Ireland has a long and proud tradition of knitting, wool production and textile craftsmanship. This makes it a wonderful destination for anyone with a love of yarn! From beautiful hand-dyed Irish fibres and independent artisan yarn shops to traditional woollen mills steeped in history, there’s plenty to inspire knitters and crocheters alike.
Are you searching for that perfect skein of locally produced yarn? Hoping to meet talented Irish designers? Looking for a knitting workshop? Or maybe you are dreaming of creating your very own Aran sweater? Whatever your desire, Ireland has something special to offer you. Here are five fantastic knitting and yarn stores to add to your must-visit list!
Located in the heart of Dublin at the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, This Is Knit is a must-visit for yarn lovers. It is a charming family-run business, founded by mother Jacqui and her daughters Lisa and Jenny, with Lisa Sisk at the helm of its classes. Jenny also creates under Townhouse Yarns, producing scrumptious luxury hand-dyed yarns in a myriad of stunning colours!
This Is Knit carries an incredible collection of yarns, from Studio Donegal to Irish artisan yarns and the fabulous Ériu from nearby County Wicklow. The store also stocks a fantastic collection of books and patterns by top designers, tools, accessories and delightful gifts. This Is Knit hosts wonderful knit socials, launches and knit parties, as well as popular online tutorials.
The store is situated in a stunning Georgian building filled with artisan and designer stores, places to eat and even a piano to add to the ambience. Getting into This Is Knit is easy. It’s the leaving you’re going to find hard!
Folklore Yarn stocks beautiful local hand-dyed yarns that reflect the region’s natural beauty and rich storytelling traditions. Its yarns are renowned for their deep, vibrant colourways, often inspired by Irish folklore, landscapes and seasonal changes.
Folklore Yarns is the only Northern Ireland stockist of Donegal Tweed on the cone and carries a wonderful collection of natural yarns and fibres, with colours and textures to suit every style. Accessories, notions and needles are plentiful, alongside patterns, books and kits. Classes are also run for local knitters, and of course, all your shopping can be enjoyed alongside a good cup of coffee and a bun!
Stolen Stitches is a renowned yarn and knitwear design company based in Cork, Ireland, founded by designer Carol Feller. Known for its luxurious yarns and innovative knitting patterns, Stolen Stitches offers a carefully curated range of hand-dyed yarns, natural fibres and eco-friendly products. Alongside the likes of Galway Wool, Stolen Stitches has its own gorgeous ranges, including Nua and Blasta yarns!
Its patterns are renowned for their modern, intricate designs, often inspired by Celtic heritage and Irish landscapes. Stolen Stitches also provides online knitting classes, tutorials and knit-alongs, fostering a vibrant community of knitters around the world.
Calling in to Stolen Stitches gives you a chance to meet the team and have your questions answered! They also encourage plenty of yarn squishing to ensure you pick the ones that suit you best. Stolen Stitches is home to Carol and her team, their wonderful yarns, books and patterns, but it is also where their ideas and inspirations come to life. Go along and be a part of it!
Edel MacBride’s shop in Derry is a showcase of luxurious, handcrafted knitwear that beautifully blends traditional Irish craftsmanship with contemporary design. Known for her intricate Aran and lace knitting, Edel MacBride creates timeless, high-quality garments and accessories, often inspired by Irish heritage and the natural landscapes of Donegal.
Edel has her own stunning range of Donegal yarns and tweeds, alongside a curated selection of ready-to-wear pieces, including sweaters, scarves and shawls. You’ll also find knitting kits for those looking to create their own masterpieces using her exclusive yarns and patterns.
With a strong focus on artisanal skills and sustainable materials, the shop is a haven for anyone who appreciates quality, creativity and Ireland’s rich textile traditions.
The looms of Blarney Woollen Mills may have gone silent over half a century ago, but the store continues to pay homage to Ireland’s rich wool culture. Famed for its extensive selection of high-quality Irish yarns, Blarney Woollen Mills offers a variety of natural fibres, including wool, merino and alpaca. Its yarn section is a must-visit for knitters and crocheters, especially after a kiss of the Blarney Stone at nearby Blarney Castle!
But there’s something particularly special for those who love traditional Irish knitwear: you can create your very own custom Aran sweater in-store! Visitors have the opportunity to personalise their own Aran design, choosing the style, colour and details to create a truly unique piece of Irish knitwear. It’s a wonderful way to take home something personal, with a connection to Ireland’s famous Aran knitting heritage.
The store also offers knitting accessories, patterns and kits, catering to crafters of all skill levels. Of course, they have a fantastic selection of ready-made garments too! Whether you’re shopping for yarn, looking for inspiration or creating your own bespoke Aran sweater, Blarney Woollen Mills is a destination in its own right. The hardest part about shopping here is knowing when to stop!
More Than Just a Yarn Store
Ireland’s yarn shops are not just places to stock up on supplies; they are hubs of creativity, craftsmanship and community. Each of these stores offers something unique, from locally produced yarns and beautiful hand-dyed fibres to workshops and opportunities to explore Ireland’s rich knitting heritage.
Whether you’re visiting Ireland or lucky enough to live here, these top five knitting and yarn stores deserve a place on your list. Take the time to explore, meet the makers, discover local yarns and find inspiration for your next knitting project.
Of course, the best way to visit Ireland yarn stores is to join one of our Knitting Tours!
