Knit and Crochet in the West of Ireland
This fantastic knitting & crochet holiday includes expert-led workshops, as well as the discovery of stunning scenery and traditional crafts on Ireland’s west coast. Explore the charming city of Galway and visit the Leenane Sheep and Wool Centre, amidst the Connemara landscape. Knitting schools were established across Ireland in the 1600's, cementing the craft as a key part of Irish life. It later became a huge source of income for many people, thanks to an abundance of wool, and the distinctive design of Aran sweaters became a symbol of Ireland. A full day excursion takes us to the smallest of the Aran islands, providing a chance to learn about Aran knitting - the Inis Oírr way.
Your Tour Includes
- Return flights from London Heathrow to Shannon with 1 piece of hold luggage
- 5 nights in 4-star accommodation on a half board basis and 1 lunch
- Expert-led knitting and crochet workshops with Anna (2023) and Carol (2024)
- Entrance fees and excursions
- The services of an experienced Arena Travel Tour Manager
Anna Nikipirowicz
Anna is a crochet and knit designer, tutor and author of several crochet books. Her designs are regularly featured in craft magazines such as Inside Crochet and she also is a regular on Yarn Lane TV where she shares her designs and techniques. She works closely with West Yorkshire Spinners, LoveCrafts and other yarn brands.
Anna attributes her love of knitting and crochet to her very talented mother whose stranded colourwork jumpers and hats were legendary. Even though she admits herself she really didn’t appreciate the skills in her childhood.
She is an experienced tutor who started her knit and crochet career as a Rowan Design Consultant. She teaches regularly at John Lewis Partnership and independent yarns stores, and also virtually. Anna constantly explores new techniques and incorporates them in her classes. Confidence and skill-building is very important to her, she wants everyone who takes her class to learn something new and leave with feeling self-assured that they have unlocked their creative potential with new skills.
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.
Itinerary
To use our NEW itinerary, simply click a day below and a detailed overview will appear.
Overview
Arrive at London Heathrow airport and meet your expert and tour manager before departing on a morning flight to Shannon. We'll visit the stunning Cliffs of Moher on route to the hotel.
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Overview
This morning's excursion takes us to Galway where we will 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 will return to the hotel this afternoon for the first workshop.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Overview
We will travel to Ros a Mhil and catch the ferry to Inis OÃrr this morning. It is the smallest of the Aran islands, renowned for their preservation of the traditional ways of life. After a wandering wagon tour of the island, we will meet with local knitters to create and knit your own Aran design inspired by the Inis OÃrr landscape.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Lunch
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Overview
Today we enjoy a full day workshop at the hotel with our expert.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Overview
Beyond Galway lies the cultural region of Connemara. Here we will 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.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Overview
We enjoy our final workshop with our expert at the hotel this morning. In the afternoon, we transfer to Shannon airport for our return flight to London Heathrow.
Includes Breakfast
Included Highlights
Tour Notes: You will need to have a reasonable level of fitness to get the most out of this holiday. On excursion days you will need to walk a short distance from the hotel to the coach and you should be able to board the coach unaided. On arrival at the excursion destination, you should be able to alight the coach unaided and there may be a walk between the coach drop off point and the excursion venue. By their nature, walking tours, museum visits etc involve being on your feet for a significant amount of time. Whilst our excursions are taken at a leisurely pace, for the enjoyment of everyone in the group you should be able to keep up with your fellow travellers.
Created for Crocheters
Uniquely crafted for lovers of crochet, this Stitchtopia crochet holiday is the ideal opportunity to meet like-minded crafters and indulge in your favourite hobby. Our talented crochet expert will be on hand throughout the holiday and host inspirational workshops with a beautifully designed project to spark your creativity.
Accommodation
You will stay for five nights at the Galway Bay Hotel.
Galway Bay Hotel
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. 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.
Hotel Facilities
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General
- 4 Star
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Indoor Swimming Pool
- Sauna or Steam Room
Room
- TV
- Tea and Coffee Making Facilities
- Hairdryer
- Free Wifi
- Iron or Trouser Press
Service
- Gym
Hotel
- Swimming Pool
- Bar
- Restaurant
- WiFi Available
