Una McDonagh / Inisheer, Co. Galway

Una McDonagh is from Inis Oirr (Inisheer), the smallest and most beautiful of the Aran Islands! She grew up in a family of knitters and craftspeople.

Life on the island was tough, so people had to be resourceful to survive. They harvested seaweed for fertilizer and built stone walls to protect crops. The island’s hardworking spirit lives on in local crafts, songs, and of course, Aran knitting patterns.

Una grew up in a house full of history and stories. So, it was only natural for Una to want to keep the tradition alive. She started teaching knitting workshops for tourists, but it quickly grew into something bigger. She realized the importance of embracing Irish culture and passing on local crafts. Now, she shares the island’s techniques with crafters from all over the world.

Una teaches traditional Aran knitting, passed down through generations. No patterns were used back then, but don’t worry—she has patterns for her classes! She customizes lessons for all skill levels. She also adds a historical touch, sharing stories about island life, women’s roles, and the importance of knitting in the island’s economy. To top it off, she gives a guided tour to show the island’s beauty and Irish culture.