Shane McGlynn and Sabrina Kevany – he in banking and she in advertising – were dreaming of change when they went surfing one weekend in the west of Ireland. In what sounds like an enviable eureka moment, they came across some alpaca wool, one of the finest, softest fibres in the world, and decided to spin a new career for themselves. The pair, since married, now have their own brand of alpaca-soft scarves, throws and blankets.
At the height of their change-of-career-fever, they thought they might even breed alpacas, but having calmed down, they now source their wool from two mills in southern Peru, where the blanketing is made to the McGlynns’ specifications. They started their business online (simplethings.ie), but they’ve also been picked up by high-end retailers, including Brown Thomas (in the Bottom Drawer departments in Dublin, Limerick and Cork) and Liberty of London, among others. The blankets can also be found at Millars in Clifden, a real stamp of approval.
Prices start at €185 and you’ll see the full range at simplethings.ie. They offer colourful, cheerful warmth for us all as we keep the central heating way down low.
