Founding Story

In the picturesque coastal village of Ballymurn in Wexford, Ireland, a man named Niall Grannell grew up amidst the beauty of the sea and the richness of the land. Born into the 300-year-old Grannell family farm, Niall’s childhood was filled with the joys of farm life, working alongside his uncles in the field’s and caring for the animals. Living off the land, the Grannell family embraced a farm-to-table lifestyle, where the bounty of nature nourished them in every way.

Yet, it was the call of the sea that eventually beckoned Niall. With a rich maritime family history  and his inherent passion for the vast blue expanse, he embarked on a journey as a seafarer, eventually becoming a Captain in the merchant navy. His life took him to the far reaches of the world, where he sailed on a multitude of ships, gaining a deep understanding of the ocean’s relentless power and its impact on the skin.

During his travels, Niall met the love of his life, Barbara Fitzpatrick, hailing from Inis Mor on the Aran Islands. Barbara’s family have a long history on the island as farmers and fishermen, with roots stretching back over five centuries where living off the land and sea was not just a choice but a way of life.

Traditions Married with Passion

Together, Niall and Barbara discovered a shared interest in preserving and nourishing their skin, given their exposure to the harsh elements of both the sea and the farm.

As Niall delved deeper into his passion for skincare, he found that existing products did not align with his values. Determined to create something that reflected his love for the land and sea, he devoted years to studying at nighttime to become an Organic Skincare Formulator.

The history of the Aran Islands further inspired Niall’s vision. He learned about the islanders’ age-old practices of utilizing natural resources, particularly seaweed from the sea and botanicals from the land, that enrich the soil and nurture the earth. The islanders’ knowledge of natural ressources nutrient-rich properties intrigued Niall, and he saw the potential of incorporating these natural wonders into his skincare products.

With a blend of their shared backgrounds in farm life and the history of the Aran Islands, Niall & Barbara founded Alainn Skincare, a brand that would embody their core values: natural, organic, handmade, and inspired by the land and sea of the islands, and honour the traditions of both their families histories.

Building his own lab, Niall meticulously handcrafted and packaged each product, pouring his heart and soul into every creation. With Barbara standing by his side, supporting his vision, the couple embarked on a journey together, bringing Alainn Skincare to life.

Their product line honored the age-old practices of the islanders, drawing from the bounties of the land and sea to create nourishing, organic skincare formulations. Alainn Seaweed Skincare rapidly gained a reputation for its commitment to sustainability, using natural ingredients sourced responsibly from the island’s surroundings.

As word spread about the extraordinary efficacy of Alainn Seaweed Skincare, more and more people turned to Niall and Barbara’s products, finding solace in the union of traditional wisdom and modern organic skincare. The brand not only elevated the skincare routine of its customers but also carried forward the history and heritage of the Aran Islands, making it a symbol of sustainable beauty inspired by the natural wonders of Ireland’s coast and countryside.