The Ryan name originated as Ó Maoilriaghain, meaning ‘descendant of a devotee of St. Riaghan’. The name was originally Anglicised as Mulryan, and has today been shortened to Ryan. The name first appeared in the barony of Owney, on the border of counties Limerick and Tipperary. A further sept of the clan was to be found in the Barony of Idrone in Co. Carlow. Ryan is the eighth most numerous surname in Ireland, and is strongest in counties Tipperary and Limerick, although it is now widely dispersed across the country.

The hand knit Ryan sweater has a blackberry central panel, flanked by cables, tree of life and zig-zag stitches on either side. The blackberry stitch represents the Holy Trinity, the cable symbolises good luck, the tree of life is symbolic of family unity, and the zig zag stitch represents the ups and downs of marriage. This beautiful Aran sweater has been hand knitted in the traditional báinín (pronounced ‘baw neen’) colour, the natural white of the wool. It comes to you complete with a clan history and crest. It is made of 100% pure new wool, is water repellent and breathable. It has been hand crafted in the traditional Irish style, and, with care, will last a lifetime.

This knitting kit is comprised of the finest traditional Aran Wool, your Clan crest together with a sweater history and your Ryan knitting pattern. We provide enough Aran wool to create your perfectly sized sweater plus a little extra. This Traditional Irish 100% wool is water repellent, breathable and a delight to work with. The pattern is an easy to follow design, tailored specifically to suit your exact size requirements.