Waterford knitwear business takes top fashion prize piece
The team from Irish Country Magazine at the Irish Country Magazine Irish Made Awards 2026, which was proudly supported by Circle Club. The awards took place at The Johnstown Estate, Enfield, Co Meath on Wednesday. Photo: Philip Doyle
A Co Waterford business has taken home a national fashion award after coming out on top at the 2026 Irish Made Awards.
Urban Aran Knitwear was named winner of the Fashion category at this year's awards, which celebrated their tenth anniversary with a ceremony at The Johnstown Estate in Co Meath.
The Irish Made Awards, organised by Irish Country Magazine, recognise Irish makers, craftspeople, designers and businesses working across sectors including fashion, jewellery, food and beauty.
More than 250 entries were submitted for this year's awards, with a judging panel narrowing the field to 121 finalists before thousands of votes were cast by members of the public.
Urban Aran Knitwear ultimately emerged as the winner in the Fashion category, putting Waterford among a number of counties represented on the winners' list.
The ceremony was hosted by broadcaster Muireann O'Connell, with more than 250 finalists, judges and sponsors attending the event.
Kilkenny-based Nicholas Mosse Pottery was the night's overall winner, also taking home the award in the Gift category.
The family business, which has been operating for 50 years, produces its pottery from a converted mill outside Bennettsbridge.
This year's ceremony also saw the introduction of a new Rising Star Award, which was won by Maya Grisham, while Kilkenny's Jerpoint Glass received the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of more than four decades of glassblowing.
Niamh Devereux, Acting Editor of Irish Country Magazine, told those attending that supporting Irish creativity and craftsmanship had become increasingly important.
"With AI creeping into so many elements of our lives, it is more important than ever before to champion human creativity and originality, and to preserve our craft and heritage," she said.
She said the stories behind Irish businesses, from family enterprises passed between generations to designers pursuing childhood ambitions, were central to what made them distinctive.
"Your story is your power; keep on telling it loud and proud," she added.
Businesses from Waterford, Kilkenny, Kerry, Dublin, Galway, Clare, Wexford, Tipperary, Meath, Mayo and Longford were among those to receive awards at this year's event.
