McConnell Woollen Mills
McConnell Woollen Mills is an Irish knitwear label founded by designer Anne Behan in County Clare on the west coast of Ireland. It makes men's and women's knitwear from natural yarns, finished by hand.
| Founder | Anne Behan |
|---|---|
| Location | County Clare, Ireland |
| Speciality | Knitwear for women and men |
| Collections | Five per year |
| Website | mcconnellwoollenmills.ie |
What is McConnell Woollen Mills?
McConnell Woollen Mills is a knitwear brand based in County Clare, on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way. It was founded around the turn of the century by fashion designer Anne Behan, who grew up in the area and learned to knit from the women in her family.
Products and positioning
The label reworks Irish knitting traditions for contemporary wardrobes. Its range includes updated Aran and fisherman rib sweaters and workwear-inspired geansaí, the traditional Irish jumper, for women and men. Pieces are made from natural yarns, knitted on Shima Seiki machines and then finished by hand by the team. The brand produces five collections a year, combining heritage stitches with modern shapes and stripes.
- Reworked Aran and fisherman rib sweaters
- Workwear-inspired geansaí
- Natural yarns, hand finished
- Five collections a year
Distribution
McConnell ships internationally from its own online shop, and its knitwear is also carried by Irish design and gift retailers at home and in France.
Why it matters
The brand shows how Irish knitwear heritage can be kept relevant through design rather than souvenir product, pairing modern knitting technology with local hand finishing.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded McConnell Woollen Mills?
McConnell Woollen Mills was founded by Irish fashion designer Anne Behan.
Where is McConnell Woollen Mills based?
The brand is based in County Clare on the west coast of Ireland.