Knit Ireland with Laura Nelkin October 2017!

Oct 1 - 10, 2017
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Many of you know I visited Ireland with my family this summer.... it turned out to be a bit of a scouting trip and I've put together a knitting adventure for us to take together next fall! Ireland is gorgeous and full of opportunity! I can't wait to knit and learn and explore the western shore of the country with you!

Day 1: Arrive in Shannon and travel to Killarney's Lake Hotel (with a scrummy lunch stop along the way). We'll be starting our adventure retreat "style" with Carol Feller, knitting and chatting and then follow that with a fantastic group dinner. The Lake Hotel has a the ruins of a 12th century castle and overlooks Killarney Lake... we'll knit, get to know each other, and rejuvenate from our travels in comfort!

View from the dining room of The Lake Hotel!

Day 2: We'll start our day with a true Irish breakfast and then have a knitting workshop with Carol Feller, lunch and a bit 'o shopping in Killarney and then a Jaunting Car Ride in Killarney National Park!

Day 3: Group breakfast, and then head out on a Ring of Kerry tour around the stunning Iveargh Peninsula and end the day with a visit and tour of the Kerry Woollen Mills.

Day 4: Another yummy Breakfast, a quick visit to Hedgehog Fibres in Cork, and then lunch and exploring Bunratty Castle and Folk Park, and then onto Galway for a lovely group dinner in our hotel at the Harbor!

The color wall at Hedgehog!

Day 5: Craft in Connemara day (starts with Breakfast!)! Tour of Connemara with a visit to Spiddal Craft and Design Centre and a basket making workshop with Ciaran Hogan, then onto Kylemore Abbey, finally a visit to a traditional working Sheep Farm, the Glen Keen Sheep Farm. The evening is your own... we may decide to head into town and catch a traditional Irish Music session in any one of Galway’s traditional pubs or simply relax in the hotel.

Day 6:  We'll have breakfast and then head out to visit to the National Museum of Country Life (optional) and then have an afternoon workshop with the iconic Anne O'Maille and visit her knitting store in Galway.

Day 7: After Breakfast (sense a theme here?) we will flight or ferry to Inis Oírr in the Aran Islands. On the island we will be met by Una McDonagh and treated to a workshop on traditional knitting methods and Aran Island stitches at the Aras Eanna Art and Craft Centre. We'll be staying at B &B's on the island and have an opportunity to get to know our hosts and learn about island life! The day ends with a sumptuous group dinner at a local restaurant!

Day 8: First, breakfast, then we'll ferry over to Inis Mór (the largest of the Aran Islands) and have a guided tour that includes the impressive fort of Dún Aonghasa. Then we'll head for lunch at a local restaurant and visit some of the knitwear shops on the island. In the afternoon we'll take the ferry back to Inis Oírr and have a St Bridgets Cross Making workshop with Una! Another yummy dinner is scheduled for the group!

Day 9: BREAKFAST! And then we'll ferry over to Doolin where we will take a short tour of the Burren and learn about the region, we'll visit Poulnabrone Portal Tomb, Cliffs of Moher for lunch and a wee hike, and then travel through the charming village of Fanore. We will then head to Dromoland Castle for our last night together! I needed us to stay in a castle before heading home... a delicious meal is planned for our farewell dinner.

Day 10: LAST BREAKFAST, and then it is time to head to the airport for our journey's home... (insert sad face here).

The tour includes :

• Transfers on arrival and departure by private coach
• Sightseeing as per itinerary in a luxury coach with an experienced driver and licensed guide and Laura Nelkin, knitting designer and teacher
• Accommodation in rooms with private facilities for 9 Nights (single supplement  €543/extra)
• Irish breakfast daily, 5 lunches, 4 dinners, 1 farewell dinner
• Entrance to all museums and attractions per itinerary
• Aran Islands Flight and Ferry Fees

Workshops/Knitting Activities Included in This Tour:

• Dinner and knitting Workshop with Carol Feller (including a copy of Carol’s Book – Contemporary Irish Knits)
• Knitting Workshop with Anne O’Maille
• Knitting Workshop with Una McDonagh & Mairead Sharry
• Visit to the Inis Meáin Knitting Company 
• Saint Bridget Cross Making Workshop
• Kerry Woollen Mills Factory Tour
• Eye of God Willow Cross Making Workshop with Ciaran Hogan

VERY Detailed Itinerary and sign up form available, e-mail Laura for more details!