s reach extended far beyond Spiddal. It was one of the first businesses to export Aran Knitwear to the United States, putting Connemara craft on the global stage and helping to spark international demand for these iconic sweaters.

What truly set Standún apart was its commitment to the people behind the stitches. For generations, the company supported hundreds of hand-knitters across Ireland, bringing together a network of skilled artisans who each contributed panels of Aran patterns – diamond, cable, honeycomb – steeped in symbolism and history. These pieces were then assembled in the knitting factory within the Spiddal shop, making Standún a hub of both creativity and community.

Visitors to Standún today can still feel the echoes of this rich history of Aran Knitwear. The shop, which remains family-run by the third generation, offers a curated collection of authentic Aran garments, celebrating both tradition and contemporary Irish design. It’s not just a retail experience; it’s a connection to the past, a tribute to craftsmanship, and a living part of Connemara’s wool-making legacy.