ireland knitting tours

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9-DAY KNIT IN THE PIT IN IRELAND

• TOUR PACKAGE
• OPTIONAL TOURS

When people think of knitting around the world, without doubt, Ireland is a country that comes to mind as one of the top destinations. We have organized a very special tour for Knit in the Pit where we have included hands-on workshops, special demonstrations, a yarn shop hop, and even attending a knitting show. And because Ireland is rich in so many crafts, we have also included lace-making, felting, cooking, Irish crystal carving, weaving and visiting gardens and castles. This is truly one of the greatest travel experiences we have ever designed for knitters, so I hope you will join us on this first-class journey and take advantage of our early booking discount. Space is limited and based on first come-first served.

PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Round-trip international airfare from the New York JFK Airport to Dublin, Ireland . (Airfare available from your closest international airport for an additional fee. First/Business class upgrades available)
• Transfers to/from the airport/hotel in Ireland for full package guests.
• First-class hotel accommodation in Ireland. (Suite upgrades available)

• A panoramic city tour of Galway including driving past the Galway Cathedral.
• Personal travel manager Russell Brent from Knit in the Pit.
• Optional visit to the famous Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.

• An evening presentation of Irish Lace Making.
• Private deluxe motor coach and professional driver/guide the entire time.
• A panoramic city tour of Dublin with our professional driver/guide.

• Enjoying a full day at the “Woollinn Yarn Festival” in Dublin.

• Viewing a sheep shearing demonstration at the Killary Sheep Farm.
• Hands-on knitting workshop with our travel manager Russell.
• Photo stop at the stunning Rock of Cashel.

• Optional cooking lesson to learn how to make Irish scones.
• Delicious buffet breakfast served daily and special farewell dinner.
• An opportunity (for a small fee) to kiss the famous Blarney Stone at Blarney Castle.

• Sightseeing and photo opportunity at the famous Cliffs of Moher.
• Welcome dinner, introductions, and orientation meeting.
• A professional Craftours knitting travel manager throughout your entire journey.

• Visiting a family-owned weaving facility in Avoca.
• Enjoying a yarn “shop hop” in the city of Dublin.
• Tour through the Connemara Region and see an Irish bog and the famous bridge from the movie "The Quiet Man".

• Tour of the extraordinary Kylemore Abbey and Gardens.
• Shopping in the seaside craft village of Spiddal.
• An Irish crystal carving demonstration by a master artist.

• Special hands-on workshop at the Irish Fibre Center.
• A special showing of Destination Craft with Jim West "Ireland episode".
• A drive through the famous "Burren" area on the West Coast of Ireland.

• Special gathering at a local pub with the Dublin Drunken Knitwits.
• Shopping and free time in the seaport town of Dingle .
• Shopping for Irish yarn and souvenirs at the Blarney Woolen Mills.

• Photo opportunity to see the ruins of Ross Castle in Killarney.
• Delicious Irish buffet breakfast served daily.
• Shopping opportunity on the famous Grafton Street in Dublin.

• Visiting the Connemara Sheep and Wool Center to see a demonstration.
• Hands-on “felting workshop” with a local Irish felt artist.
• A short visit to the award winning "tidy town" of Adare .

• Panoramic drive through the Dingle Peninsula to see patchwork landscapes.
• All taxes are included, and insurance is highly recommended.
• A Craftours lanyard, luggage identifier and commemorative gift.

Cost of this 9-day Ireland Knitting Experience is:

Reserve Your Space Now!

Call Toll-Free 877-887-1188

Any questions please e-mail: [email protected]

Space is available on a first-come/first-served basis. Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Travel insurance is highly recommended. Land only and single rates are available upon request. Please consult our Terms & Conditions as they apply once your first deposit is made. A 3% discount is offered if the expedition is paid in full by check within 7 business days of the invoice date.

Bunratty Castle

Bunratty Castle is a large 15th century tower house in County Clare, Ireland. It is located in the center of Bunratty village, between Limerick and Ennis, near Shannon Town and its airport. The Castle and the adjoining Folk Park are run by Shannon Heritage as tourist attractions.

The cost of this optional tour of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park is $187.97 per person.

Irish Cooking Class

If you have ever wondered what foods are cooked in a traditional Irish kitchen, then wonder no more. What Irish kitchen would be complete without the smell of fresh baked scones? Roll your sleeves up and be prepared to make the most delicious, fluffy scones you have ever tasted. Our chef will share his tips and tricks, all with a generous pinch of Dublin wit and wisdom. An experience not to be missed.

The cost of this optional Irish Scone Making cookery class is $237.97 per person.

Deborah Pastorelle , Lawrenceburg, IN - Absolutely stellar Ireland trip!

Judith Stindt , Knoxville, TN - Fun filled 7 day tour of Dublin and Galway. Enough time to sightsee and shop. Tour guide/bus driver Lee was exceptional and the information he gave us was invaluable. Highly recommend it.

Jana Erickson , Rock Springs, WY - Such a beautiful country, full of welcoming people and amazing accommodations.

Janet North , Seminole, OK - A dream come true experience. New adventures every day. Hands on crafts, breathtaking scenery, local artisans, great food. Our tour guide, Margie, was so nice and friendly, she kept us on track. Dominick, our bus driver, was a drum of knowledge and a master of Irish history. Great trip!

Sally Mack , Guernsey, WY - It was everything I hoped for. Seeing that fantastic countryside -good weather helped- the iconic structures, whether castle or Croft, the craft people were incredible and our bus driver/guide, laAdele, and participants were fun and enjoyable.

Rita Fanning , Olympia, WA - I enjoyed the tour, the beautiful countryside, and amazing castles.

Deborah Calyo , Spring Valley, NY - It was a beautiful experience! Ireland is gorgeous and our escort kept everything organized.

Susan Beard , Casa Grande, AZ - It was interesting! We got to see lots of Irish countryside, from coastal to mountainous, to city.

Janice Marquardt , Van Meter, IA - Ireland was beautiful and our tour manager was absolutely excellent! She approached everything with grace and patience and good humor.

Joanne Rinaldi , Toms River, NJ - Our Craftours Ireland Experience was the BEST vacation I've ever had. The tour itself was absolutely amazing - we stayed in such beautiful areas of Ireland, and the people were all so nice. Our tour guide, Agnes Warren, was the perfect guide, with a great sense of humor, as was our Craftours driver, Dominick. We learned so much from Agnes and Dominick about the areas we visited and the history of Ireland. I would highly recommend a Craftours experience to everyone - very professional guide and driver, the hotels we stayed at were beautiful, and the places we visited were beautiful!

Rita D'Alonzo , Port Washington, NY - I enjoyed the tour immensely. Anges was great and Dominick, our bus driver, gave us the history of Ireland from the beginning to present time. Plus, he is a fantastic driver on the two lane country roads.

Tammy Price , Meadville, PA - Ireland was fabulously beautiful! Our tour guide and bus driver were delightful!

Margaret Lee , La Crosse, WI - Ireland has always been on my bucket list and this tour gave me a chance to experience Ireland and let someone else do the planning. We were in excellent hands with Agnes as our guide. Dominic was superb as the coach driver and was very engaging in his commentary.

Darlene Bloss , Toms River, NJ - I had the time of my life! All the accommodations were great and everyone was very friendly and helpful. We visited so many interesting sights and there were stories to go with each one.

Sheila Frey , Marathon, WI - The tour was a lovely experience to get a mix of gardens, castles and country feel in a week. More than an appetizer tour, but less intensive than a study.

Mary Jo Crawford , Milwaukee, WI - Tour was wonderful. Thirty very nice people and we all got along and had a great time.

Melissa Hall , Oxford, MS - Agnes Warren is an extraordinary tour guide. She knows and loves her home country. She's smart, funny, flexible, and innovative. Our driver, Dominick shared his knowledge of Irish history as he drove which enhanced the trip tenfold. Not to mention, he was a fantastic driver of a very large vehicle on very twisty roads. Tamara Kelly is one of the country's foremost experts in crochet and a gifted teacher to boot. This trip succeeded because these three experts gave it their all!

Laura Jack , Louisville, KY - Agnes and Dom were consummate guides teaching us about the history and culture of each city and attraction we visited. As an added bonus, I learned the etymology of several words and phrases that we use in our everyday conversations. The hotels were top-notch and comfortable. I enjoyed walking the beautiful grounds of the hotel during our stay in Galway. The staff at each hotel were polite and friendly. I had a wonderful time with the classes we participated in and enjoyed learning about the history of bobbin lace. The dry felting class was a great way to get out some tiredness by repeatedly stabbing our art piece. Having Tamara show us various techniques was really helpful in making our Irish Adventure Bag. I look forward to completing it and then showing it off. I thoroughly enjoyed our trip to the sheep farm, and admired the skill and discipline of the border collie as he obeyed each command the shepherd spoke. It is amazing how well they can hear. Petting the lambs and watching my friends feed and hold them was a highlight. Visiting the peat bogs was enlightening. I have often heard of the bogs, but had never seen them. The ground was quite squishy. I enjoyed learning about the weaving process and taking whoa from sheep to yarn. The gentleman was very patient and answered all of our questions. Agnes was funny and kept us guessing what would happen next as things inevitably changed. Visiting the yarn shops was awesome. The walk around each of the cities we either stayed in or visited proved charming. Eating the local fare and hearing live music was icing on the cake. Overall, I loved my trip.

Andee Graves , Jamestown, CO - It was such a fun-filled time. So many cool things to see and do. My only complaint was how fast the week went past.

Laurie Manning , Jacksonville, FL - We had a wonderful time in Ireland and enjoyed all the stops on our tour, our tour guide, our driver, our planned activities, and our workshops.

Cheryl Howe , Albany, OH - As my first CrafTour vacation I did not know what to expect. 100% satisfaction is what I found. Their guides were kind, attentive, responsive, and hilarious! Their locations and attractions visited were top notch.

Dana Shaw , Ammon, ID - This was such a great tour. Ireland was just absolutely beautiful in more ways than one. Breathtaking sites and castles and coastline. And the sheep were sooo cute just to add. It was a trip where I did not want to come home from. I could have stayed much longer to see more of the country. This trip left me wanting more!

Victoria Schwab , Hamilton, OH - Oh, wow... Where to begin? The music! The castles! The scones! The pubs! My trip to Ireland with Craftours and Jenny Doan was the stuff of which dreams are made. With the incomparable Jim West as our energetic, entertaining, and attentive travel manager and the unbelievably skilled Lee as our affable, solicitous, and accommodating driver we were in excellent hands from start to finish. The itinerary was planned perfectly and even the couple of small changes that were made went smoothly and without conflict or complaint. Though the Emerald Isle is usually known for rain and cloudy skies, our tour was blessed with the unheard of joy of endless sunshine and clear, blue heavens. Every. Single. Day. Wish I could give Jim the credit for that, buuut... LOL I can't thank Jenny, Craftours, and Kerry Coaches enough for bringing to life a place that has beckoned my heart since I was small. We all formed what I hope are lasting friendships, and now that a little birdie has told me a reunion tour may be in the works in the not too distant future all I can say is "Count me in!"

Jocelyne Bourque , Ottawa Canada - This being my first trip with Craftour and also my first time in Ireland. I enjoyed the trip very much.

Cheryl Prince , Colorado Springs, CO - This was by far the best trip I have ever been on! It was a great group of people, a great guide in Jim West and the best bus driver in Lee! It was a wonderful mix of sight seeing, tours, shopping and free time! Love love loved it! Would do it again!

Judy Read , Vars Canada - I loved Ireland and am very glad I visited. The people were superb, everyone willing to smile and help and be flexible. As quilters usually are.

Mary Sue Erven , Bonita Springs, FL - The Craftours of Ireland was outstanding. The company was very professional and sensitive to the wants of the entire group. I’ve been on many trips and I will definitely use Craftours in the future.

Melinda Wellman , Bradenton, FL - I'm part Irish and visiting Ireland has always been on my bucket list. I loved the castles and countrysides of England and figured Ireland would be beautiful as well. The trip exceeded our expectations.

Allen Lee , Monroe, NC - Excellent tour, excellent guide and bus driver, good hotel in Galway(great hotels in Killarney and Dublin), great food. All in all, a very good experience.

Peggy Woodhall , Macon, GA - This tour was great! The various gardens were in beautiful condition and the castles were fascinating! Our tour guide and bus driver were very knowledgeable and added tremendously to the experience!

Rhonda Denney , Emporia, KS - Another winner! I loved all the sights (and sites) in our adventure! It was sad to see it end!

Julie Bohnsack , Carbondale, IL - I thought it was a lovely trip. We got to see and experience so many things. Our guide and our bus driver were excellent and went out of their way to provide us with the best experience in Ireland.

Deb Kipp , Gillette, WY - This was an absolutely wonderful experience. The sights/activities included were great and I enjoyed them all.

Julie Knebel , Eugene, OR - I fell in love with Northern Ireland! Rolling green fields, sweet lambs, friendly people with a great sense of humor. If I were 60 years younger I’d like to be a Galway Girl!

Nancy Mundschenk , Carbondale, IL - This trip exceeded my expectations from start to finish. The trip was well-planned to include many of the must-sees of Ireland. From the Titanic Museum to the Cliffs of Moher and all the stops on the way to Dublin we heard fascinating details of the history, traditions, culture and yes, the spirit of Ireland! All the details of the trip were well-planned and yet we had time built in to explore on our own or in smaller groups. The optional cooking class with Catherine Fulvio was marvelous. I felt a bit like I was on an episode of The Great British Baking Show. The hotels were beautifully appointed and situated in locations that allowed personal excursions or just a walk in the area. The delicious Irish breakfast was plenty to hold me over for hours. The welcome and farewell dinners were excellent, and the tea was an amazing treat with a selection and quality so impressive I took a pic of the menu to share with family and friends. And what can I say about the pubs---singing, lifting a pint, and sharing with locals was magical. SLAINTE! Our travel manager, Agnes Warren, was outstanding. It will be hard for any subsequent trip I take to equal this one.

Susan Pearlman , Carbondale, IL - This trip provided great value for the cost, with so many outstanding experiences included.

Susan Goldstein , Morristown, NJ - Very good span of worthwhile sights to visit.

Grace Lents , Raleigh, NC - The trip surpassed my expectations.

Ann Hothem , Newcomerstown, OH - Beautiful people and countryside!

Kathy Gillaspie , Murphys, CA - I enjoyed it very much.

Jeff Kreide , Pooler, GA - Our tour to Ireland was fantastic!! We had great weather, a great guide, Jim West, a fantastic driver and a super group of people. The scenery was unbelievable and varied from the north to the south and even east to west. Hotels were great and to my surprise the food was really good, not to mention the beer.

Chris Kreide , Pooler, GA - Our Craftours Ireland Experience was full of laughter and surprises.

Patricia Parr , Buckeye, AZ - What a wonderful week in Ireland! I'm 73, traveled alone but made many, many wonderful friends on my trip. The hotels in Galway and Dublin were first class and I couldn't have felt safer. Our bus driver was top notch and I can't say enough about our wonderful travel manager, Alice. She too care of all of us like we were her children! Resting up now and waiting for my trip to Bali in June. Thank you all for what you do!!

Viki and Linn West , Yachats, OR - Fun tour; though it provided a good variety of sites we visited. Alice was a great "house mother" and Pat shared some good history and stories. The accommodations were nice. All together a worthwhile trip.

Imogene Musso , Thornton, CO - The trip was wonderful.

Janet Parker , Atwater, MN - Friendly people, I felt completely safe.

Kathie Chapman , Sequim, WA - It was a wonderful trip. Even though it rained (reminded me of Seattle), the Irish countryside and people were very welcoming and beautiful.

Tiffin Kreger Bryant , Charlotte, NC - There were some very special moments during our Ireland tour, which were totally enhanced by our enchanting guide, Agnes. We loved the cliffs of Moher, and the Burren, as well as the entire day to Kylemore Abbey-we could've spent the entire day there! And, of course, the weather was INCREDIBLE so that made the experience all the better. The Bunratty Castle dinner was REALLY fun, all that went really enjoyed the food and the experience! Also-I can not recommend Catherine Fulvio's cooking school enough! I absolutely loved spending time with her! Making Irish scones and then having tea in her family's farmhouse-it was all magical! We loved the Wicklow area! Also, the Avoca tour was unique and endearing for a number of reasons-Jim the guide was so fun, passionate about the history and work-it is their 300 year celebration, so seeing that work come to fruition AND having an extraordinary moment with Jim and his truly generous Irish spirit-was just one of many treasured moments! Galway is a vibe-it just is-we enjoyed walking the streets and everything being a "10 minute walk" if you hit water you've gone too far... We loved the tour and especially enjoyed our time with the brilliantly witty Agnes.

Ann Rogers , Plainfield, NH - This trip was amazing. We had traveled with Alice Ridge and Crafttours before so we knew this trip would be great. The castle tours were great. The crafts offered were fun and the scone making class with Catherine Fluvoli was so much fun.

Diane Halinski , Grimsby, Canada - I waited three years for the Ireland tour due to Covid, it was worth the wait. Alice, the tour guide, is the best. The tour went off without a hitch. We saw many beautiful sites, toured castles, cliffs and had several craft experiences. I would highly recommend a trip to Ireland with craft tours anytime.

Megan Esmailka , Galena, AK - Loved the experience and the new friendships I made. I really enjoyed Agnes, she was very knowledgeable and did a great job.

Marchon Miller , Sparks, NV - I enjoyed my trip very much. All the activities were wonderful and our tour director, Agnes, was awesome!

Kerre Cardwell , Macomb, MI - I enjoyed the experience very much. I enjoyed the varied sights we visited and the local shops showing us their craftsmanship. I saw sights I might never have found on my own. We also had plenty of free time.

Harriet Carlo , Galena, AK - This wonderful trip was well planned and provided plenty of excursions and shopping time and even time for exploring on your own. Agnes, the travel manager, helped some of the other travelers book their own side excursions. She is absolutely the best! Our bus driver was engaging and witty. Very helpful with all kinds of information.

Dianna Cacciabaudo , Sparks, NV - The tour I took to Ireland was very organized and I had a great time. Our tour leader, Agnes, was a delightful person who was very knowledgeable about the country, the history and the people of Ireland. The tour sites that were included were awesome!

Teri Madden , Egg Harbor, WI - This craft tour was wonderful, except for the rain. Got washed out a few times but we got to witness Ireland first hand.

Brock Rasmussen , Marshalltown, IA - I thought it was great! I loved the countryside. Not a big fan of the city but the countryside was great.

Kit Turner , Pinole, CA - We absolutely loved touring Ireland with Craftours. So many wonderful memories and experiences! My mother and I traveled together; she has some mobility issues and uses a walker, and I was so pleased to see the care and thoughtfulness with which she was treated. Sometimes traveling with a walker presents real challenges, but our tour guide Agnes and our bus driver Pat went out of their way to make sure she felt included at all times and able to enjoy all stops. That really made a big difference to us. Thank you so much! Beyond the kindness and hospitality we were shown throughout Ireland, we were also delighted by the choice and variety of tour stops we made. We got to experience quite a lot of Ireland's natural beauty in just a week, and created some wonderful crafts that we will treasure!

Lisa Kline , Ormond Beach, FL - Thoroughly enjoyed our trip to Ireland. Hotels and transportation to and from Dublin were excellent .I could have spent more days in and around the Galway area and less time in Dublin. The countryside and people of Ireland were fantastic. I would highly recommend your tour.

Charlotte Shell , Spokane, WA - We had such a wonderful time in Ireland! Our guide, Agnes, and bus driver, Patrick, were phenomenal. Their knowledge of the areas we drove through and visited was wonderful., and their humor was delightful. Since the tour had an underlying craft theme, our group of strangers had a joint appreciation of the needle arts and soon became a family. Thank you Craftours for a brilliant and lovely experience.

Diane Black , Colorado Springs, CO - "I had a wonderful time. There was a nice combination of city and rural countryside. Holly did a great job as did Shawn, both were delightful to work with. I enjoyed the crafts that we visited and saw. The food was also great. This trip was beyond my expectations."

Becky Yurchiak , Barberton, OH - "Ireland - one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen."

Patricia Mills , Akron, OH - "I enjoyed seeing all of the beautiful countryside of Ireland."

Adriana Dugo , Peyton, CO - "It was a great experience and the places we visited were great. The views of the land and the explanations of the tour guide and the local driver, very accurate and the driving was excellent!"

Sheri Knox , San Diego, CA - "This was a fantastic tour! We covered so much ground and loved Ireland so much. We circumnavigated the entire island experiencing so many different cities and towns and breathtaking landscapes. I was thrilled that the tour included Belfast – in past years, I never thought I would be able to travel there in my lifetime. I loved that so many of the places we visited were on the water. The tours offered enhanced the experience, and we had some time when we could schedule something additional, like a Black Taxi tour in Belfast (a must!), and a horse-drawn buggy ride and Whiskey tasting in Killarney. The people are delightful and charming, the food and drink (love that Irish Whiskey!) delicious and the shopping is endless and varied. I would encourage anyone to do this wonderful 14-day tour!"

Joan Ternovan , Akron, OH - "A great opportunity to see the majority of the country."

Sue McCullion , Philadelphia, PA - "The Ireland Experience has peaked my interest in returning to Ireland in the near future. Since we literally circled the entire Ireland, I found the topography so beautiful and so distinct. A highlight of the tour was that we made a stop in Donegal and on the way we passed right through the town where my father was born ... Ballybofey!"

Gail Warnes , Ashland, OH - "I loved traveling around Ireland and seeing the natural wonders like The Giant’s Causeway and The Cliffs of Moher as well as the charming villages and the beautiful countryside. The dry stone walls in the north and east and the hedgerows in the south made the farmland memorable. The castles/palaces and cathedrals were beautiful. The crystal carving was amazing, and our cookery class making scones was really fun."

Melody Cox , Raytown, MO - "Gorgeous country filled with friendly people!"

Hilory Boucher , Northport, NY - "This was my third trip to Ireland. The tour was very well thought out. Hotels were very accommodating. Our tour director and bus driver were very knowledgeable and caring. The days were very full of activity and wonderful side tours. I loved it!"

Joyce Outten , North Pole, AK - "Beautiful country and wonderful, kind and interesting people."

Ann McConkey , Topeka, KS - "Great trip. Got to see more of Ireland than I could ever imagined."

Lorraine Shonio , Terryville, CT - "Fully enjoyed the trip. Alice Ridge was a wonderful addition to the trip. She kept us all together and on time. Not an easy job to do. The places we visited gave a real picture of the country and the drivers had an excellent knowledge of the history of Ireland. Informative and enjoyable trip."

Evelyn Mayes , Campton, NH - "Everything was spectacular!"

Edith Mahoney , Bradenton, FL - "Our trip to Ireland was magical. It was very well organized. Our tour guide Alice was fun and caring and so very knowledgeable. Our bus driver was really great. He kept us all entertained the whole time."

Lynette Holm , Hammond, IN - "The tour was wonderful. I was very glad that I went. I was able to see so many beautiful places."

Doretta Herr , Bloomington, IL - "Great people and great value."

Cathy Howell , Eaton Rapids, MI - "Excellent trip! We were kept busy seeing a beautiful country and had the right amount of personal time to venture on our own."

Suzy Hutton , Seal Beach, CA - "This was my first trip to Ireland, and I thoroughly enjoyed being introduced to Ireland in this enchanting way."

Terri Andrino Korte , Willits, CA - "This was an amazing trip! My second Craft Tour trip. Great price, very organized, and good accommodation. I found it relaxed enough to allow free time for our group of 25 in Bus #1. Our tour guide Agnes (genuine Irish gal) was perfect in making sure things went as planned... we also got an extra guide with Hika who was helping out. The group crafts were a lot of fun. Also, shopping at stores and having tours of the local Irish factories was a delight. Our bus driver Brendon was such a good driver, and helpful. I enjoyed talking to people in my group, and came away inspired by a few who were 70-80’s and had amazing courage and spirit to travel so far from home. To top it off... the weather was beautiful! a win win.."

Cindy Miller , Athens, AL - "This was my first tour and I couldn’t have been more impressed. Everyone was so nice and welcoming. The tour was well balanced with activities and free time and the tour group leader and driver were well informed and very approachable. It was like being on tour with your friends. I’m already planning another trip back to Ireland. I just fell in love with the people and the place."

Alice Rigg , Oceanside, CA - "It was a nice trip to the central coast section of western Ireland."

Frances Cummings , Pomona, CA - "Wonderful sights it was all very interesting."

Marquita Pierce , Simi Valley, CA - "I thoroughly enjoyed my tour."

Susan Pearson , Claremont, CA - "Great tour overall."

Dick Fermanian , Kansas City, MO - "This was our first tour and it was a good one. Nice way to get a taste of Ireland."

Linda Pringle , Grand Junction, CO - "Great trip. I appreciated the small group size."

Elaine Barrett , Bangor, NSW Australia - "Interesting tour as there is something for everyone due to the combination of gardens and castles."

Julia McGrath , Van Wert, OH - "Loved this tour. Most everything was wonderful and thought out for our benefit. Beautiful country- side. Nice hotels. Fun people. Great guides."

Janet Glaholt , West Sacramento, CA - "What a great way to see parts of a beautiful country. It was amazing to see actual castles and the gardens were stunning."

Nancy Laswick , Phoenix, AZ - "Had a great time in Ireland. Our tour leader Holly, was awesome."

Judy Gottsch , Eloy, AZ - "Ireland was so beautiful and the tours there were exceptional."

Rebecca Frederick , Greenwell Springs, LA - "Wonderful trip. Beautiful country and people."

Sandra Yeager , Peyton, CO - "The tour was exactly what was published and it was a fantastic trip. The tour guide was fantastic and was very knowledgeable and fun."

Lyn C. Ahboltin , Meadow Vista, CA - "Ireland is a beautiful country and I thoroughly enjoyed the many tours all around to see the 'green' of it all."

Barbara Clark , Lexington, KY - "This was a wonderful experience. Our guide, Holly, was excellent. She was very attentive to our needs and always available. Our driver, Brenden, managed to negotiate very narrow streets and windy roads with ease. Spending time in the city of Galway and the daily side trips truly gave a taste of Ireland. I loved every minute of this adventure."

Patty Tufts , Mariposa, CA - "A wonderful introduction to What Ireland has to offer."

Cheryl Dolence , Salem, OH - "The tour was far beyond expectations."

Cathy Climpson , Sharon, Ontario - "Great time and wonderful scenery. A countryside of old-time charm."

Nancy Davenport , Gig Harbor, WA - "Great Tour. Learned lots about Ireland and was amazed at how beautiful it was! Truly the Emerald Aisle. New Friends."

Joan Hobbs , El Segundo, CA - "I had a great time, met a lot of people that I hope to take another tour with, learned new crafts, and saw many glorious sites."

Ann Shibut , Richmond, VA - "I enjoyed the tour... the hotels were excellent, and the variety of events was very good as well... nice mix of travel and workshops and free time."

Carolyn Waller , Midlothian, VA - "I’ve traveled and lived overseas, but always with family or a partner, and never with a tour. I was a bit nervous about being a single traveler and letting them arrange a roommate, but honestly, this was the best trip ever! Even before leaving JFK, I connected with fellow travelers, including my tour escort, Holly. I was immediately put at ease. From that moment onward, the name of the game was FUN! I never felt a moment’s nervousness or awkwardness. My fellow travelers were fun, inclusive, and interesting. I no longer feel a need to hit "pause" on my bucket list ventures, waiting for a travel partner, as I can travel "alone" and know with Craftours, I’ll never be lonely! I’ve already booked Tuscany and am planning on Kenya after that! I’m loving living life out loud with Craftours!"

Kelly Anne Erben , Eureka, CA - "The 2018 Craft Tour to Ireland exceeded my expectations. Besides the beautiful scenery and the great food, I was truly impressed with the camaraderie developed in meeting crafters of like mind from all over the United States. If you did this trip on your own, you would miss this sense of belonging."

Kim Stirrett , Leander, TX - "Ireland was very interesting and not at all what I expected. Very wild country with beautiful coastal areas. People were very friendly and informative. I appreciated the history and age of the country. As our driver said, you can’t get lost in Ireland for long.... it is an Island! You can only go so far."

Candy Snipes , Mobile, AL - "We loved every minute of our tour of Ireland and plan to go on another Craftours trip!"

Jennifer Williams , Crittenden, KY - "Overall, I highly recommend a Craftour! It had a good balance of hands-on and observation, free time and set tour time, early and late. I haven’t traveled outside of Canada/Mexico before, so this tour felt very safe and had enough structure to make me feel like I wasn’t alone. The instructors for the craft projects were extremely high quality and each lesson FAR exceeded my expectations, creating a meaningful memory of my trip to Ireland."

Suzanne Doonan , Malvern, PA - "Ireland is pure magic. Spectacular scenery that never stops coming at every bend of the road. Quaint villages, exceptionally friendly people and exceptional crafts were everywhere."

Amy Armenta , Aurora, CO - "What an awesome fun and funny time we had in Ireland. Agnes and Pat were a wealth of information escorting us through Ireland, their home."

Janet Bigelow , Tacoma, WA - "Great guide/driver and Agnes wonderful. The country and the scenery spectacular. People friendly and helpful. Large group,but well organized."

Clyde Gabriel , Urbana, IL - "Ireland was beautiful. Our host Agnes was the best guide we ever could have had."

JoEllen Freida , Sunbury, PA - "Very enjoyable--- I had free time to shop or explore and interesting crafts to make! Could not ask for a better vacation!"

Donna Hale , Boise, ID - "This was a great tour of the highlights of Ireland. I enjoyed learning about the different crafts, beliefs and superstitions of the Irish people. There was just the right mix of scheduled events and free time. I would go again tomorrow if I could."

Mae B Kramer , Hemet, CA - "The tour was fantastic. It would have been nice to have more time to explore the small villages, and especially Adare. There were a few areas that could use tweaking, but overall it was a wonderful experience."

Jennifer , - "I thoroughly enjoyed this trip; it provided the perfect introduction to Ireland and its history."

Cathy Pharr , Hedgesville, WV - "What a great trip! The classes were fun, well taught and inspiring.Our lodging and meals were top notch. Alice,our escort, and Mike, our tour bus driver, were great and added to the fun. Ireland was stunningly beautiful and it’s people were very friendly. I’m hoping to return there with my daughters for another visit!"

Annie Lancaster , Katy, TX - "The tour took us through so much of Ireland that I don’t feel as though I missed anything. The tour bus driver was so knowledgeable about the history, agriculture and towns which really enriched the experience."

Sheila Goldsberry , Oceanside, CA - "I fell in love with Ireland all over again, the people were so friendly. The places that we visited, the artisans that shared their knowledge and passions with us were incredible. Our bus driver and tour guide combo were amazing! Michael and Alice, were incredibly helpful, friendly and full of knowledge. Thank you, thank you, thank you! Jim West and Craftours are the best! I can’t wait for my next adventure!"

Susan Morance , Chapel Hill, NC - "I enjoyed the Photography Expedition in Ireland very much. I learned a lot from the escort. The itinerary was excellent as were our hotels. Our driver Pat added a great deal to the enjoyment of the trip with all the commentary he provided about Ireland as well as his excellent sense of humor. Overall I found the trip extremely enjoyable."

Jill Gohr , Virginia Beach, VA - "Although I am not a quilter, the 2 friends that invited me, are quilters and have had several classes. I immediately felt comfortable and welcomed. It was the country I was interested in and I was not disappointed! Our tour guide Pat, was 1 in a million and his knowledge base was detailed and endless, as was his sense of humor! I would travel anywhere with him as a guide. I would go again in a heartbeat! Further, I would recommend this expedition to anyone interested in seeing and learning about Ireland. The trip and accommodation were first class from start to finish. Nothing was left to chance.I rarely had to deal with the beast (my huge suitcase) and even then, it was only to put it in outside my door, to be handled by leprechauns! I could add so much more, but hopefully my point is made ~ the trip and everyone that made it happen, was fabulous!"

Diane and Ronnie Herrington , Dripping Springs, TX - "Such an incredible trip with my brother and sister in law and all the new friends we made along the way."

Mary Rogers , Edina, MN - "The places we visited were lovely, and the hotels were very good."

Larry and Frances Lynch , Waco, TX - "Well organized and the tours were great and informative. We met so many nice people on the tour and in Ireland."

Janet Cox , Yuma, AZ - "This was a Once in a Lifetime-Bucket List Filled-Adventure around every Corner- trip for me. So very blessed for this experience and so grateful for the memories along my journey."

Leslie Kemper , Deer Park, WA - "This was my husband and I first trip to Europe. We enjoyed every part of the trip. The guide, Agnes and bus driver, Pat were well informed of the history of Ireland. The tours of each stop we made; the castles, wool mills, and evening excursions were wonderful. The hotel accommodation were excellent."

Penny Harvey , Rock Springs, WY - "This trip was amazing. I was so pleased at all we were able to see and the way everything came together. The hotels we stayed at were beautiful and the people we dealt with were very pleasant and helpful. We saw so much! It was a wonderful trip that I feel very lucky to have been a part of."

Christyne Mills , Rancho Cordova, CA - "It was the experience of a lifetime. I don’t think this could ever be duplicated due to the combination of people involved. Our guide, Holly & driver, Pat, were so great. They even went out of their way to get us tickets to the Celtic Steps show which was amazing."

Diana Sillence , Lutz, FL - "The trip was more than I could have hoped for and was jamb packed full of sight-seeing, shopping, experiencing the culture through music and knowing Ireland’s history. Patrick was awesome in telling the history with his side jokes! The first reason I signed up was for the craft project but thread so much more!! Yes, I loved it and would love to return someday!!"

Sherry Kesselman , Albuquerque, NM - "This was my first trip over the Atlantic and because of having such a wonderful experience, will not be my last. I enjoyed everything from the group I was with to the food, sights, quilting class, shopping and informative and personal tour guide (Holly) and driver (Patrick). Both Holly and Patrick went way and beyond in making this trip truly an exceptional experience."

Ruth Robertson , Denver, CO - "Great tour!! So much to see & do - plus some tips on quilting."

Primrose Lowry , Lakefield, Ontario - "Loved Ireland it was as beautiful as they say, the size of the trip was nice number as we all got to know one another."

Carol Welsheimer , Galena, OH - "I had a wonderful time on this tour. I felt we got to see a lot considering we were only there for a week. It was all very well planned and organized. Our leader was very helpful and the participants were all so nice."

Mary Longie , Elgin, TX - "Ireland was amazing, people are fantastic, the food was awesome and the sites spectacular."

Nancy Mayak , Fremont, OH - "This was my first time touring Ireland and my first time with Craftours. I enjoyed the trip immensely. Ireland is as beautiful as I had heard. The people were friendly."

Susan Eldridge , Port Charlotte, FL - "Our tour director, Agnes, and bus driver, Patrick, were delightful. They were knowledgeable, friendly, and informative in an entertaining way. The hotels we stayed in were excellent - with all modern conveniences - and located in walkable areas. If asked to name my favorite site, I could not do it. Each one had its own unique way of giving me a little taste of Ireland’s cultures, history, and beauty. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone."

Cheyenne Moondancer , Longmont, CO - "We were treated FIRST RATE for the entire trip: the best hotels, the greatest food, the best tour guide, motor coach and driver-every day brought so many new and amazing opportunities to explore the culture of the land and to sample local heritage from every class and outing."

Maydean Tilton , Cibolo, TX - "I have to admit I was apprehensive about a tour as I have always traveled independently but my fears were unfounded. We had a wonderful experience and saw the beautiful Irish countryside. Our group was a great group of talented ladies. Our bus driver, Pat Moynihan and our tour guide, Agnes Warren were beyond incredible. I cannot say enough good things about the two of them."

Liz Van Keuren , Copperas Cove, TX - "The tour was so much more than I was expecting. Our guide/bus driver and escort were great. We had some weather and construction issues and they were able to rearrange or offer alternatives. The hotels were really nice and the Irish breakfasts were wonderful!"

Besime Brierton , Burke, VA - "Lovely trip. Ireland is a beautiful country, but Craftours escort and the bus driver/guide really made the trip special. Even though the weather didn't cooperate, they made sure we saw plenty and had a great experience."

Holly Brown , Ave Maria, FL - "The treasures of Ireland tour was amazing. My soul was invigorated. I have never seen so many different shades of green. I loved all the history and folklore. Craftours escort and the bus driver/guide were a fantastic team. They are both a wealth of knowledge. My sister and I are already planning another trip."

Joni Ostroff , Orlando, FL - "Thoroughly enjoyed Ireland."

Kris Conant , Westbrook, Maine - "A very unique travel experience."

Kathy Heydorn , Willoughby, Ohio - "Fabulous trip! We saw so many areas of Ireland, not just the standard tourist areas. The crafts were excellent."

Lorraine Brown , Plainwell, Michigan - "This was a great trip! Especially the sheep farm, what a visit! The crystal visit was enlightening, spent too much!"

Marlys Wiens , Edina, Minnesota - "The people of Ireland taught/confirmed the importance of taking care of the earth. There is history back to BC to the present (environmental issues (making ethanol on their farms to turning off your lights every time you leave your room) and all the sheep and Holstein cows as we drove through the countryside in the many shades of green pastures and trees. All surrounded with blue water of the Atlantic Ocean."

Phyllis Schicker , Johnson Creek, Wisconsin - "A very enjoyable and relaxing trip. Loved the crochet projects and slow pace of the trip. Our tour escort and driver were super."

Lisa Schicker , Johnson Creek, Wisconsin - "I really enjoyed this trip. I felt that the trip included just the right combination of workshops and site seeing. I loved how relaxed this trip was and how friendly everyone was. I felt that Jennifer was a great instructor and this trip really inspired my creative side."

Grace Weiss , Glendale, New York - "The Emerald Isle Tour was the best trip I've ever taken."

Peggy Mott , San Antonio, Texas - "An informative, and entertaining tour. Our tour guide and the bus driver went over and above to see that we were entertained and well cared for. Jennifer Ryan, the instructor was well organized with her course materials and went out of her way to not only explain the technique but to make adjustments and adaptations for those of us who had vision, hearing and other physical problems."

Danny Olivia , Port St. Lucie, Florida - "too short, fun, new family"

Carrie Pearsall , Seattle, Washington - "It was terrific. I had a great time. All the visits & activities were a lot of fun. The time went so fast."

Mary Travillian , Marshalltown, Iowa - "A beautiful and well-organized trip with a great exploration of the flora and geographically beautiful sites; PLUS the fun crochet projects"

Karen Anderson , Sandpoint, Idaho - "It was so much fun. A good balance of crochet and sightseeing."

Shereen Prochnow , - "This was an amazing trip! I love history, so it was great to be able to visit a lot of the castles and cathedrals that are several hundred years old. The hands on scone making was also a highlight."

Terri Englehaupt , Rochester, Minnesota - "It was a wonderful time. Enjoyed the crochet portion, but going to Ireland was such a thrill for me. I'm digging up all of the genealogy I have & will continue working on it, now that I have visited where my family once lived!"

Jean Mejerle , Woodruff, Wisconsin - "The tour was grand! We covered a lot of territory in the time available! Craftours escort, the tour guide, and Brendan, the bus driver, couldn't have been nicer. I'll certainly look at more Craftours!"

Meg Brotnov , Bellingham, Washington - "Ireland is a beautiful land of endless history. Craftours allowed us to visit as many places as possible in a short amount of time. The hotels were excellent and dinners superb! Our guide, Agnus was lovely and kept us organized and the bus driver/guide was very informative about the area. There was so much to see and so much history to absorb that I often didn't catch it all."

Rita Walter , Cresbard, South Dakota - "It was a trip of a lifetime."

Pauline Fitzgerald , Medicine Hat, Alberta - "Had never been part of a group trip before. I found the arrangements very satisfactory. My booking person was very helpful with flights, etc."

Diane Graham , Sioux Falls, South Dakota - "This trip was a dream come true!"

Diana Bane , Buda, Texas - "I loved this tour! It was everything I hoped for and then some."

Brenda Swanson , Stony Mountain, Manitoba - "Awesome. Worth every penny"

Jill Lombard , Carlsbad, CA - """I was on the Ireland tour in Summer of 2013 with Bonnie Hunter. I can’t say enough about the wonderful experience I had. Examples include having Craftours arrange a roommate for me (a dear lady from Canada), arranging my air reservations, seating me next to ""new"" friends, being met at the airport by the most charming coach drivers, arranging truly ""first class"" accommodation in every town, offering wonderful sightseeing opportunities and historical information. As with any major undertaking such as planning and executing a trip of this magnitude ""hiccups"" do happen. I was so impressed with the staff of Craftours. When problems arose there was always one and often more to the ""rescue"" to make things right. I have recommended Craftours to all my quild friends and would love the opportunity to take more (and more) trips!"""

Barbara Stanbro , Hillsboro, OR - "I attended the International Quilt Festival of Ireland in 2012, and I had a fabulous time. The hotels were lovely, the destinations interesting, and our tour guide/bus driver couldn’t have been more charming or knowledgeable. It was a wonderful trip and I have many good memories."

Dr. Jo Barnes , Hamilton, New Zealand - "This was my very first organized tour and I was a little apprehensive about spending 15 days with people I did not know with a tour company I had found by accident on the internet. BUT my friend Bev and I had an amazing time we had fun, we saw lots of new and exciting places, we visited some quilting stores and met some really nice people. The hotel accommodation were excellent, the bus was comfortable, and the meals were varied and of good quality. I would recommend Craftours tours every time and I am looking forward to the South American Expedition in 2015."

Nancy and Ken Burkhalter , Chelsea, MI - "My hubby and I had an absolutely wonderful trip sponsored by Craftours to tour Ireland and the 1st International Quilt Festival in Galway in 2012. It was a small group, and we really loved that tour. We are still in touch with many of the others who were on our tour. Very well organized! Great places to see, great places to stay, great quilt festival - wonderful time. It was our 50th wedding anniversary trip - so we went on to Paris after to have our final celebration!"

Bonnie Bloom , Duncansville, PA - "I was on one of your trips to Ireland with my sister. I was amazed at the care that was taken to make our trip flawless. Everything was seen to and everyone was so friendly it was a memory I will treasure forever."

Mr. & Mrs. Jon Schroder , Sweet Home, OR - "My husband and I truly had a trip of a lifetime visiting Ireland. We also received souvenirs that to this day remind me of the fun we had and the nice people we met including a few notables! Since our trip, every Christmas I hang ornaments on our tree that were swapped with fellow travelers... wool boots from Russia, a star from France and an Angel from New Zealand to name a few. The venues, traveling (great bus driver!), food, accommodation, all of it couldn’t be better. After arriving home, my husband and I agreed that we could not have planned it better than Craftours."

Trena Stephens , Missouri City, TX - """What a great trip to the IQFOI in June of 2012! Our coach driver/tour guide was fun & entertaining. The accommodation were luxurious & comfortable. The food was fabulous. The countryside was picturesque & breathtaking. The quilts were beautiful & inspirational. Thanks for a wonderful time."""

Karen and Mike Holt , Grand Junction, CO - "My husband and I went on a Craftours Tour to Ireland for the International Quilt Festival in 2012 and LOVED it. We both had so much fun. The hotels we stayed in were marvelous, our bus driver and tour guide took such good care of us, Ireland is amazing, beautiful, and fun and the people are wonderful. There were plenty of events for my husband to sign up and do while I was at the quilt show so he was happy and having fun too. The quilt show was great fun and I took a wonderful class there from a native Irish woman, using all Irish wools. We had the time of our lives and would love to go again - SOON! Thank you Craftours!"

Mary Mulcahey , Lake Forest, GA - "The Ireland tour was absolutely wonderful. I would sign up again in a heartbeat."

Judi Walsh , Sault Sainte Marie, MI - "I absolutely loved Ireland and would consider taking another tour."

Mary Kent Davidson , Cochran, GA - "The trip to Ireland was even better than my expectations! We were matched with a wonderful driver/tour guide, Derrick, who added so much to what was already there. Wish it had not ended!"

Mary Lavold , Pensacola, FL - "I was very impressed that everything ran smoothly"

Caren Duggan , Susanville, CA - "Our trip to Ireland was WONDERFUL! Enjoyed the many beautiful sights. We had excellent accommodation. Our driver, Derek Ryan, was a wealth of history and local information. I hope to go to Ireland again, as soon as possible."

Louise Caron , Valleyview, Alberta - "Fantastic! A week is a bit short, 10-14 days would be ideal!"

Shannon Reed-Michon , Sunset House, Alberta - "Very magical tour. Great overview of what Ireland had to offer."

Kathy Dunn , Red Deer County, Alberta - "This is a wonderful overview of the Republic of Ireland. All of the highlights this country has to offer have been showcased in this lovely 10 day trip!"

Bonnie Trottier , Valleyview, Alberta - "My first time ever abroad was a wonderful experience. Someone asked what my favorite part of the trip was and I must say the people. It’s all about those connections with people. The Irish and their country are truly wonderful."

Helga Brown , Lake Havasu City, AZ - "This was a wonderful tour, scenic, informative and wonderful accommodation."

LINDA EVANS , Farmington Hills, MI - "The trip to Ireland was wonderful! It was well planned and executed. I would encourage all my friends and family to take this trip."

Ami Peterson , Albuquerque, NM - "This was a wonderful way to whet your appetite about Ireland and traveling on bus tours in general."

Rebecca Gallen , Northway, AK - "I thoroughly enjoyed the planned out trip! Ireland was not my first choice of a country to visit, but I enjoyed the whole tour."

Joan Durbin , - "Our trip to Ireland in 2012 was everything a dream trip should be. Excellent accommodation, great tour bus and driver, well planned. Itinerary and options for "side trips". I am anxious for another trip."

Cindy Turner , Bedford, IN - "The tour was wonderful. Saw many amazing things. The escorts were so much fun"

Karen Moorhead , Tarpon Springs, FL - "The tour was delightful. The accommodation, food, tour guide, selection of places to see, were all excellent!"

Nancy Joyce Dronek , Coarsegold, CA - "Fabulous trip with wonderful stops and activities!"

Donna Leichtenberg , Iroquois, SD - "Ireland was everything I expected and more!"

Jan Bechle , Albany,Oregon - "In April of 2010, I traveled to Ireland with Craftours. I was with three friends, two of us were celebrating our retirement. The night we flew to Ireland was the same night the volcano blew in Iceland stopping all air traffic in Europe and across the Atlantic for a week. Craftours planned ahead, making arrangements for us to stay on in Dublin if we needed to at a very reasonable rate. The flying ban was lifted the day we were to leave and we were delighted to be able to leave on time. The entire trip was very well organized. We had a delightful bus driver, interesting tours and the time to do some wandering on our own. The four of us had a wonderful time and made new friends. I wouldn’t hesitate to travel with them again."

Suzanne Novoselac , Coulterville, IL - "My daughter and I went on the trip to Ireland in 2008, and we had a completely wonderful time! My daughter does not sew or quilt, but she does do other forms of needlework, and she enjoyed herself very much. I’m a knitter and crocheter, and I enjoyed the trips to the woolen mill at Blarney and the weaving at Acoa (sp) near Dublin. Our tour host was excellent, we loved our bus driver, and both of us want to buy a place at the Dingle Peninsula! All in all, it was a never-to-be forgotten experience, and we are both just dying to go to Ireland again!"

Cindy Frederick , Cheyenne, WY - Every part of the trip was well organized and every stop was worth seeing.

Strawser Lucie , Oakland Park, FL - Our tour guide Holly was really great. She kept us on track the whole time.

Rick Sullivan , Erie, PA - Very nice trip and Holly and Pat did a great job. A little more time at the different sites would be nice.

Jackie Quatse , Neptune, NJ - I thoroughly enjoyed my craft Ireland tour. Agnes our guide and Dominick our driver were exceptional, Their knowledge and caring went over and above my expectations.

Cindy Collins , St. Louis, MO - Our guide was courteous and able to turn any bump into a pleasant experience.

Deidra , Red Lion, PA - The Creative Crochet Experience was my first tour with Craftours, and to be honest, I was having doubts the few weeks leading up to the tour. Once the tour started, it was amazing! We had the perfect size group, and everyone got along so well. The planned stops and activities were great. I enjoyed the free time we had in the evening, and getting to know each other better. Overall it was a fantastic trip and experience, and I would do it again.

Cynthia Mathieu , Santa Paula, Ca - The tour stops and sights were great. The hotels are very nice, comfortable and the staff friendly and helpful. The tour guide, Agnes Warren, was terrific. Informative, easy to work with, fun, knowledgeable and creative. The bus driver, Dominick, I think, was also very knowledgeable and informative about the places we drove through, places we visited and historical/social perspective.

Hannah , Tinker Air Force Base, OK - It was amazing! The group, Jim, even the bus driver Lee! We got to see everything I was looking forward to and more. I would go a hundred times over if I could. Amazing!!

Lisa Pinguelo , Granbury, TX - Well thought out and professional tour. However, it went way beyond this! Laughter and fun were the forerunner of every event, every site and experience. Jim West along with our driver met every expectation and went way above with their “we can do” attitude. This trip couldn’t have been better!

Deb Redman , Newfield, NY - It was fun. Jenny and her family were so down to earth and friendly. All of the people on the trip bonded over similar interest quilting.

Dawn Doran , Blanchardville, WI - What a great trip. You did a wonderful job substituting events for those that were no longer available. Agnes is a top notch tour guide! I highly recommend this tour!

Gretchen Adams , Afton, NY - A fabulous experience guided by a knowledgeable local guide and driver. It exceeded my expectations.

Barbara Mau , Carbondale, IL - I found the tour to be well-organized with details well taken care of from the time of booking the tour through the actual experience.

Janelle Harris , Burson, CA - I really enjoyed all the experiences. Our tour guide and bus driver were great.

Joan McKenna , El Cajon, CA - The tour was fantastic. Jim West was our tour guide. Our coach drivers were wonderful and full of fun tidbits about each place we visited. I am planning on going on another tour to Japan, in 2025.

Karen Tholen , Roseland Prk, KS - This was my husband & my first Craftours trip & we enjoyed it so much! Everything was so well organized, our host, Agnes, was knowledgeable, fun & really cared about our small group of 7. Our bus driver, Pat, was an excellent tour guide too, as we drove all over the east & west coasts of Ireland. The hotels were 1st rate. I don’t know why more men don’t take these trips. We certainly will again!

Barbara Kacer , Bowling Green, KY - This was a great trip. Our itinerary was well-planned and there was a good balance between planned events and free time.

Jean Payne , Hyannis, MA - "From the office staff at Craftours to our guide and driver....all were exceptional."

Joyce Raiskio , Yarmouth Port, MA - "A truly wonderful trip!! Agnes and Pat were so amazing."

Penny Terrell , Abilene, TX - "This was our first craft tour and we loved it. The size of the group and the staff were perfect.we also enjoyed the variety offered."

Phyllis Smith , Lansing, IL - "The tour and the tour guide Alice, including the bus driver Donal were exceptional. The Hotels were very comfortable."

Bernice Sanders , Ashlan, NH - "I had a wonderful trip! I would love to go on another bus trip with craft tours. Alice was wonderful! She was helpful in making our trip run smoothly. She was always upbeat and friendly to everyone. Alice is a perfect leader. Our bus drivers were great. Very knowledgeable and helpful. We saw a great deal of Ireland in a short time.

Laura Covillon , Brooksville, FL - "This was my first time traveling alone and I had the most wonderful time. The tour leader, Alice, was organized and dealt with every situation in a calm and confident manner. She made sure that we all had a good experience. The trip was a balance of group outings and personal time. I cannot wait to be able to take another trip."

Don Myers , Bloomington, IL - "Very well organized; printed materials get an A for presentation; Holly Gaines Brown was very fun; hotels were first rate."

Catherine Suter , St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada - "I really enjoyed my time there. The Tour guide Agnes was super, engaging, factual, humorous and obviously dedicated. Brendan the bus and tour guide was also very pleasant and knew his route."

Di An Putnam , Winnemucca, NV - "A dream vacation - escorted by guides that provided a fabulous history and culture of Ireland."

Barbara Murphy , Saratoga, NY - "Loved it! Our tour guide Agnes and our bus driver Pat were wonderful and really made the tour fun. Saw many great places, ate good food and drank wonderful whiskey. I would differently recommend using Craft Tours for your next vacation."

Carol Stewart , Slingerlands, NY - "My trip was absolutely amazing. Agnes and Patrick were knowledgeable, humorous, caring and just a delight to be with. I would recommend this company to anybody. Thank you for such a wonderful experience."

Susan Phillips , Linville, VA - "The trip details before the trip were clear and communication with the Craftours staff was quick and satisfactory. The trip was laid-back, but plans ran on time each day. The bus driver Brendan was a definite plus-pleasant and very knowledgeable."

Kathy Nester , Exton, PA - "Excellent and fun trip with Agnes as the guide and Patrick as the driver."

Judy Clark , Port Orchard, WA - "Excellent tour. Loved the itinerary. Would like to see more cultural sites added to tour and less shopping. Tour coordinator and driver/guide were fantastic."

Alicia Liermann , Downington, PA - "This was my first international visit and my first tour group. I was pleased with what we saw and did, and it was so much fun. Agnes and Patrick were simply awesome. I do wish we had one more day in Dublin to be able to do more on our own. Otherwise, every tour and visit were exactly what I expected."

Carolynn Spies , Des Moines, WA - "I thoroughly enjoyed this tour. Ireland is a beautiful country, and the guides, Agnes and Pat, made it come alive."

Irene Dietlin , New Hartford, CT - "The tour was well planned and carried out. Our tour director and driver were excellent and made our trip a pleasure."

Marsha Azorsky , Hailey, ID - "Craftours Ireland was an awesome tour. There was plenty of variety and diversity."

Maureen Lamping , Olympia, WA - "I had such a great trip with Pat the driver and Agnes kept us entertained and informed of our surroundings on the bus stopping numerous times so we could take pictures to remember it all. I loved the classes, especially the journal class."

Lisa Boyette , Las Cruces, NM - "Good value, I would consider taking another trip with them"

Barb Peterson , Bremerton, WA - "I wouldn’t travel any other way, with any other tour group. Jim West puts together the best tours. I was busy as much as I wanted to be. The places we stopped were perfect for my arts and craft tastes. Everyone involved in making our tour great, Jim, our tour guide, the bus driver, and the people we visited, all made the trip fun, comfortable, and adventurous. I’d go again in a heartbeat."

Debbie Beach , Perry, FL - "It was a wonderful full experience. Something schedule everyday, but free time also. Everyone was so nice and always had time for each of us. The guided tours were well planned and fun. The Ring of Kerry was really nice. Dingle in the sunshine was just beautiful."

Donnis Doyle , Austin, TX - "I had a wonderful time on the tour. Our guide, Agnes, was superb as was the bus driver, Pat. Both gave information that was useful and enlightening."

Linda Merhley , Kankakee, IL - "Ireland was wonderful - in spite of the late winter weather. Agnes and Pat gave us lots of information to help us understand what we were seeing and to appreciate a bit of Ireland’s history."

Nancy Martinez , Orlando, FL - "The trip was very well planned. Alice was a fabulous tour guide and Michael our bus driver kept us laughing. The hotels were very accommodating and most of all the price was right."

Susan Ostaseski , Boons Mill, VA - "The trip was fabulous, fun, and so interesting. I’ve never seen a tour so well organized. The crafts were great with gifted instructors."

Kathy Thompson , Virginia Beach, VA - "This trip certainly met all my expectations. It was superbly organized, had great accommodation, and had the most exceptional bus driver ever. Pat was a true gem. The escort’s wonderful personality and photography information and tips made you see more and realize more from the trip. It was a pure pleasure!"

Rose Rodriguez Stevenson , Elpaso, TX - "The tour guide was attentive to our needs, our whereabouts and instruction/guidance in photography. The sessions she provided were enjoyable and informative---excited us to experiment in photography and how it can be utilized in creating textile art."

Julie Wickware , Clinton Twp, MI - "The escort gave excellent photography tips and the bus driver was exceptional with plenty of information and quips."

Kristine Sirmons , West Allis, WI - "I enjoyed the tour. Our bus driver Pat was wonderful and very knowledgeable about everything we were going to see, and had a great sense of humor. The hotels chosen were nice. Jim was fun to work with and worked together well. It would have been nice to have our itinerary before the trip, as I came to the country a couple days beforehand and didn’t know what we were going to see so I wasn’t sure what to plan for myself. But it was fun and I would book the tour again."

Chris Booth , Burlington, ON - "Everything was very well planned but flexibility was also built into the itinerary. Lots of free time to explore in Galway."

Sidney Finneran , Dublin, OH - "This was my first time flying without my husband and my second time flying to Europe. This tour was so well organized. I met fun and pleasant women who were all talented in their own way. I liked the combination of planned time vs. free time. I would recommend this tour to anyone!"

Angela Rowland , Catonsville, MD - "It was a blast. Agnes our your leader thought of everything and it went so smoothly. Pat our driver was a world of knowledge and kept us entertained as we rolled along. Definitely would recommend."

Ellen MacLaughlin , Midland, MI - "Great tour guides, Craftours escort and the bus driver/guide."

Joann Przygocki , Bay City, MI - "I can't begin to say how wonderful this tour was! Craftours escort and the bus driver/guide are such an incredible team! They made the trip worth every dollar!"

Kris Young , Fredricksburg, VA - "This was my first tour - it was amazing. Our bus driver had a wealth of information that just made you want to squeeze his brain so you could get all that information. He was very professional and beyond nice! Craftours escort - she was like family. She ran a tight ship but in such a caring way and was able to get everyone where we needed to be. They both went out of their way to make sure we had a good time. They offered things that were not on the itinerary but on the way. They are both a major asset to Craftours and because of them, I would definitely book a tour with you again."

Diane Felice , St. Augustine, FL - "Since this was my first tour with any company, I am very pleased to have taken with Craftours! Everything was thought out in advance and nothing was left to wonder about. I most certainly will be taking more tours in the future as I can! I have already been searching what is available and when they are so I don't miss out!!"

Cecelia Waye , Avon, IN - "The tour was a trip of a lifetime. I have so many wonderful memories. The itinerary was thoughtfully planned so that we were able to make the most of our time while there. I would highly recommend this trip!!"

Hazel Furst , East Northport, New York - "This was a wonderful tour. It was well planned, and the tour guides altered the agenda as needed and made it even better."

Jessica Mileto , Glendale, New York - "The tour guides were amazing, they were so knowledgeable, friendly, easy-going and it helped that the entire trip was already planned and all I had to do was catch the bus in the morning. Amazing country, amazing people and I am so grateful I chose to come along."

Ellen Gormley , North Bend, Ohio - "Craftours made the trip very easy by handling all the details!"

Darlene Pearsall , Seattle, Washington - "Very well organized. The tour guides (Alice), our driver (Brendan) and instructor (Jennifer Ryan) were all great."

Brenda Pokorny , Stafford Springs, Connecticut - "AWESOME!! Well planned and organized. Everything went like clock work"

Marilee McQuarrie , Wallawalla, Washington - "The tour itself was wonderful. Our guide and bus driver were fantastic people who knew the area and history. We completely enjoyed the trip."

Sharon E. Posey , Everett, Washington - "I had a fabulous trip to Ireland, Craftours escort was an excellent tour guide. The bus driver/guide also was an educated bus driver who informed of the history of Ireland."

Carol Wells , Peabody, Massachusetts - "It was a great trip! I had a great time. Craftours escort was the best tour escort!"

Susan Green , Glen Allen, Virginia - "Great tour guide and driver. Carol Feller was fantastic."

Sarah Ruth Bridges , Moultrie, GA - "Absolutely fantastic! One of the best coach tours that I have been on. Our driver/tour guide was wonderful. I would go again."

Suzanne Leimer , Moultrie, GA - "Wonderful experience. I wanted to stay another week and repeat everything. I would like to return. Craftours is top notch."

Bonnie Kipp , West Palm Beach, FL - "It was a fantastic trip. Very well done! Everyone was so friendly and everything seemed to be very well planned."

Marilyn Kennedy , Englewood, FL - "It was well planned and an exceptional trip."

Marilyn Harding , Greenwood, IN - "The trip was perfectly planned. The escorts were amusing and very congenial. Our driver, DB, was the icing on the cake. DB was funny and very knowledgeable. I spent a lot of the trip laughing. Isn’t fun the objective of a vacation?"

Nancy Lee Joyce , LaLuz, NM - "The tour was terrific! Especially our bus driver/tour guide BD."

Mary Jane Cahill , Havelock, NC - As a person that isn't that knowledgeable about gardening. I found the experience with Melinda Myers and the rest of the tour group very helpful in sharing gardening knowledge and friendship.

Barbara Hess , Coal Center, FL - It was a wonderful experience and let me practice and expand my skills as a crocheted.

Marlin Shaw , Estero, FL - It was a fantastic trip. Being a non quilter / crafter I did not know what to expect exactly. However, it was all wonderful and I loved every minute. I would definitely do it again and recommend it to others.

Dodie Halter , Vincennes, IN - "This tour was awesome! We had many opportunities for "hands-on" crafts; needle felting, Brigit’s cross, cooking and we saw demonstrations of many more."

Diana Dingwall , Campbell River, British Columbia - "Excellent tour, loved the workshops"

Liz Berry , Chesapeake, VA - "I’m not much of a photographer but the escort was able to inspire me. She explained things in a way that made sense and has helped me look at things in a totally different way."

Elaine Shepard , Little Mountain, Queensland - "Most enjoyable tour and crocheting experience."

• Full Package Price: $4,284.00 | Air from New York JFK
• Land Only Price: $3,534.00 | Land only rate does not include airport/hotel transfers (per person, based on double occupancy)
• Not Included

CONTACT INFO

410 Richard A. Mautino Drive Spring Valley, IL 61362

Mailing Address:

PO Box 147 Spring Valley, IL 61362

US Telephone: 815-663-4046 US, Canada & Spain Toll-Free:   877-887-1188 Mexico Toll-Free:   001-882887-1188 UK Toll-Free: 0808 134 9500 Australia Toll-Free: 18 0010 6424 Email: [email protected]

Hours: Monday – Friday 6:30 am – 4:30 pm CST

knitting classes, workshops and clinics from Ireland with Pauline Gallagher

10 night south of Ireland Knitting Tours

Pauline with a group from knittingtours.com wearing their finished pendants.

  knittingtours.com run wonderful 10 Nights South of Ireland with Aran Islands knitting tours .  The focus of the tour is knitting. In addition to knitting, spinning and dyeing workshops you will also enjoy demonstrations of weaving, home baking and of course experience the charm of the Aran Islands.

Pauline teaches the very first workshop of the tour… ‘ Knitting with Wire’ on your first morning in Dublin. 

In the class you will learn tips and techniques for knitting with wire which is an interesting challenge for anyone who has not tried it before.

All materials will be provided and by the end of the class you should have knit yourself a nice wire leaf-with-raindrop pendant, a reminder of our soft Irish rain,  for you to take home with you as a souvenir of your time here in Ireland!

Dates for 10 Night South of Ireland  Knitting Tour with Aran Islands (2023)

• 17 Apr 2023
• 10 Jul 2023
• 18 Sep 2023

see all  tour details here

The connection between Ireland and knitting with wire?……….

If you look closely at the silver ‘ribbon’ on the famous Tara Brooch you will see that it is made from a type of knitted wire….

Check out the great range of knitting tours and retreats available in Ireland and Scotland here

knitting the world together one trip at a time   

Dream. Make. Go.

If you’re looking for a travel experience that includes

the camaraderie of like-minded, fiber-obsessed folks

a below-the-touristy-surface experience of your destination

an opportunity to get to know & support local communities, artisans and makers

travel planners & trip leaders who draw on their own experiences to create something outrageously special 

then you’ve come to the right place!

We design and facilitate small group tours rooted in an interest in craft, culture, unique environments and the friendships and memories that emerge from grand adventures. Since 2013, we have been and continue to build, a network of devoted participants, friends, artisans and hosts that enrich every excursion.

what people are saying about us

"This trip exceeded expectations! The accommodations and activities were wonderful. The guides are the best and took great care of our group. The best part was making some many new friends."

Brooklyn Boy Knits Does Rhinebeck & Beyond

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7 Night Ireland Country Manor Knitting Retreat

Spend four nights in the heart of the Fermanagh Lakelands, with an additional night at Killeavy Castle Estate and book-ended with a stay in one of Dublin’s most elegant hotels.

Explore Dublin with sightseeing and a personal shopping experience in Dublin’s number one yarn store.

Join Crafts of Ireland for full afternoon of spinning and knitting before being welcomed to your Manor House retreat by your host, renowned knitwear designer Edel MacBride.

The next four days will have you immersed in knitting and Manor living! 

We will also have music and storytelling as you knit in the evening, a gin distillery tour and more yarn! Spend an amazing day in Armagh, synonymous with Saint Patrick and home to orchards, incredible architecture and wonderful cultural locations.

Visit the Armagh Cider Company for a Blossom to Bottle Experience and Brownlow House welcomes you for a morning of knitting with the locals and exploring the grand estate.

Enjoy Afternoon Tea Downton Abbey style and so much more!

Explore the wonder of Newgrange before returning to city life, shopping and fun in Dublin!

What's Included

• Complimentary private transfers on arrival and departure
• Luxury coach with an experienced driver
• Experienced Guide/Tour Manager
• All your Knitting and Craft workshops including materials
• Luxury four star accommodation
• Irish breakfast daily
• Three Course Dinner every night
• Welcome Brunch
• Afternoon Tea
• Irish Music and Storytelling
• Christchurch Cathedral Guided Tour
• National Museum of Decorative Arts
• The Boatyard Distillery Gin Tour and Tasting
• Navan Fort Experience
• A Morning on the Hill (explore the best of Armagh City)
• Armagh Cider Company Blossom to Bottle and PicKnit lunch

Workshops / Knitting Activities Included in This Tour:

• Exclusive Shopping Experience in This is Knit, Dublin
• Pre-Dinner Talk with Tapestry and Textile Designer Angela Forte on colour in design
• Retreat Host, knitwear designer and Aran expert Edel MacBride
• 2 full knitting workshops
• Knitting with Edel throughout the retreat, including trips out and evening knitting circles!
• Crafts of Ireland spinning and knitting, including vintage demonstrations
• Ewe Momma Yarn Store Visit
• Irish Artisan Yarns Pop Up Shop come to you!
• Knitting at Brownlow House with the locals, tour of the castle, Afternoon Tea and visit to the GI museum onsite!
• Liz Christy and Swallow Studios visit and demonstration

• American Dollar
• Canadian Dollar
• Australian Dollar

Meet Our Local Craft Experts

Edel macbride – knitwear designer / donegal and derry.

Optional Pre Night Package

2 x Pre-Nights at Dublin City centre hotel

Arrival Transfer

Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Ticket

Per person sharing one room €450

Supplement if single room is required €199

Package B  

1 x Pre-Night at Dublin City centre hotel

Per person sharing one room €290

Supplement if single room is required €99

Quick Enquiry

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• Work & Careers
• Life & Arts

Meet the weavers, knitters and designers recharging Ireland’s luxe economy

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Kate Finnigan

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Colin Burke’s knitted and crocheted Aran sweaters, made in Galway, boast unexpected silhouettes – particularly a large, baroque, balloon-like sleeve. “I put my own twist on the traditional sweater,” says Burke, who uses a 60 per cent Irish fleece wool from Donegal Yarns – a supplier based in the north-west county long famous for its wool and tweed. That twist has proved itself to be desirable and fashionable. In Havana, a womenswear boutique in Dublin, the label sits alongside global names. 

“It’s a fashion item that sells very well to wear with Comme des Garçons, Simone Rocha or Junya Watanabe,” says Havana founder Nikki Creedon. “Our Irish designers are very important to what we do, but I don’t stock them out of loyalty. It’s for the quality of the design.”

Some of fashion’s most influential names hail from Ireland: Jonathan Anderson, Simone Rocha and Seán McGirr, who is now at Alexander McQueen. With Róisín Pierce’s elegant all-white creations showing at Paris Fashion Week, and Michael Stewart’s Standing Ground and menswear designer Robyn Lynch in the ascendant in London, the voice of international fashion now has a powerful Irish lilt. Meanwhile, a cohort of creatives – keen to live and work in Ireland – are looking back at the country’s centuries-old expertise in producing woollens, linen and tweed, and honing it into a luxury offering for today. 

“Our homegrown designers are blending Ireland’s rich cultural heritage with global trends,” says Shelly Corkery, fashion buying director at Dublin department store Brown Thomas Arnotts . Its summer retail programme, Create , founded by Corkery 13 years ago, has become pivotal in showcasing local talent such as outerwear brand The Landskein, linen brand Kindred of Ireland and Burke . “The creative energy is palpable.” 

I make sure every piece includes blackberry stitch, the only stitch that can’t be made on a machine Colin Burke, fashion designer and craftsman

Burke makes his sweaters to celebrate the memory and skill of his late grandmother, who taught him to crochet. He employs 10 knitters in different locations around Ireland, women mostly over the age of 60, from a generation – like Delia Barry, the octogenarian who became internet-famous after knitting the sweaters in the 2023 film The Banshees of Inisherin – who were taught to knit at school. “They’re just so talented, they know all the tricks,” says Burke. “I make sure that every piece includes the traditional blackberry stitch, the only stitch that can’t be made on a knitting machine, so it’s clear that each garment is hand-done.” 

The Landskein offers luxurious tailored coats and blazers for women, woven in fine lambswool tweed by Molloy & Sons , also in Donegal, and in a palette of colours inspired by the Irish landscape (the word “landskein” describes the interweaving of horizon lines on hazy days). Founder Anna Guerin had long wanted to create coats with a more contemporary silhouette than those she could find from traditional Donegal tweed-makers but was galvanised when, while on a work trip to China back in 2016, a tailor showed her a so-called “Donegal” made for $12 a metre – a fraction of the price the authentic would cost in Ireland. “I was devastated,” she recalls. “But my question was: is there a discerning customer who would pay more for a fabric that didn’t look dramatically different to the Chinese-made?” The answer appears to be yes. The Landskein has just launched its fifth collection, Orphic, with 25 new styles, and will be stocked in 20 stores this year.

Amy Anderson of Belfast-based label Kindred of Ireland has recently introduced a Donegal tweed collection, also woven by Molloy & Sons, to sit alongside the Irish-made linen on which her romantic line of womenswear is founded. Linen is historically important to Belfast. By the end of the 19th century, the city had become “linenopolis”, the global centre of linen manufacture, employing a vast percentage of the working population. “Almost everyone in Northern Ireland can connect to that industry because it was so important here,” says Anderson, whose grandparents were mill workers. 

A photograph of her grandmother spinning at a mill prompted her to found Kindred in 2020. The heritage story, natural fabric and its nostalgia-tinged loose silhouettes have found a receptive audience, particularly the pieces in beetled linen – an ancient process that involves the fabric being dampened and repeatedly beaten with wooden blocks until it becomes crisp. “There’s only one machine in existence in Northern Ireland – maybe the world – that can still make beetled linen,” says Anderson. She has since developed a gold version that is almost leather-like. 

Siobhan McKenna founded knitwear brand Moss + Cable in her native Donegal in 2020. Her gender-neutral knits are both a little neater and more relaxed than the mainstream, and in a slightly off-beat palette (lemon, raisin, lilac) of colour-flecked Donegal yarns. “There are so many generations-old family factories and workshops in this area who used to export around the world,” says McKenna. “I love the fact that in a small way we’re contributing to the longevity of that tradition.” Meanwhile, Kildare’s Madigan Cashmere works with a team of five experienced Aran hand-knitters – “all older ladies, of course”, says co-founder Elaine Madigan – to make its cashmere-yarn Arans. Made to order, each one takes six weeks. “At the beginning, a business mentor advised me that people wouldn’t wait that long, but when they recognise the quality and the craftsmanship, they’ll wait.”

These new Irish brands are following in the footsteps of the likes of Magee 1866 , a fifth-generation family tweed-maker based in Donegal (Sarah Jessica Parker, who has a home in the county, is a fan), and the Inis Meáin Knitwear Company , a pioneering enterprise founded on one of the Aran islands in the 1970s to give young people employment. (Its men’s Pub jacket in baby alpaca, silk, cashmere and merino is something of a cult item.)  

“A lot of our young designers are discovering Irish linens and tweeds for the first time,” says Eddie Shanahan, founder and chair of the Council of Irish Fashion Designers. “We’re seeing more trans-seasonal collections and more people creating special pieces that you will want to keep hold of.”

He points to design talent like Helen Hayes , who uses couture techniques to produce garments inspired by her grandmother’s 1950s knitting patterns, and the artist Sara O’Neill, who recently hand-painted two leather jackets worn by The Edge for U2’s residency in Las Vegas. O’Neill lives on the north coast of Northern Ireland; Éadach (Gaelic for clothes), her annual collection of digitally printed silk scarves and kimonos and linens, depicts stories from Irish legend and history. It’s always one of the biggest sellers at Brown Thomas Create. One collection is inspired by the 19th century’s “Millie” – the derogatory nickname given to female linen mill workers. “Those women were the backbone of society,” she says. “There are a lot of very strong female characters in Irish mythology and history, and I felt that was a little bit at odds with how Irish society had treated women for a very long time.” 

Shanahan says he’s never been more optimistic, despite the changes in the global textile industry. “At one stage, Ireland was exporting more fashion designers than we were fashion collections,” he says. “We knew we could do it on the international stage, but we just had to have the same confidence at home.” A new generation of Irish designers, weaving a new future.

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International Edition

• Knitting Tours

7 Night Kerry Manor Luxury Knitting Retreat

This luxury knitting retreat is centred around the the beautiful and picturesque backdrop of County Kerry. Your base hotel for this tour is the charming Parknasilla Resort where you will enjoy daily knitting activities. There will also be optional tours available during your stay.

24th September 2023

(One date only - limited availability)

Begin in Dublin where after some time to explore the city. The next day we will head south to County Kerry and check into the beautiful Parknasilla Resort Hotel. Here meet one of Ireland’s top knitters, Carol Feller. You will spend four days with Carol, learning her seamless cables, short row and grafting techniques and relaxing in the surroundings of your retreat hotel. We will have some optional tours lined up so that you can get out and see the local countryside if you wish!

Included in This Tour

• Transfers on arrival and departure by private coach (for arrivals prior to 10.30am on tour start day)
• Sightseeing as per itinerary in a luxury coach with an experienced driver and accredited guide, entrance fees included if applicable
• The company of your knitting host Carol Feller for 4 days
• Accommodation in rooms with private facilities for 7 nights
• Irish breakfast daily
• 1 dinner followed by traditional music session at the Parknasilla Resort Hotel
• Irish whiskey and chocolate tasting at Parknasilla
• Optional touring as described in the itinerary

Workshops/Knitting Activities Included in This Tour

• Knitting workshops as described in the itinerary including yarn and patterns
• Knitting on the Sheep’s Head Peninsula
• Visit to Zwartables Ireland sheep farm
• Visit to Cushendale Woollen Mill

Overnights for this Tour

• Hyatt Centric Hotel (or similar), Dublin, 1 Night
• Parknasilla Resort Hotel, County Kerry, 4 Nights
• Lyrath Estate Hotel, County Kilkenny, 1 Night

Important Note: Attractions, Workshops and Demonstrations May Change According toAvailability and Scheduling

Day 1: Dublin Arrival and City Tour of Dublin

On arrival to Dublin, we begin your retreat with a transfer to your hotel (for arrivals prior to 10.30 am). Your guide will meet the group at your hotel and introduce the tour.  Your first visit will be to the iconic Jameson Distillery Bow Street where you will get a change to taste to the golden nectar before then moving on to the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology, which is one of Ireland’s most important cultural institutions. Established in 1877, this building is the primary repository of the nation’s archaeological treasures including the Ardagh Chalice and the Tara Brooch, dating from the 12th and 8th centuries respectively.  The exhibits on display show connections with our pagan past and Christian culture at the time and are of major importance in early European Culture.  Enjoy some time in your hotel to relax before your evening welcome dinner with your tour group.

Day 2: Travel to Kerry via Cahir Castle  

Today your knitting retreat will take you to Kerry via the remarkable Cahir Castle. One of Ireland’s best-preserved castles, Cahir sits on a rocky island above the River Suir. Once the home of the powerful Butler family, the castle’s keep, tower and defensive structures remain intact. Continue to Parknasilla Resort Hotel and meet your host, one of Ireland’s most famous knitters, Carol Feller. You will spend a lot more time with Carol over the next few days in Kerry so this evening is an informal get together and ‘get to know each other’ session with some informal knitting thrown in for good measure! Overnight Parknasilla Resort Hotel, Sneem, Dinner Bed & Breakfast Basis

Day 3: Knitting, Whiskey, Chocolate and Trad!

Over the course of this knitting retreat you’ll work on a very special cabled hat and cowl set with Carol which you will start today. Both of these patterns will provide a great learning experience as they are knit from side-to-side with some fantastic techniques! You’ll learn how to do a provisional cast-on, cables without a cable needle, short rows in pattern and grafting in pattern. Carol will walk you through every step of the project over the following days. Learn how to tighten up loose cables and fix cable mistakes. Go on a virtual tour of the Irish Mills with Carol and even learn how to pick the right size garment to knit. This afternoon, enjoy a whiskey and chocolate tasting event where experienced whiskey and chocolate connoisseurs will take you through the history of whiskey in Ireland and how to pair it with the perfect chocolate flavour. You can enjoy samples of both or either! This evening after dinner enjoy a traditional Irish music session in the hotel bar.  Overnight Parknasilla Resort Hotel, Sneem, Dinner Bed & Breakfast Basis.

Day 4: Optional Tour: Ring of Kerry

Today you can opt to stay at your hotel and enjoy some of the facilities on offer, if you wish. Pamper yourself in the hotel’s spa, surrounded by the natural beauty of woodlands, ocean and mountains; let your troubles drift away as you take in this awe inspiring backdrop, enjoy a round of golf at the nearby course or just relax in the wonderful surroundings. Alternatively, you join us for a tour of a section of the Ring of Kerry which will include a visit to Kenmare, Sneem, Ladies View and Molls Gap. Return to the hotel where there will be time to relax and work on your knitting projects.  Overnight Parknasilla Resort Hotel, Sneem, Dinner Bed & Breakfast Basis

Day 5: Optional Tour: Sheep’s Head Peninsula with Workshop

Again, today if you prefer to stay at Parknasilla you can do that or join us for a tour of the Sheep’s Head Peninsula in Cork. If you do decide to tour with us, bring your knitting! Today we travel to the neighbouring county of Cork via the Caha Pass.  There are a number of places to stop where you can get out and enjoy the views. After a short stop continue to Sheep’s Head and meet Niamh and the other organisers of the annual Sheep’s Head Yarn Festival. Enjoy a knitting session with Niamh and the gang on the topic of travel sock knitting or textured stitches depending on your preference. After the workshop and some lunch we will explore the peninsula some more before returning to the hotel in time for dinner.  Overnight Parknasilla Resort Hotel, Sneem, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Basis

Day 6: Travel to Kilkenny via Zwartables Farm & Cushendale Mill

Today, we depart Parknasilla and make our way to the 'Marble City' of Kilkenny. En route, we stop at Crampton's farm to meet Suzanna and her family who breed and rear Zwartables sheep.  Tour the farm, meet the sheep and chat with the family who will tell you all about their unique yarn which you can buy direct from the farm if you wish. Nearby is Cushendale Mill where products made on site are crafted natural-fibre textiles made with mohair, Irish wool and merino lamb’s wool. Enjoy a tour of the mill and see the spinning mule in action. You might even spot some of the wool from the sheep at Crampton's farm! Travel onwards to your hotel in time for dinner. Overnight Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny, Dinner Bed & Breakfast Basis

Day 7: Kilkenny Castle & Dublin

This morning, we begin the day with a visit to Kilkenny Castle. This castle was built for defence over 800 years ago in Norman times and was reconstructed once again in Victorian times. There are ornamental gardens on the city side of the castle, and extensive land and gardens to the front. It has become one of the most visited tourist sites in Ireland. There will also be time to visit Kilkenny Design Centre across the courtyard which offers a fantastic selection of Irish handcrafted gifts including jewellery, knitwear, and pottery. Continue onwards to Dublin where on arrival the remainder of the day is free to explore, shop or relax before your farewell dinner this evening. Overnight Hyatt Centric Hotel, Dublin, Dinner Bed & Breakfast Basis

Day 8: End of Tour

After your final Irish breakfast depart the hotel for Dublin Airport arriving in time to complete check-in formalities and that last minute duty free shopping.

Booking Requirements & Cancellation Information

A deposit of 20% of the total tour price is required to hold your booking. The balance of the tour is due 60 days before arrival and can be made in instalment payments on request.

Cancellation Policy:

• Cancellation 60 days or more prior to itinerary start date - Full deposit is forfeit
• 60 days to 49 days prior to itinerary start date - 50% of the total paid is forfeit
• 48 days to 31 days prior to itinerary start date - 75% of the total paid is forfeit
• 30 days or less prior to itinerary start date - 100% of the total paid is forfeit

Postponements:

Should you wish to change your tour to one of our other available tours or to a different date, you can do so subject to availability. An amendment fee of €250 per person will apply. Within 60 days of the tour commencement date, cancellation fees will apply.

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"Just wanted to let you know we had the best time on our vacation to Ireland. Everything went smoothly. Does you company handle other destinations besides Ireland by chance?"

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"Rest assured, when I visit Ireland again (and I will) you will be the first people I call."

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"Thank you so much for planning such a wonderful trip! We enjoyed every aspect of it."

Janet from California

"I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for arranging such a wonderful trip. You are just the best. When I show my pictures "everyone" wants to visit Ireland."

Carol from New York

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Knitting Tours of Ireland

Discovering Ireland are now offering an array of superb knitting tours. Enjoy your Ireland vacation in 2016 or 2017 by taking part in these group tours that celebrate the art and skill of knitting. Our two two tours that celebrate Knitting in Ireland, are based either in the south of Ireland tour, taking inthe South and West of the country and the North of Ireland knitting tour is concentrated in the North and West of Ireland.

Both knitting group tours include workshops and craft based as well as general sightseeing.  Please review the tour links below for more information & travel dates.

Visit our KnittingTours.com brand to see our full range of Knitting Tours in Ireland & Scotland!

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