Discover the Aran Islands, Donegal and its Textile Heritage;
Explore the Famous Causeway Coast & Embrace Ireland with an Authentic Knitting Tour!
Tour Departures:
4th April 2020
11th July 2020
12th September 2020
We will start with a sightseeing tour of Dublin City. This tour will take in the knitting heritage of the Aran Islands off the west coast of Ireland with a knitting workshop by Una McDonagh. The tour continues along the historic Causeway Coast where you can immerse yourself in learning about the knitting and craft heritage of Northern Ireland. Your tour includes a visit to Studio Donegal, a hand-weaving and clothing manufacturing business, the amazing Slieve League Cliffs, Glencolmcille Folk Village, workshops with Irish Knitwear Designer Edel MacBride and much more.
Price
€ 2999 pp Single Supp - €679
Prices are subject to change
What’s Included?
- Transfers on arrival and departure by private coach (for arrivals prior to 11 am on tour start day)
- Sightseeing as per itinerary in a luxury coach with an experienced driver and accredited guide
- Accommodation in rooms with private facilities for 9 nights
- Irish breakfast daily / 5 Dinners/ Lunches
- 1 Farewell Dinner
- Entrance to the following attractions: Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, Slieve League Cliffs, Dún Aonghasa
- Return ferry to Inis Mór, Aran Islands
- Inis Mór Guided Tour
- Mourne Alpaca Farm Visit
- Belleek Pottery Factory Tour
- Studio Donegal Weaving Demonstration
- Spinning & Tapestry Workshop with Aine Dunne
- Knitting Workshop with Edel MacBride from Kentfield
- Knitting Workshop with Ciara Ní Reachtnín
- Knitting Workshop with Lisa Sisk from This is Knit
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 Dublin Sightseeing
Begin your tour with a transfer to your hotel, at 1 pm meet at the Hotel reception and begin your day with a panoramic tour of Dublin City and immerse yourself in its heritage and history. Visit the Constant Knitter where you will enjoy a craft demonstration from a local craftsperson on their craft topic. Overnight in Dublin, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast included.
Day 2: This is Knit Workshop & Guinness Storehouse
Today starts with a ‘Moebius Knitting’ workshop following the ‘Glenties Cowl’ pattern by Lisa from “This is Knit”. After this, you will continue on a panoramic tour of Dublin and stop off for a guided tour of Dublin’s Guinness Storehouse in the heart of the iconic St Jame’s Gate Brewery home of Guinness since 1759. Overnight in Dublin, Bed & Breakfast included
Day 3: Travel to Aran Islands & Tullamore D.E.W.
The first stop this morning after breakfast is the well-known Irish whiskey distillery Tullamore D.E.W. Heritage Centre. Next, we continue on to Galway to board a ferry to the Aran Islands (Inis Mór) where on arrival learn about island life and after dinner, you get to enjoy a traditional Irish dancing lesson. Overnight on Inis Mór (Inishmore), Dinner, Bed & Breakfast included.
Day 4: Another Day & Night on Inis Mór!
The day begins with a knitting workshop where you will learn the Traditional Methods and Stitches the Aran Island way. Then you will get to enjoy a locally guided tour of Inis Mór and visit the impressive fort of Dún Aonghasa.
Also, there will be a chance to visit local knitwear shops on the island. Overnight on Inis Mór (Inishmore), Dinner, Bed & Breakfast included.
Day 5: Museum of Country Life & Knitting Workshop
After breakfast, catch an early ferry back to the mainland where you will continue through the rugged Connemara countryside to the Museum of Country Life. After lunch (included), enjoy a knitting workshop with Ciara Ní Reachtnín where you will learn the Shawl pattern one of Ciara’s own Celtic Mythology Designs along with other techniques. Overnight in Sligo, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast.
Day 6: Travel to Donegal
Today the first place you will visit will be Studio Donegal, a hand-weaving and clothing manufacturing business committed to preserving and promoting traditional Irish hand-weaving. Next it’s on to picturesque Slieve League Cliffs and Glemcolmcille Folk Village where you will take a tour and enjoy views of Glen Bay beach. Overnight in Donegal, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Included.
Day 7: Edel MacBride Workshop & Free time in Donegal
The highlight of today is a workshop with one of Ireland's finest knitwear designers Edel MacBride. Workshop includes a yarn pack, working the best of Irish moss, cable and Edel's favourite Aran stitches. Overnight in Donegal, Bed & Breakfast Included.
Day 8: The Causeway Coast
The Causeway Coast is rated as one of the top five road trips worldwide and when you experience it you will see why! The road meanders around the coastline between stunning sea views and high cliffs. On your journey, you will visit the remains of Dunluce Castle before creating long-lasting memories by visiting the Giants Causeway. Overnight in Belfast, Bed & Breakfast included.
Day 9: Belfast Sightseeing & Titanic Belfast
Once you have finished your breakfast you can look forward to a panoramic tour of Belfast and visit Titanic Belfast, one of Belfast’s most popular museums, built on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard where the Titanic was originally constructed. Time permitting you will get a chance to visit Mourne Alpaca Farm outside Belfast. Overnight in Belfast, Bed & Breakfast included.
Day 10: Thomas Ferguson Linen & Tapestry Workshop
Linen was an important industry in the North of Ireland. Today we will learn more about the industry by taking the Thomas Ferguson Linen Factory tour. This guided tour of the factory, you will witness first hand all elements of Linen production. Next stop at Aine Dunne a local tapestry artist for a Spinning & Tapestry Workshop. Overnight in Dublin, Bed & Breakfast included.