Wards in Ireland can be of English or Gaelic origin. The English version of the name alludes to the occupation of ‘weard’ or guardsman, and was brought here by English settlers. In Gaelic the name means ‘son of the poet / bard’. Of the Gaelic septs, one was located in Co. Donegal where its members were hereditary bards to the ruling clans, and the other was located in Ballinasloe in Co. Galway, where they were bards to the ruling O’ Kellys. Today, Ward ranks among the top 80 most numerous names in Ireland, and is strongest in Ulster, and in counties Donegal and Galway.

The hand knit Ward sweater has a blackberry central panel, flanked by cables, ropes and moss-filled diamonds on either side. The blackberry stitch represents the Holy Trinity, cables represent good luck, and the diamonds are representative of wealth. 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 Ward 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.