Tour Overview
We had a wonderful time
We had a wonderful time! This was the first time I've traveled out of the country and wasn't sure how the trip would go. I was nervous, but everything went as planned. Tina did a terrific job and I ha Read more »
I wrote a review a year
I wrote a review a year ago. Just want to re-emphasize, 15 months later, how grateful I am to Linda Larkin for organizing an absolutely wonderful trip. Our hotel in Port Rush was a bit worn but not a Read more »
I am writing to highly pr
I am writing to highly praise Irish Tourism. Our agent, Linda Larkin, provided a high level of customer service as we planned our tour to Ireland. She was very thoughtful and helpful. I also want t Read more »
Amazing staff
The staff at Irish Tourism is extraordinary! My friends and I found ourselves in Ireland when the travel ban began. Maria and everyone at Irish Tourism worked hard to ensure we had places to stay, eve Read more »
The Emerald Isle may be forty shades of green, but in the autumn, many of those green hues turn to warm, rich, earthy and vibrant tones. Our 7 night Knit and Nature Ireland tour will take you on a journey of discovery across the Irish landscape, exploring the connections between land and fibre, autumn colours and textures. Begin with a welcome brunch and tour of Airfield Estate, an environmentally sustainable farm and gardens in the heart of Dublin! Visit This Is Knit, Dublin’s top yarn store and receive a very special welcome gift! Join Carol Feller of Stolen Stitches for two days of in-depth garment knitting, working on a pattern you will love! Be inspired by fleece to fibre farm experiences including iconic Galway Wool Safari and Ériu of County Wicklow Farm to Yarn. Stay in new locations, with a memorable lakeside manor stay in Killarney with exclusive use of Loch Lein Country House, and the brand new The Chancery hotel in the heart of Dublin, contemporary design with natural materials. Stay in the Limerick Strand hotel on the banks of the iconic River Shannon, where you will enjoy a talk and pop up shop with Ballyhoura Yarns – a collection inspired by the lands around us! A yarn dyeing workshop with Talú Earth in the heart of rural Ireland, a horse and carriage ride and lake cruise to discover the flora and fauna of Killarney National Park, idyllic The Swiss Cottage and the Museum of Style Icons and Newbridge Silverware will inspire your colour palettes further. Visits to Kerry Woollen Mills to see the 300-year-old mill in action, Hedgehog Fibres and a Knit and Sip experience at Ahascragh Eco-Distillery make this a unique and sustainability inspired tour, where you really do get back to nature and knitting.
What's included
- Complimentary private transfers on arrival and departure*
- Luxury coach with an experienced driver
- Experienced Guide/Tour Manager – Anne Marie Hayes
- Luxury four star accommodation
- Irish breakfast daily
- 5 dinners
- 4 lunches
- Newbridge Silverware Experience -Farewell Sparking Afternoon Tea, tour of the silver factory, Museum of Style Icons, discount shopping
- 2 days of Knitting renowned Designer and Tutor Carol Feller of Stolen Stitches
- Natural dyeing workshop with Malú Colorin of Talú Earth
- Farm to Yarn visit to Ériu with talk, river nature walk, Kingfisher palette show and tell and special gift
- This Is Knit Store visit with presentation of Knitting Kit featuring Ériu Yarn
- Galway Wool Safari with Spinning by Galway Wool Co-Op
- Ballyhoura Fibres breakfast talk and pop up shop
- Kerry Woollen Mills Experience
- Ahascragh Eco-Distllery tour, whiskey, cheese and chocolate tasting and Knit and Sip with a cocktail
- Airfield Estate – Dublin’s sustainable farm and garden hub, tour, lunch from the garden and Irish coffee
- Glendalough Monastic Site and Lake
- Jaunting Car Ride and Lake Cruise in Killarney National Park
- Sheepdog Demonstration at Kissane Sheep Farm
- The Swiss Cottage Visit – an idyllic fantasy of country life!
Workshops/Knitting Activities Included in This Tour:
- 2 days in-depth garment knitting with Carol Feller of Stolen Stitches!
- Natural dyeing workshop with Malú Colorin
- Ériu farm Kingfisher palette show and tell, including free accessory pattern & skein
- This Is Knit store visit with welcome gift of Fishbone Mittens kit with Ériu Yarn
- Galway Wool Safari and Spinning with Galway Wool Co-op
- Ballyhoura Fibres talk with and trunk show
- Kerry Woollen Mills Experience
- Visit to Hedgehog Fibres
- Yarn and patterns are included in all workshops, you just need to bring your own needles, sizes will be advised
Overnights for this tour
THE CHANCERY HOTEL, DUBLIN
Bounded by antiquity and informed by the unique character and charm of the city. The Chancery is an invitation to experience modern hospitality in the heart of historic Dublin.
From warm communal spaces featuring natural materials to the considered calm of each bedroom, guests will find thoughtful contemporary design throughout, always in the service of function and comfort. A certified *LEED gold hotel The Chancery is committed to the highest standards of sustainability. From conception to construction the hotel was built to balance the highest tech with the lowest impacts. The Chancery Hotel in the heart of Dublin City, offers a unique and immersive experience reflecting the local culture.
LIMERICK STRAND HOTEL, LIMERICK
Limerick Strand Hotel is situated on the banks of the majestic River Shannon in the Viking City with views across the river to King John's Castle and medieval St. Mary's Church Spire. Large air-conditioned bedrooms, award-winning AA Rosette dining and Health Centre with a 20-metre heated swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi.
LOCH LEIN COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL, KILLARNEY
Relax and enjoy your exclusive three night stay at this elegant Country House tucked away in the unspoilt beauty of Killarney’s Lake District. This hidden treasure, nestled on the northern shore of Killarney’s great lake, Loch Lein, offers magnificent views of the McGillicuddy Reeks.
Your Hosts, Annette and Paul Corridan are always on hand to meet & greet and help in any way. Annette and Paul display a genuine emphasis on personal service and high standards of Food and Accommodation. A friendly and informal atmosphere prevails at Loch Lein Country House, putting you at ease from the moment you arrive. Allow yourself to indulge in deep-cushioned comfort with views across the Lakes of Killarney. Rooms are very spacious with many thoughtful touches to enhance a comfortable and relaxing stay.
Tour itinerary
Day 1 - Day 1: Dublin, Airfield Estate and This Is Knit!
Join your group in the lobby of The Chancery Hotel and meet with your wonderful tour guide, Anne Marie Hayes and your new companions! After a brief introduction, board your coach for the short journey to Airfield Estate, a 38 acre period house, farm and gardens in the heart of Dublin! Home to the Overend family since 1894, Airfield Estate was left in trust to the people of Ireland by Letitia and Naomi Overend in 1974. These trailblazing sisters realised the importance of being self-sufficient and sustainable in every aspect of their lives. That passion is carried through with the Airfield team today. Enjoy a tour of the house and gardens and have lunch sourced from the estate (included). Meet the lovely farm animals before enjoying a farewell Irish Coffee or Airfield Hot Chocolate!
Return to Dublin city centre and the exquisite Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, home to the fabulous This Is Knit Yarn Store. After browsing and chatting with the experts, you will be presented with a Fishbone Mittens Knitting Kit complete with Ériu yarn! Finish the day with a welcome dinner in your hotel.
Overnight The Chancery Hotel, Dublin - lunch and dinner included.
Day 2 - Day 2: Ériu Farm to Yarn, River Walk and Talú Earth Dyeing Workshop
Today, we leave Dublin and venture into the Garden of Ireland! Zoe and Lionel of Ériu Farm to Yarn are dedicated to working with selected breeds and blends to produce quality Irish wool as a sustainable, natural resource. Ériu is the Irish goddess of fertility, sovereignty and abundance. They are situated in the wild Wicklow mountains at the foot of Lugnaquilla - stunning and October when the trees turn golden. The area is surrounded by fairy rings and stone circles so there is a particular magical element to this part of Ireland.
This morning enjoy tea and scones on arrival, with a farm tour, river walk and be the first to see the Ériu woollen mill under construction! Have lunch on the farm (included) and learn about the new Kingfisher yarn colour palette. Come away with your own gift of an accessory pattern and a skein!
Take part in a Talú Earth natural dyeing workshop with Malú Colorin. With a background in graphic design and fine arts, in 2018 she began her experimentations and research into natural dyes and studied with master dyers in Mexico, Ireland, the US and Japan. Her work draws inspiration from the traditional garments of her native Mexico, while embracing the rich heritage of Irish textiles. She connects with each of her natural dye sources, as well as the land where they grow.
Meander back to Dublin with a stop at the ancient monastic site of Glendalough, a tranquil oasis, draped in the colours of autumn. This evening is yours to enjoy Dublin or simply relax in your hotel.
Overnight The Chancery Hotel, Dublin – breakfast and lunch included
Day 3 - Day 3: Galway Wool Safari and Ahascragh Eco-Distillery Knit and Sip
This morning travel towards the mid-west of Ireland and the edge of County Galway. Join the Galway Wool co-operative to discover the magic of Pure Bred Galway Sheep and the making of authentic Native Irish Wool. Get up close to this adorable breed and see the wool being handspun into yarn!
Just a short distance, arrive at Ahascragh Distillery, a state of the art zero emissions distillery, full of the warmth of community and built from an old stone mill. Enjoy lunch on arrival (included) and discover the story of the couple who created the sustainable process, the heritage of the building and the whiskey making process. Take part in a premium tasting experience, before relaxing with your knitting and sip of an Ahascragh cocktail in the Old Mill café.
Continue to the Viking city of Limerick, where the River Shannon meets the Wild Atlantic Way. Check into your riverside hotel for the night, overlooking medieval King John’s castle. Enjoy dinner in your hotel this evening.
Overnight Limerick Strand Hotel, Limerick - breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Day 4 - Day 4: Ballyhoura Fibres Talk and Trunk Show and Knitting with Carol Feller of Stolen Stitches
This morning enjoy a breakfast talk and trunk show with Cierra, founder of Ballyhoura Fibres. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Ciarra has made Limerick her home and dyes her own exquisite yarn collections, inspired by nature, the landscape and her travels.
Leave Limerick for ‘The Kingdom’ of Kerry and the fabulous Killarney town, surrounded by Killarney National Park, stopping for a quick lunch bite on the way (included). Arrive at Loch Lein Country House, where we have the whole location to ourselves! Meet your hosts Paul and Annette for a warm welcome to their lakeside hotel with award winning restaurant. This hidden treasure, rests on the north shore of Killarney’s great lake, Loch Lein, with magnificent views of the McGillicuddy Reeks.
With fabulous local produce serviced in the panoramic restaurant, workshop view inspiration, spacious rooms, a cosy bar, library, picture window lounge and plenty of comfortable areas for knitting, this really is a sanctuary for the next few nights!
Day 5 - Day 5: Knitting with Carol, Horse and Carriage Ride and Lake Cruise!
Continue knitting with Carol Feller and working on your project this morning! Enjoy a spot of lunch, before exploring the wonders of Killarney National Park, flora, fauna and heritage. Arrive at Ross Castle and board the Lily of Killarney for a cruise on Loch Lein!
On land, take a jaunting car ride (horse and carriage) through the beauty of the national park. Return to Loch Lein for dinner and a relaxing evening.
Overnight Loch Lein Country House Hotel, Killarney - breakfast, lunch and dinner Included
Day 6 - Day 6: Kerry Woollen Mills, Kissane Sheepdog Farm, Killarney and Traditional Irish Music!
This morning visit Kerry Woollen Mills, one of Ireland’s oldest working mills, established over 300 years ago! While holding on firmly to their to heritage, the weaving is the perfect union of tradition and contemporary style and you will experience it first hand! With the stunning backdrop of Moll’s Gap, enjoy a visit to Kissane Sheep Farm and watch the sheepdogs in action over the mountain terrain.
Return to Killarney for a free afternoon to shop, explore, enjoy refreshments or simply relax at your hotel. This evening will be fun filled with traditional Irish music and dining on local produce!
Overnight Loch Lein Country House Hotel, Killarney – breakfast and dinner Included
Day 7 - Day 7: Hedgehog Fibres, The Swiss Cottage and Sparkling Afternoon Tea in Newbridge!
Say farewell to Loch Lein and begin your journey back to Dublin. We stop in Cork and visit the home of Hedgehog Fibres before continuing to The Swiss Cottage, just outside of Cahir. Designed by the famous architect John Nash, as a hunting lodge styled as an idyllic country cottage! As part of a restoration project, renowned fashion designer Sybil Connolly, was responsible for the interior décor.
Arrive at Newbridge Silverware for some discounted shopping and a chance to explore the Museum of Style Icons with collections including outfits from Audrey Hepburn and Princess Grace of Monaco, to Marilyn Monroe and Diana, Princess of Wales. Finish with a Sparkling Afternoon Tea in Newbridge’s ‘The Silver Restaurant!
Arrive back to your Dublin hotel and relax for the evening with your new friends.
Overnight The Chancery Hotel, Dublin - Breakfast and Afternoon Tea included
Day 8 - Day 8: End of tour
Depart your hotel following breakfast and travel to Dublin airport in time for check-in and some last minute duty free shopping prior to departure.
Route map
Tour attractions
Tour Prices
- Non-Knitter Partners & Friend
Do you have a partner or friend that doesn't knit? They are welcome to come along, ask our sales representatives about our non-knitter discount!
Cancellation Penalties:
- Cancellation 60 days or more prior to itinerary start date – Full deposit is forfeit.
- Cancellation 59 days – 31 days prior to itinerary start date – 50% of total paid is forfeit
- Cancellation 30 days or less – 100% of 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 €500 per person will apply. Within 60 days of the tour commencement date, cancellation fees will apply.
| Accommodation Type | 12 Oct 2024 | 15 Oct 2025 - New Date! |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person sharing | €3,799 | €3,799 |
| Single Occupancy | €4,798 | €4,798 |
Prices in other currencies are indicative only. Please note that we charge in Euro.
Detailed Enquiry Form
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