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Home>Craft Holidays>Knitting and Crochet in the West of Ireland

Knitting and Crochet in the West of Ireland

26 June 2022

Join us for a relaxing break in the charming city of Galway with friendly workshops hosted by Carol Meldrum. Days out explore the rugged Connemara countryside and visit the island of Inis Oírr, home to the traditional style of Aran knitting.

Enjoy inspirational knitting and crochet workshops with expert Carol Meldrum
Visit the stunning Cliffs of Moher
Enjoy a guided walking tour of Galway and visit Galway’s largest yarn store
Spend a full day on the smallest Aran Island and learn traditional knitting techniques from locals
Visit the historic Kylemore Abbey in scenic Connemara
Discover the history of sheep farming at Leenane Sheep and Wool Centre

Knit and Crochet in the West of Ireland

On this superb 6-day knitting & crochet holiday you'll enjoy workshops led by Carol Meldrum and discover the stunning scenery, spirit and traditional crafts of the west coast of Ireland. Included excursions give you a chance to explore the charming city of Galway and visit the Leenane Sheep and Wool Centre amidst the rugged Connemara landscape.

Knitting has been a part of Irish life since the 1600's when knitting schools were established across the country. During the 18th century knitting became a source of income for many households thanks to an abundance of wool. Aran sweaters with their distinctive design are a symbol of Ireland. A full day excursion to the smallest of the Aran islands is a chance to learn about Aran knitting - the Inis Oírr way.

DAY 1: London - Shannon
Meet Carol Meldrum and your tour manager at London Heathrow airport for your morning flight to Shannon. We'll visit the stunning Cliffs of Moher en route to the hotel.
DAY 2: Galway
This morning's excursion takes us to Galway where we'll visit Knitwits, Galway's largest yarn store, and enjoy a guided walking tour through the historic winding streets of this colourful and cultural city. We’ll return to the hotel this afternoon, for the first workshop.
DAY 3: Inis Oírr
This morning we'll travel to Ros a Mhil to catch the ferry to Inis Oírr, the smallest of the Aran islands, which are renowned for their preservation of the traditional ways of life. After a wandering wagon tour of the island we'll meet with local knitters to create and knit your own Aran design inspired by the Inis Oírr landscape. Lunch is included today.
DAY 4: Galway
Today we enjoy a full day workshop at the hotel with our Carol Meldrum.
DAY 5: Connemara
Beyond Galway lies the cultural region of Connemara. Here we'll visit Kylemore Abbey and the Leenane Sheep and Wool Centre for an insight into the importance of textiles to Connemara's past. Discover the history of sheep farming and learn about the methods of spinning and weaving as you see wheels and looms dating back to the turn of the last century.
DAY 6: Shannon - London
This morning we’ll enjoy our final workshop with our expert at the hotel. This afternoon we transfer to Shannon airport for our return flight to London Heathrow.

Included in our package:

Return flights from London Heathrow to Shannon with 1 piece of hold luggage
Airport transfers
5 nights in 4* accommodation on a half board basis
Coach travel as described in the itinerary including driver tips
Entrance to the cliffs of Moher
Walking tour of Galway
Full day excursion to Inis Oírr with workshop with local knitters (lunch included)
Visit to Kylemore Abbey and Leenane Sheep and Wool Centre in scenic Connemara
4 half day knitting workshops with Carol Meldrum
The services of an experienced tour manager throughout

Carol Meldrum

Carol Meldrum is a textile designer, workshop tutor and author of many popular knitting and crochet titles. She is also the creative force behind the fashion accessories label Beatknit. She has worked within the textile industry as a designer for many High Street fashion outlets as well as internationally renowned hand knit label Rowan. Carol is also a successful workshop tutor teaching all aspects of knit and crochet on an informal basis to both groups and individuals.

Fly from London Heathrow

Return flights from London Heathrow are included in our package on our specific arrival and departure dates plus one item of checked in luggage, per person.

Transfers will also be included on our specific arrival and departure dates to take you to your holiday destination. If you choose to arrive or depart on a different day, there may be an additional supplement charged to cover your transfer costs.

Meet us at our hotel

If you would like to make your own travel arrangements, you can meet us at our hotel. This package will not include flights or transfers. Please contact our friendly Holiday Advisors who will be happy to help, assist with travel information and advise you of our ‘meet us there’ holiday discounts.

Dates:

6th June 2022: 6 days

Prices:

All prices listed below are per person.

Twin/double share room: from £1675
Double room for sole use: from £1925
Non-crafter discount: £50
Deposit: £175

Our 'Stitch Together' Programme

Our ‘Stitch Together' Programme helps our guests with the costs of a single occupancy room. If you are a single traveller but would be willing to share a room with a fellow crafter, please let us know and we will get in touch if anyone else joins the programme for the same tour.

Overview

This 4-star hotel is set on the shores of Galway Bay, one of Ireland’s most scenic locations. With beautiful views over the Bay and Clare Hills, this award-winning hotel is also just 5 minutes from Galway City.

Hotel Facilities & Amenities

Guests can enjoy the hotel’s swimming pool, massage fountain and the leisure centre, which features a fully equipped modern gym and sauna. Health and beauty treatments are also available.

Full Irish breakfasts are served each morning, and the AA Rosette Bay Brasserie serves modern Irish cuisine with fresh fish and local produce.

Room Facilities & Amenities

Classic Rooms

Available as a twin share or for sole use, classic rooms offer easy comfort, timeless style and warm bright décor. All classic rooms have V1 spring beds that are designed to give a sleep experience unlike any other.

All rooms are equipped with the following: