Day 1: Dublin, Trinity College Library, Book of Kells and National Gallery of Ireland
Our knitting tour begins in the lobby of the hotel where we meet with our guide and travelling companions for a tour introduction. Set off for a visit to the historic Trinity College Library and a chance to see the world famous Book of Kells. Enjoy a little free time to wander around Dublin.
This evening, enjoy a talk and meet and greet drinks reception with Vawn Corrigan, Author of Irish Aran, History, Tradition and Fashion, before your welcome 'cast-on' dinner!
Day 2: Moebius Knit and Glenties Cowl Class with This Is Knit and Exclusive Shopping
After breakfast, we visit This is Knit Yarn Store for a workshop with Lisa Sisk on the Moebius Knitting style followed by a workshop on the Glenties Cowl pattern which was designed by Lisa. After your class you will have the opportunity for a private shopping experience at This Is Knit, Dublin's premier yarn and knitting accessories store in the splendour of The Powerscourt Townhouse.
This afternoon is yours to explore Dublin at leisure and make the most of the myriad of bars, bistros, traditional pubs and restaurants.
Today we leave Dublin and head west. We stop at the world's oldest licensed distillery dating back to 1757 in Kilbeggan, County Westmeath. Discover the history and process of making real Irish whiskey and learn how the proud people of Kilbeggan preserve its heritage before trying a drop yourself!
There will be a brief stop in Galway city for lunch (not included) and a chance to explore the lanes and boutiques before we continue to Rossaveal in Galway to board your ferry to Inis Mór, the largest of the three Aran Islands in Galway Bay. Meet with locals on arrival where you will be introduced to Aran life and hear all about the history of Dun Aonghasa before your visit tomorrow. Dinner will be served at your hotel followed by a traditional Irish dancing lesson!
Overnight Inis Mór - Breakfast and Dinner included
Your morning on Inis Mór includes a charming knitting workshop where you will be instructed on traditional methods and stitches associated with the Aran Island way. Tour the island with a local guide and learn about island life through the many different monuments of pre-Christian and Christian history.
Visit the impressive fort of Dún Aonghasa with it’s three terraced walls surrounding an inner enclosure containing a platform on the edge of a 300 ft high cliff. It’s important to note that there’s a sharp incline as you walk to the fort and suitable footwear should be worn. The views from the top are quite breath-taking looking out over the Atlantic Ocean. You will also have the opportunity to visit some local knitwear shops on the island and enjoy a cosy lunch (included) at Teach Nan Pháidí!
Overnight Inis Mór - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Day 5: Stranded and Steeked Fair Isle Workshop and National Museum of Ireland - Country Life!
After breakfast we take the ferry back to the mainland and travel through beautiful Connemara before arriving at the National Museum of Ireland - Country Life! Nestled in the lush grounds of Turlough Park, it is a delightful time capsule of rural Irish life from 1850 to 1950. Wander through four floors of interactive exhibits showcasing everything from handcrafted harvest knots to a life-sized blacksmith’s forge . The museum is set beside a stunning Victorian Gothic mansion, surrounded by award-winning gardens, a picturesque lake, and even a 9th-century round tower . Whether you're into folklore, farming tools, or just fancy a scenic stroll, this free-entry gem offers a fun and fascinating peek into Ireland’s past. The museum is the perfect backdrop for today's knitting class with Pauline Gallagher of 'The Knitting Class!'
Join Pauline in this comprehensive workshop where you will explore the origins of Fair Isle knitting and get to work on a two colour project specially created for the workshop. The project includes traditional features such as stranded knitting in the round, yarn management, how to read a chart and an introduction to steeks. Later you will secure, CUT and finish the steek to complete the project. In the latter part of the workshop, have fun exploring colour choices for multi coloured Fair Isle patterns and learn some tips and tricks for making successful choices. Our final destination of the day will be Sligo to check into your hotel for the night.
Overnight Sligo - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Day 6: Atlantic Sheep Dogs, Belleek Pottery and Hanna Hats of Donegal
Today, we travel towards Donegal on Ireland’s stunning northwest coastline. We stop en route at Atlantic Sheepdogs, nestled between Benbulben Mountain and the Atlantic ocean. Learn how sheepdogs are a key part of Irish farm life and see them at work and at play with the sheep. Stop for lunch (not included) in the Belleek Tearooms before exploring the historic Belleek Pottery museum and gift store.
Continue to Hanna Hats of Donegal who create pieces that have been designed, cut, sewn, pressed, inspected, packaged, and dispatched for almost 100 years in the heart of Donegal town. Spend the rest of the afternoon sightseeing or shopping where you will find many craft shops including Magee Tweed for you to browse.
Day 7: Edel MacBride Aran Knitting Workshop and Studio Donegal
After breakfast one of Ireland’s finest knitwear designers, Edel MacBride, will host an Aran knitting workshop. Participate in a core workshop including yarn pack working the best of Irish moss, cable and Edel’s favourite – Aran stitches.
After the workshop you will enjoy lunch (included) at the hotel before you visit Studio Donegal and see the handweavers at work, using the finest Donegal yarns. Return to your charming locale for a free evening to relax or explore one of the many local pubs and restaurants and perhaps catch some live music – or simply relax and enjoy your spa hotel facilities!
Day 8: Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle and the Beautiful Antrim Coast
Time to take one of the top road trips in the world – the Causeway Coastal Route! The road travails around a narrow strip of coastline with stunning sea views and majestic high cliffs. Our first stop is to visit Dunluce Castle, made up of enchanting ruins perched on a dramatic headland which plunges directly down into the sea. Then on to enjoy lunch at the world famous Bushmills Inn (included).
After which we make our way to the Giant’s Causeway where over 60 million years ago, three great lava flows were laid down, cooling the basalt plateau into interlocking basalt columns. Finally, we arrive at our hotel, right on the stunning Antrim Coast with uninterrupted views across the Irish Sea. Enjoy dinner at your hotel (included).
Overnight Antrim Coast- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.
Today we travel just outside Belfast to visit Mourne Alpacas, a family-managed herd of Alpaca and pedigree angora goats. High quality fleeces are produced and their motto at the farm is “we breed for heat, not for meat”. Enjoy some time with the alpacas, take photos and feel free to ask questions about the fleece. Enjoy a cup of tea and browse through the quality alpaca yarns and some blend yarns on sale at the farm. Yarns in many natural colours of the alpaca and some stunning seasonal colour ranges, created from natural dyes are on display here.
We then venture into vibrant Belfast where we visit the newly renovated Titanic Belfast exhibit, built on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard where the Titanic was originally constructed. We return to beautiful Ballygally Castle to relax before dinner (included).
Overnight Antrim Coast - Breakfast and Dinner included.
Day 10: Spinning & Tapestry Workshop with Áine Dunne
After checkout, we make our way to visit Folklore Yarns with their own collection based on Irish Folklore! We continue our journey down south to Drogheda, stopping for lunch at the wonderful Monasterboice Inn and then on to meet Boyne Valley tapestry weaver and artist, Áine Dunne.
Áine and her team will host a spinning and tapestry workshop where we are introduced to hand spinning sheep’s wool by using a drop spindle. Have a go at weaving a sample piece on a four-sided tapestry frame loom! Return to Dublin for a farewell ‘cast-off’ dinner at your hotel in Dublin.
Overnight in Dublin -Breakfast, Lunch and Farewell Dinner included.
