Knit! Aran Islands with Laura
September 21st to 30th, 2024
Have you ever dreamt of a place so enchanting that leaving seems unfathomable? Each time I set foot on the Aran Islands, I'm overcome with the desire to stay there forever. And I'm not alone. Every group I've had the privilege of bringing with me to this beautiful place feels the same—wanting more. So, why not indulge in the luxury of time and immerse ourselves in these magical isles? We’ll fly into Dublin, and be whisked to the west side of Ireland where we’ll stay at the glorious 5-star Dromoland Castle to get to know each other and start our trip in style. I’ve planned a guided hike and a visit with a natural dyer in the Burren, along with an afternoon to explore Ennis (what I like to think of as the Ithaca of Ireland). Then we’ll ferry to Inis Mor, where we’ll have 5 days and 4 nights to explore the Aran Islands. We’ll have knitting lessons, hiking, meditation, cheese, and sheep experiences, all led by locals who are gracious enough to share their island way of life with us.
Unlike some of my other more location-jumping knitting trips, this experience is for those looking to slow down and ground themselves. We will be taking deep breaths of Irish air and embracing the magic of Ireland together all while sharing our common passion, KNITTING!
And, if you feel the desire to explore Ireland a bit more, there is the option to extend the trip by 3 nights and head south to Killarney, where we’ll visit Kerry Woolen Mills (so I can get fabric for another wool coat), and explore the Dunloe Gap. A little birdie told me there is an Irish dance competition "on" that weekend, so the evenings are left open to wander the town. Finally, on our way back to Dublin we’ll stop in Cork to have a class and visit with Carol Feller.
Includes:
- Transfers on arrival and departure by private coach
- Luxury coach with an experienced driver and accredited guide
- Accommodation in rooms with private facilities
- Irish breakfast daily
- 7 hotel dinners and 6 lunches
- Entrance to Irish National Stud & Japanese Gardens
- Tony Kirby Walking Tour of Burren
- Return Inis Mor Ferries
- Inter Island Ferry
- Inis Mor Island Tour
- Inis Oirr Island Tour
- Retreat Experience with Deirdre Ni Chinneide
- Aran Island Goats Cheese Farm Visit
- Mairtin O Flaithearta Farm Visit
- Gap of Dunloe Tour
Workshops/ Knitting Activities Included:
- Visit to Sionnach Yarns with Burren dyer, Sophie McCauley
- Una McDonagh Traditional Aran Knitting Workshops & Presentation
- Aran Islands Spinning & Dyeing Trip
- Design & Workshop with Laura Nelkin
- Exclusive Carol Feller Knitting Workshop
- Kerry Woollen Mills Tour
Accommodations
- Dromoland Castle, County Clare for 2 nights (just voted BEST hotel in Ireland!)
- Aran Islands Hotel, Inis Mor for 4 nights
- Brehon Hotel, Killarney for 2 nights
- Carton House, County Kildare for 1 night
Day 1: Saturday 21st September 2024
Arrive at the Dublin Airport and meet with your Irish driver and tour guide who will start your journey south through the lush green fields of the Irish midlands. You’ll visit the wonderful Irish Stud and Japanese Gardens on your way to check in to the luxurious 5-star Dromoland Castle Hotel in County Clare. We’ll end the day with a group welcome dinner and trip design reveal in the Terrace Room.
Day 2: Sunday 22nd September 2024
After a relaxing morning exploring the castle grounds and facilities, we’ll head north towards the seaside village community of Fanore. Enjoy an explorative walking tour with Tony Kirby (author of The Book on Exploring Aran Islands on Foot) in the Burren. We’ll witness botanical beauty, spectacular views, and prehistoric monuments. Next, it’s onto the town of Ennis where you will have some free time to explore and enjoy a bite to eat at your own pace. There will be time to indulge in some of the local eateries in search of dinner this evening before returning to the hotel.
Day 3: Monday 23rd September 2024
Saying our farewells to the castle, we’ll board the bus and journey to meet with Sophie Fontaine from Sionnach Yarns. Enjoy an informal chat about her yarns and dyeing processes before shopping her glorious yarns. Next, enjoy lunch at Homestead Cottage which uses the freshest of produce on its menu. In the afternoon, board the ferry for your crossing to Inis Mor, the largest of the three Aran Islands. On arrival, enjoy a ‘Meet and Greet’ with your island host, Una McDonagh who will introduce you to the island before taking some time to explore at your own pace. This evening, we’ll have a scrumptious dinner at our hotel.
Day 4: Tuesday 24th September 2024
This morning, enjoy a Knitting Workshop with Una, a born and bred island instructor who comes from a long tradition of knitters and craftspeople, and start a project that can be undertaken at different intervals over the coming days. After lunch, we have an Island Tour to visit some of the key highlights of the Island including Dun Aonghasa at the summit of Kilmurvey village, the seal colony, and seven churches along with other focal points on the island. Dinner will be at the hotel this evening followed by an Irish dancing workshop! WAHOO! Watch out for Lola’s dance moves, they are special.
Day 5: Wednesday 25th September 2024
Today, board a ferry to Inis Oirr, the smallest of the Aran Islands. On arrival, enjoy an island presentation along with tea, coffee, and homemade scones at Una’s Cafe before departing on a tour of the island. While on the island, enjoy a Spinning & Dyeing Workshop before eating lunch and touring the island with Una who resides on the island permanently. In the afternoon, board a ferry back to Inis Mor where you will have time to nap and knit before dinner.
Day 6: Thursday 26th September 2024
This morning, enjoy a retreat-style event with local, Deirdre Ni Chinneide. She will draw from the journey of the Celtic Passage offering an invitation to experience the healing power of yoga, meditation, and music. Then we’ll take a reflective walk before tea/coffee and a delicious lunch! In the afternoon, pay a visit to Gabriel at Aran Islands Goats Cheese who will give you a tour of his farm and small production plant along with a tasting of his creamy produce! Next, it’s onto Mairtin O Flaithearta who runs his own aran sheep farm before heading back to your hotel for dinner. YUM DINNER!
Day 7: Friday 27th September 2024
After breakfast, take a ferry back to the mainland. For those wishing to depart the trip at this point, you can transfer to Dublin by rail from the town of Ennis or Limerick. For all wishing to remain on the tour, journey south towards Killarney, a town that is set amidst sublime scenery. We’ll visit Kerry Woollen Mills a 17th-century establishment that has been crafting fine fabrics and yarn from wool for over 300 years. There will also be time allocated for some shopping before heading onward to your hotel for check-in and dinner together.
Day 8: Saturday 28th September 2024
Today, enjoy a Gap of Dunloe excursion. We’ll begin at Kate Kearney’s Cottage by taking a pony and trap through the Gap of Dunloe where you can view a spectacular glaciated valley. Your pony and trap ride ends at Lord Brandon’s Cottage where you can enjoy food and beverages. The next part of your journey takes you through the three Lakes of Killarney passing by the majestic oak woods of Derrycunnihy and Tomies mountains, Your journey ends at the wonderfully restored 15th-century Ross Castle. We will have an option for those who want to walk the Gap to do that instead. Return to your hotel where the remainder of the day is free to explore the bars and restaurants of Killarney at your leisure.
Day 9: Sunday 29th September 2024
This morning, board your coach and begin your return journey to Dublin. Travel west to Cork, home of Stolen Stitches and knitwear designer, Carol Feller! Enjoy an exclusive workshop with Carol who has traveled the world teaching in yarn shops and fibre festivals. Lunch will be included here before beginning your journey north towards County Kildare. Upon arrival at the luxurious Carton House, take some time to relax before we enjoy a farewell dinner at the property’s award-winning restaurant.
Day 10: Monday 30th September 2024
Transfer to Dublin Airport for your return journey. WAH!
Pricing
Full Tour
price per person/sharing €5990 (single supplement €1846)
Burren and Aran Islands ONLY
price per person/sharing €3911 (single supplement €1367)
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 installment payments on request.
We urge you to purchase cancellation insurance & supplemental medical coverage (which covers pre-existing conditions). This is a smart way to safeguard against life’s surprises.
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