Layer-up! It’s Time to Get Out Into the Wild, Cold (But Beautiful) Great Outdoors!

Firstly, don’t be too tough on yourself. Rest assured that most of us feel a little low and a little less than enthusiastic about exercise after the cheeriness of the Christmas and New Year’s festivities come to an abrupt close.

Secondly, when it’s cold outside it goes without saying that extra layers of warmth are required if you’re even going to contemplate some outdoor activity – this is where Aran sweaters can come in very handy. And, if you do need to ‘layer-up’, what better way to do it than with a super-chic edge.

When your soft-to-the-touch merino gloves are elegantly protecting your fingers from the cold chill, when your cute Blarney Aran Originals beanie, or your traditional Mucros Weavers ‘newsboy’ hat is giving your outfit that added sense of character and style flair, we guarantee that you’ll feel a whole lot more positive in your attitude towards braving the cold!

Move over unflattering and unloved woollies – there’s a wealth of fabulously warm and beautifully stylish clothing and accessories out there ready to take your place!- – – – – – – – –

In short, clothing and accessories that are brimming with style are sure to boost your flagging morale when it comes to getting outdoors and maintaining fitness.

So, to help get you in the mood for fresh air and to help make the cool, crisp outdoors become a more attractive destination, we’ve selected our ‘top picks’ in terms of cosy outdoor layers.We promise that the stark yet striking beauty of wintertime nature coupled with the dramatic luminosity of gorgeous winter daylight, will make that little bit of effort completely worth your while.

Remember, it won’t be long before spring shows up and envelopes us in green shoots and daffodils – an ambience of hope, colour, brightness and general positivity!Until then, here are our Blarney Woollen Mills ‘top picks’ to help provide you with the impetus to get out in to the wild, cold (but beautiful) great outdoors…!

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1. Blarney Country Heritage Ladies’ and Men’s Fair Isle Socks

When you’re about to get cold feet about braving the cold, there’s nothing worse than falling victim to actual cold feet!Don’t make things more difficult than they need to be.

Keep those toes toasty warm in our Blarney Country Heritage traditional wool mix socks.- – – – – – – – –

These wool-rich socks may be named after a pattern associated with a tiny Scottish island, but we guarantee that our Fair Isle socks will cut an immense fashion dash.

On trend and available in four cheerful colourwork patterns, our Blarney Country Heritage socks are the best starting point for any outdoor adventure.>> Choose from beige, orange, green and navy:Browse the women’s collection

Browse the men’s collection

2. Blarney Aran Originals Lace Infinity Scarf

Who says cosy winter woollen accessories can’t be feminine?Embrace your softer side with our Blarney Aran Originals Lace Infinity Scarf.The delicate lace effect stitches and gentle Merino wool used to craft this exquisite infinity scarf, offer a refreshing and elegant alternative to some of the chunky scarf options often associated with winter dressing.

A generous 22” width married with a 60” looped circumference are certain to keep you snug. Plus, with a variety of pretty colours available, including raspberry marl, green and purple marl, there’s plenty of scope to infuse your ‘get outdoors’ attire with a cheery pop of colour.- – – – – – – – –

What’s more, placed close to your face, the delightful colour options will flatter your complexion and compliment your rosy cheeks and healthy glow – that natural glow that you’re sure to achieve once you get motivated to get out and get active in the beautiful great outdoors!See the Blarney Aran Originals Lace Infinity Scarf online at Blarney.com

3. Blarney Aran Originals Unisex Cable Beanie

What could be warmer? What could be softer…?Our collection of Blarney Aran Originals ‘Cable Beanies’ are not just 100% wool, but 100% Merino wool.- – – – – – – – –

For those of you who are not familiar with the nuances of the various wool types used in our collections, Merino wool is renowned for its splendid super-soft finish.

Gentle and soft-to-the-touch, it’s no surprise that Merino has become a popular choice when it comes to our woollen accessories. Merino wool offers that sense of luxury that adds a little dash of pleasure and delight to cold-weather dressing!- – – – – – – – –

Contributing added character and style, the cable stitch featured in this cute beanie offers a distinctly Irish flair. Remember that the cable pattern is the cornerstone of the traditional Irish knit.According to folklore, the cable stitch recalls the fisherman’s rope. What better way to embrace your attachment to your Irish heritage and to recall the beauty of the Irish landscape, than to incorporate a cable pattern in to your winter accessories wardrobe?Keep snug, stay stylish in a generous variety of versatile colour choices: green, natural, burgundy marl, purple marl, raspberry marl and charcoal marl.Browse our beanies and scarves online

4. Róisín Turtle Neck Aran Cape

You see a blast of sunlight breaking through the clouds and you know that it’s now or never for that eternally-postposed brisk winter walk!

In cases like this, the Róisín Turtle Neck Aran Cape is your best friend; your ideal go-to knit.100% soft Merino Wool and featuring a cosy turtleneck to help protect your neck and chest from the cold February chill, the Róisín is warm, effortless and gorgeously stylish.

The contemporary oversized fit and fluid drape will have you reaching for this easy-to-wear Blarney Aran Originals cape time and time again…- – – – – – – – –

Buttoned sides add shape; the iconic front and back cable stitch pattern is given a sublimely chic update, yet still remains true to the rich heritage of Aran knitting traditions.>> 100% Merino Wool>> One size fits all>> Part of the exclusive Blarney Aran Originals range>> Colours: green & beigeSee the Róisín Turtleneck Cape online at Blarney.com

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Remember, a few gentle weekend winter strolls on the beach; a ramble in the hills – revitalised and reinvigorated you’re sure to feel better placed to not only survive the week ahead, but to endure (and hopefully to enjoy!) the final few weeks of winter.