Wool from Ireland?

Hi, everyone!

We’re planning to go on vacation to Ireland next year.
Well, there are a lot of sheep in Ireland, after all ;)

Does anyone have any experience with Irish wool and can recommend something particularly good? I’d love to bring some back as a “souvenir” to make a sweater or a blanket....

Does no one really have any information for me?

Unfortunately, I don’t know anything about Irish wool :-(
I just know from a friend in England that English wool is apparently terrible because most sheep are raised for meat rather than wool, and apparently that’s a separate breed whose wool is very scratchy. But it’s possible that things are completely different in Ireland.

Have you tried searching on Google yet? Unfortunately, I don’t have any information on this topic either. 

Yeah, I’ve already checked Google… Donegal Tweed was the only thing that came up… When I’m there, I’ll just have to feel my way through it… maybe Irish sheep are cozier than English ones :)

Snuggling up in it yourself is the best part anyway :-) 

That’s right :)

I once spun some Irish wool and also knitted up a skein that an acquaintance brought back from vacation.
Based on the wool I had in my hands that way, I can only say that it was more of a sturdy fiber. Great for jackets and anything that needs to hold up well. Not suitable for sensitive people or for scarves and shawls worn directly against the skin.
Depending on the sheep breed and the climatic conditions of their native habitats, the wool varies as well. Generally speaking, Northern European sheep breeds and their fleece tend to fall into the stronger, more robust fiber category.
But there are always regional differences, and even within a single breed or flock, every wool turns out differently. It also varies from year to year.

Definitely buy some wool, no matter what you make from it. It will definitely be a wonderful souvenir. And bring back some local knitting magazines too. My friends always ask me to do that as well...

I’d like to wish you a lovely vacation already now.
Best regards, Caro

Hi Caro!
Thanks so much for the detailed information! I’ll definitely bring something back, and usually when choosing wool, you already have a rough idea of what you want to make with it....