The perfect Black Friday destination for Irish gifts

With the Thanksgiving turkey well and truly digested and the festivities of America's national celebratory holiday over for another year, attention turns towards the festive period ahead with less than a month until Christmas Day.

For many people, Thanksgiving signals the start 'official' start of Christmas and thoughts turn to which gifts to buy for friends and family. Like many online Irish gifts stores across the globe, Blarney Woollen Mills have a exclusive 20% discount on all products starting on Black Friday and lasting throughout the holiday weekend including Aran sweaters, Irish fisherman sweaters, Celtic jewelry, mystical Claddagh rings, Irish novelty gifts, classic Irish Belleek pottery and the much loved range of Waterford Crystal.

The Holiday Sale is exclusive to all online purchases on blarney.com and is the perfect all-in-one online store to make the Christmas shopping experience a whole lot easier. Browse through the extensive range of hand-knit Aran sweaters and exclusive range of Blarney Originals knitwear collection including stylish snood-style hooded sweaters and the more classic cowl neck Aran sweater. All Blarney Originals are produced with 100% Merino wool and are sure to become a firm favourite in your winter wardrobe.

The Tara Brooch - An iconic piece of early Christian Celtic jewelry

Ancient Irish Celtic jewelry and design has always inspired the craftsmen of today with a wealth of discovered artifacts over the years. Probably the most recognizable example of early Christian craftsmanship is the Tara Brooch. The Tara Brooch is an elaborately decorated Celtic brooch, discovered in 1850, which has been dated back to approximately 700 AD and is generally considered to be possibly the foremost example of this era of over 50 elaborate Irish brooches to have been discovered. It was found in 1850 and rapidly recognized as one of the most important works of early Christian Irish Insular art; it is now displayed in the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin.

This early Christian pseudo-penannular brooch is approximately seven inches in length and is made composed of silver-gilt embellished with ornate decoration. It is suggested that the brooch was made from many pieces which were all put together to form the final masterpiece. It was made in many pieces, with much of the decoration on small "trays" or panels which were then fixed into place. When it was found only one panel of decoration was missing, but several more have now disappeared, apparently before 1872, when it entered the collection of the Royal Irish Academy, who later transferred their collection of antiquities to the new National Museum.

The design, the techniques of workmanship (including filigree and inlaying) and the gold, silver, copper, amber and glass are all of high quality, and exemplify the advanced state of the Irish goldsmith trade during the course of the seventh century. The brooch has a pseudo-penannular form. Like most brooches of the period, it contains neither Christian nor pagan religious motifs, and was made for a wealthy patron, almost certainly male, who wanted a personal expression of status. It is probably the most spectacular, and one of the best preserved, of several dozen high-status brooches found throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland, but more commonly in Ireland. Although similar in style, each has a completely individual design in detail. Precious metals are used, but only semiprecious stones.

The name "Tara Brooch" would infer a direct link with the Hill of Tara, which was historically the seat for the High Kings of Ireland, however, the Tara Brooch has no discernible connection with the Hill of Tara or in fact the Hugh Kings of Ireland. The brooch, following its discovering on a beach in County Meath back in 1850, was given the title "Tara Brooch" as a way of creating a link with the majesty of High Kings of Ireland. The exact meaning and history of this Celtic jewelry ornament is still not fully understood. 

The emergence of Celtic revival jewelry in the late 19th century saw the Tara Brooch used as an inspiration to replicas and imitations. During the 1870's, the brooch passed into the possession of the National Museum of Ireland.

The Tara Brooch design and mystic continues to the design of Celtic jewelry to this day, with many modern stylists using this now popular Irish symbol within the designs of Celtic pendants, personalized Celtic jewelry and unique Irish gifts. The brooch became a popular piece of Celtic Jewelry that was worn by both men and women due to the practical purpose they fulfilled in fastening caps, cloaks and other clothing.

St. Brigid's legacy in Celtic craftsmanship and design

St Brigid is a revered and fondly thought of figure in Irish history and Christian mythology. Her influence has even crossed into the realms of Celtic jewelry design and appearance such as Celtic pendants and Celtic Cross jewelry.

Also referred to as “Mary of the Gael”, St. Brigid is patroness of Ireland and also founder of the first Irish monastery in Kildare. Born in Dundalk in 450 A.D, St Brigid is closely associated with the creation of a truly unique ornamental cross that has since been named after her. This unique Irish cross is typically constructed from rushes but it is also not uncommon for it to be made from straw.

The mystical power of St Brigid’s Cross, woven rushes, is its power to repel evil, fire and hunger from the homes in which it is displayed. The exact details of the cross' creation are unclear with no definitive explanation of just how it came into being.

The tale as we know it is revolves around an old pagan Irish Chieftain who lay delirious on his deathbed in Kildare; it is rumoured that he was in fact the father of St. Brigid. Brigid was summed to his beside in the hope that the saintly woman could intervene and cure the Chieftain from certain death. 

Brigid is said to have sat at his bedside, consoling and calming him and it is here that she picked up the rushes from the floor and began weaving them into the distinctive cross pattern. Whilst she weaved, she explained the meaning of the cross to the sick Chieftain and it is thought her calming words brought peace to his soul, and that he was so enamoured by her words that the old Chieftain requested he was baptised as a Christian just before his passing.

Ever since that fateful day and for countless generations that followed, it has been customary on the eve of her Feat Day (1st February) for Irish people to fashion a St Brigid Cross of straw or rushes and place it inside the house over the door. Many Irish people used to send the rush cross to their family and friends overseas as traditional Irish gifts to remind them of the Emerald Isle and help keep them safe from danger and misfortune.

This rush cross, which has since been commonly referred to as St Brigid’s emblem, has been used in Irish designs throughout history, with many modern stylists using this now popular Irish symbol within the designs of Celtic jewelry and unique gifts from Ireland.

Irish Aran Knitwear to warm during the autumn and winter months

The long summer evenings may be drawing to a close with the first signs of autumns creeping up on us but there's no sign of despondency at Blarney Woollen Mills as we welcome a fabulous new range of tweed and aran sweaters as well as cosy cashmere accessories. A new range of authentic Irish sweaters with cosy scarf's, beanies, cardigans and sweaters forming part of an exclusive Blarney Originals collection.

The new Autumn/Winter range of aran sweaters have been knitted with 100% Merino Wool giving a luxuriously feel which is sure to give the wearer good longevity. This range of aran sweaters and accessories are expertly detailed with traditional celtic and aran patterns which have created the rich history of the aran sweater. These garments are a combination of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary chic style making perfect Irish gifts for those who may be seeking aran sweaters for women or men in the lead up to Thanksgiving and Christmas.

There is also a fantastic new range of Cashmere accessories to ensure that you are looking your best during the autmun and winter months. Luxury pure cashmere in matching scarf, hat and gloves are sure to catch the eye while keeping you nice and warm during those cooler winter months. These garments are rib-knit for added texture, offering exquisite comfort and style for both men and women.

Be sure to check out the full range of the exclusive Blarney Originals collection and all new arrivals at Blarney Woollen Mills.

New Arrivals: Stylish Range of Fisherman Irish Knitwear

We may be in the midst of summer, enjoying those long bright and balmy evenings, but it is the perfect chance to browse through the Blarney Woollen Mills range of Irish fishermen sweaters and sweaters for women and men. A stylish new range of fishermen knitewear has arrived at Blarney.com which will ensure that you will be looking your best during the autumn and winter months.

The range of new arrivals at Blarney Woollen Mills inlcudes knitwear fusing time honoured craftsmanship with contemporary style. Recent arrivals include cable knit scarf, Herringbone coat for women, seed stitch cardigans, Raglan crewneck sweaters for men and a stylish combination of Fishermen ribbed hat and scarf.

Cable knit scarf

The Cable knit scarf is a warm and very fashionable accessory eminating from the "Fisherman Out of Ireland" range. This scarf fuses time honoured craftsmanship with a contemporary style which is ideal to go with any type of coat or jacket.

 

Fisherman Herringbone Coat

As one of the signature coats from the 'Fisherman Out of Ireland' range, this Fisherman Herringbone coat is an exemplary example of the time-honoured Irish craftsmanship producing a truly stunning and stylish coat for women. Woven with 100% new wool in a traditional Herringbone design and features panels of earthy tones inspired by the rugged landscape of County Donegal.

Fisherman Seed Stitch Cardigan

The Fisherman Seed Stitch Cardigan is a well known favourite of the 'Fisherman Out of Ireland' range which fuses the time honoured craftsmanship perfected in Ireland throughout the centuries with unique contemporary style. This Fisherman cardigan has been expertly knit with a traditional seed stitch throughout in a rich stylish blend of wool and cashmere.

Fisherman Raglan Crewneck Sweater

This Fisherman Raglan crewneck sweater from 'Fisherman Out of Ireland' has a laidback raglan-sleeve design with rib-knit cuffs and hem for a neat, comfortable fit. Inspired by the rugged landscape of Donegal, it has been knit with 100% Donegal fleck New Wool in neutral/grey yarns.

 

Fisherman Ribbed Hat & Scarf

A stylish Irish gift for to keep him warm during the autmun and winter months. This Fisherman ribbed hat and scarf accessory set from the 'Fisherman Out of Ireland' range. The ribbed beanie hat and matching scarf are handcrafted from 100% Merino wool with subtle brand detailing.

Blarney.com also has a range of warm and stylish aran sweaters and Irish sweaters which are sure to appeal to those seeking stylish handcrafted knitwear with a nod to ancient Ireland.

A glimpse at the magic qualities of authentic Irish Crystal

Ireland has always boasted a long and illustrious history of craftsmanship in glass and crystal making. The origins of this great craftsmanship can be traced back to the early Celts who put their artistic talents to good use by integrating the pure white sands from the shore's of Ireland to produce beautiful glass beads and Celtic jewelry.  Over the passage of time, Ireland’s skilled craftsmen spawned a thriving hand-blown lead crystal industry throughout the country, which is still renowned across the world due to its quality and distinctive Celtic splendour.

Two of the more recognised manufacturers of Irish Crystal are Waterford and Galway Crystal. Waterford Crystal was established in the southern Irish town of Waterford in the late 18th Century.  The manufacturers in Waterford introduced stylish and intricate designs and patterns to its stemware that soon became synonymous across the globe for its exquisite crystal glasses and crystal gifts.

Irish Crystal at its very best, the Waterford Crystal Collection is known for its quality and beautiful glassware such as crystal wine glasses and waterford crystal decanters. The range of products  as well as its home accessories such as Waterford Crystal vases, crystal clocks and crystal picture frames.

Our collections include Lismore (the most famous of the Waterford Crystal patterns), Marquis, Fleurology, Colleen, Clarendon, Irish Lace and Pineapple.

There is always something mystic and magical about authentic Irish Crystal. Whatever design or piece you may be looking for, a piece from any of the Waterford Crystal collections makes the ideal traditional Irish gift and is a well-received Irish wedding gift that will be treasured forever.

The rich cultural history of Celtic Jewelry

It was around 500 B.C. that the Celtic cultural revolution took hold with the Celtic language and culture becoming prominent. The cultural style was very much influenced by La Tène, after an area of Switzerland where artifacts reflecting La Tène style were first found. La Tène artwork is commonly defined by curves and spirals; with geometric or abstract symbols, such as the triple spiral design, being prominent ornamentation.

Due to their intricate craftsmanship, many of these metal Celtic jewelry pieces have been discovered in good condition from that time period. A familiar item that has often been found is the Torc which are believed to be a symbol of status. Since Celtic jewelry is both decorative and made of precious metals, most jewelry discovered in the various archaeological sites throughout Ireland is considered to be decorative rather than practical.

It was also around the same time period that Celtic culture found its way into Ireland, the Irish Iron Age took hold, combining the new Celtic culture with the old Irish culture. While iron was used for tools, jewelry and other pieces were made from the visually exquisite and long-lasting bronze and gold.

Around 600 A.D., Christianity began to surface in Ireland. Religious beliefs mixed with Celtic and Irish art, producing a new style known as Insular art. Insular Art is famous for its illuminated manuscripts, the Book of Kells being the more renowned example. Insular art maintained the geometric, interlaced style that was present in La Tène art.

Many brooches were made during this time period. The Tara Brooch is particularly impressive, made of silver-gilt and decorated with filigree and interlace design. This style is repeated throughout Celtic jewelry. Irish metalworkers also created the Ardagh Chalice around this time, and it remains one of the most impressive Celtic creations, intricately decorated with the interlace typical of Celtic Irish art. While jewelry remained a status symbol, it was often infused with Christian elements, such as the apostles' names on the Ardagh Chalice, giving special prestige and meaning to some pieces.

Another offshoot of the Christian influence was the proliferation of Celtic crosses, which were particularly common around the ninth century. The Cross of Cong is an example of the excellent goldsmithing skills of Celtic artists. The Cross of Cong had high religious value when it was created, as it was initially made to hold a piece of the cross the Irish believed Christ was crucified on.

Celtic influence is still very strong in Irish jewelry today and is often a a great idea for Irish gifts and particularly traditional Irish gifts. The iconic Celtic Cross is a common theme, though historians and researchers can only speculate upon the meaning of the ring at the intersection. Celtic knot jewelry are also a familiar symbol, used today to honour Irish and Celtic jewelry tradition. Through modern Celtic jewelry, the masterful metalworkers of the past live on, in particular, Celtic rings and Celtic wedding bands.