We proudly showcase Irish made products in our small island shop.
Our own range of Celts designs were drawn on the island by my brother and are printed in Galway on natural, organic, ringspun cotton that has been sustainably certified.
Tell us about your retail business.
At Lia Árann, we care about the environment and our local community. We exclusively stock Irish made products from other small businesses like ourselves, which have a minimal impact on the planet.
We do this by ensuring the makers who supply our little shop are using ingredients and materials that do not negatively impact our planet.
Our T-shirts and hooded sweatshirts are printed on natural, organic, ringspun cotton that has been sustainably certified. Our prints are produced on recycled paper that has been FSC certified.
All our packaging is is made from recycled and/or biodegradable materials. We print everything in Ireland from local printers – The hoodies and T-shirts in Galway and the art prints right here on the island.
I have met the majority of the makers that I showcase in our shop, and have a few more to visit yet!
When did you first open?
My parents opened the doors in 1995
How did your retail journey begin?
I took over the shop from my parents in 2021 and having studied Sustainability in Enterprise at UCC, I implemented a lot of these strategies into the shop, ensuring that we are as sustainable and healthy for our planet as we can be while supplying quality products to our customers.
What kind of products or makers do you stock?
We are a gift shop for tourists so we look for small gifts that can be taken away in a pocket or a backpack, we stock items which can gifts for our customers and their friends/family. Plus sell cards, Resin boards, handmade watches, candles, cosmetics, jewellery and more!
How do you choose the makers and products.
I travel to other craft fairs and always try to meet the makers of items I think would sell well in my small island shop
Why is supporting Irish makers important to your business?
I’ve always had a love for our planet and for quality, handmade goods. I combined these two interests of mine to exclusively seek out products that are made in Ireland by other small businesses.
Being in a touristy area, there are many stores selling the same trinkets to visitors. We want to be different and ensure no other shop on the island stocks what we stock.
How would you describe your store’s identity
Lia Árann is a family-run craft shop on Inis Mór in the Aran Islands, featuring original Celtic-inspired designs and handmade Irish products.
Rooted in local heritage, it champions sustainable, eco-friendly materials and supports Irish makers, offering unique T-shirts, prints, jewellery and gifts inspired by Celtic culture.
What do your customers love most about your in-store/online experience?
Our customers love the uniqueness of our products and the story we tell for each of the 31 Celtic designs we have.
What would you say to anyone thinking of becoming a Made Local Retailer?
Do it!
The more small shops on board, the better for our planet . This way we support our local economy and continuously encourage creatives to make products that align with our vision.
By supporting local artists, one can also ensure that the products on your shelves are made in Ireland by other small businesses. We all give one another a helping hand and in doing so, build a more resilient community.
What is your most memorable moment or product you had with your shop
Our own Celtic Woman Warrior is definitely our most memorable product.
Telling the story to customers about the ferocity and gentleness of Women in Celtic Ireland always resonates.
I have had women write to me from the USA thanking me for empowering them by enabling them to wear a warrior that means something to them
