6 Night Ireland Heart of Ireland Fibre, Knitting & Wellness Retreat with Midlands Fibre Festival

Few experiences bring Ireland’s knitting heritage to life quite like spending a day learning with renowned knitwear designer and hand knitter Jean Long. In an exclusive workshop created especially for our guests, you’ll explore the story, structure and techniques behind traditional Aran knitting before turning your attention to the fascinating Geansaí Chléire — the Cape Clear Gansey. Jean’s passion for Irish knitting traditions makes this much more than a knitting class; it is an opportunity to discover the stories and skills woven into Ireland’s textile heritage, directly from someone who has dedicated years to preserving and sharing them.

The Cape Clear Gansey is particularly special. The historic garment that inspired Jean’s work was discovered in an attic on Cape Clear and is believed to have been knitted by local woman Catherine Cadogan around 120 years ago. Its unusual construction and distinctive design sparked considerable interest among Irish knitters and historians, and Jean has helped bring this remarkable piece of island knitting back into the spotlight. You’ll have the rare chance to explore this story and learn the techniques behind it yourself — creating a lasting connection between your own knitting and a fascinating piece of Ireland’s textile past.

Imagine a whole day surrounded by glorious yarn, colour and creativity, with some of Ireland’s most passionate independent makers all under one roof. That’s the experience awaiting you at the Irish Midlands Fibre Festival, where our guests enjoy VIP access to this exciting celebration of Ireland’s contemporary fibre community. Browse beautiful yarns, meet independent dyers and designers, discover talented makers and talk all things fibre with fellow knitters who share your passion.

And there’s something especially lovely about experiencing a festival like this from the inside: it’s not simply about finding the perfect skein (although we suspect you’ll find plenty!). The festival has been created to bring Ireland’s fibre community together and to champion independent Irish makers, local wool and the skills behind the finished product. The festival features exhibitors, demos and workshops with everything from yarn and dyeing to weaving, spinning, embroidery and other fibre crafts. Take your time, discover new favourites, swap stories and inspiration, and enjoy that irresistible feeling of being surrounded by people who understand exactly why one more skein is never quite enough!