Knitting in the West of Ireland
On this superb knitting holiday, enjoy workshops led by our expert Julie Dubreux and discover the stunning scenery and traditional crafts found on the west coast of Ireland. Excursions include the charming city of Galway as well as Kylemore Abbey and Leenane Sheep and Wool Centre, both nestled in the midst of Connemara's rugged landscape. Knitting has been a part of Irish life since the 1600s, when knitting schools were established across the country. Thanks to an abundance of wool, it became a source of income for many households during the 18th century. With their distinctive design, Aran sweaters are a symbol of Ireland and our full day excursion to the smallest of the Aran islands is 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 (with flight package)
- 5 nights' half board accommodation
- Airport transfers (with flight package)
- 4 half day knitting workshops with our expert, kit included
- Excursions and entrance fees as described in the itinerary
- Services of an experienced Tour manager
Julie Dubreux
Julie Dubreux is a French knitwear designer and knitting instructor. Her enthusiastic love for the knitting community translates into colourful collaborations with indie dyers from all around the world.
Her designs have been published in Pom Pom Quarterly, Laine Magazine and Knit Now UK, as well as in books such as I Knit Paris, My Favourite Things and Homecoming.
Julie is a very out-going, dynamic instructor. Her experience as a high-school teacher allows her to manage groups of knitters with different levels of ability so that no one feels left out, and everyone gets to learn something new.
Itinerary
Meet 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.
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
This morning's excursion takes us to Galway where we visit Knitwits, Galway's largest yarn store, and enjoy a guided walking tour through the historic winding streets of this colourful and cultural city. This afternoon we enjoy our first knitting workshop in the hotel.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Today we travel to Ros a Mhl to catch the ferry to Inis OÃrr, 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 meet with a local knitting expert to knit a simple project with an Aran design inspired by the Inis OÃrr landscape. Lunch today is included.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Lunch
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
A full day of knitting under the guidance of our expert with both morning and afternoon workshops at the hotel.
Includes Breakfast
Includes Dinner
Included Highlights
Beyond Galway lies the stunning landscape of Connemara. Here we'll visit historic Kylemore Abbey, and enjoy an insight into the importance of textiles to Connemara at the fascinating Leenane Sheep and Wool Centre. 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
This morning we enjoy our final knitting workshop with our expert before leaving the hotel and transferring 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/ship 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.
Knitting Holidays
Specially designed for knitters, this Stitchtopia knitting holiday is the ideal opportunity to meet like-minded knitters and indulge in your favourite hobby. Our talented knitting expert will be on hand throughout the holiday and host inspirational workshops with a beautifully designed project to get those needles clicking!
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
