Tour Overview
Welcome to our 7-night Threads of Éire Quilting Tour, a journey through Ireland where craft, culture, and creativity intertwine! Begin in Dublin with a warm welcome brunch, a stroll through the lush National Botanic Gardens, and a step back in time at Glasnevin Cemetery. Discover the intricate art of Japanese quilting at Lisnavagh House.
Indulge in sparkling afternoon tea at Newbridge Silverware, and explore the Museum of Style Icons. Throughout the tour, hands-on workshops await as you dive into traditional Irish crafts, from Lumra woolwork to the history of Irish lace making. Later, arrive at the charming Manor House Country Hotel on the serene shores of Lough Erne.
The creative magic continues with embroidery for quilting, a special demonstration by the Irish Countrywomen’s Association. It is then followed by a heart-warming visit to Dolly’s Cottage. After, try your hand at botanical dyeing, explore Galway’s vibrant streets, and raise a glass at Ireland’s oldest pub in Athlone.
A highlight of the journey is a visit to the Irish Museum of Modern Art to see Kith & Kin: The Quilts of Gee’s Bend, the first Irish exhibition of the legendary African American quilt makers. Their bold, improvisational designs, born from resilience and cultural pride, have influenced modern art and civil rights history. Finally, wrap up your Threads of Éire adventure with a farewell meal. Celebrate new friendships, creative inspiration, and the shared stories woven into every stitch!
What's included
- Complimentary private transfers on arrival and departure
- Luxury coach with experienced driver
- Experience tour guide/manager
- 24/7 support
- 4* luxury accommodation
- All your crafting workshops including materials
- The Art of Japanese Quilting with Slaney Quilting Studio
- Slaney Quilting Studio Pop up Shop
- Lumra Woolwork and an introduction to Irish Lace with Crafts of Ireland
- Embroidery for Quilting workshop with Edel MacBride
- Quilting with the Irish Countrywomen's Association
- Gee's Bend Quiltmakers Exhibit at the Irish Musuem of Modern Art
- Quilt Yarn Stitch store visit
- Welcome Brunch
- 4 two course lunches
- 3 three course dinners
- Sparkling Afternoon Tea
- National Botanic Gardens guided tour with a focus on plants for natural dyeing
- Iconic Glasnevin National Cemetery - the resting place of Michael Collins
- Lisnavagh House guided tour
- Newbridge Silver Factory Tour and discounted shopping
- Museum of Style Icons – From Audrey Hepburn to Princess Diana
- Botanical Dyeing Workshop – create your own fabric!
- The Irish Seaweed Kitchen experience
- Athlone Castle – The Fabric of Athlone exhibition
- Irish Coffee in Sean’s Bar – the oldest in Ireland!
Workshops/Knitting Activities Included in This Tour
- Slaney Quilting Studio – The Art of Japanese Quilting
- Slaney Quilting Studio Pop up Shop
- Crafts of Ireland – Lumra Woolwork and an introduction to Irish Lace
- Edel McBride – Embroidery for Quilting Workshop 5 Text
- Quilting and stories with the Irish Countrywomen’s Association
- Irish Museum of Modern Art - Alabama Quilt Exhibition
- Quilt Yarn Stitch! Store visit
Overnights for this tour
- Herbert Park
Tucked away in leafy Ballsbridge, the Herbert Park Hotel is the perfect mix of style and comfort. Just minutes from Dublin’s buzzing city centre, it’s an ideal spot for a quick getaway. Feast on delicious, locally-sourced food at the Herbert Park Restaurant, or kick back with a drink at the Terrace Lounge, overlooking the beautiful Herbert Park.
- Manor House Country Hotel
Escape to the stunning Manor House Country Hotel in County Fermanagh, set within 100 acres of lush parkland. This 18th-century Georgian mansion offers the perfect blend of rustic charm and modern luxury. Relax in spacious rooms with views of Lough Erne or the surrounding gardens. The spa offers a range of relaxing treatments, while outdoor enthusiasts can explore the beautiful grounds. Make the most out of your time by hitting a few holes on the golf course, or enjoying a scenic boat trip on the lake. It’s the perfect place to relax!
- Sligo Park Hotel
The Sligo Park Hotel is a peaceful haven set in 7 acres of parkland. Just minutes from the lively town centre, it’s perfect for exploring Sligo. Enjoy spacious rooms with all the essentials, including flat-screen TVs, room service and free Wi-Fi. After exploring, feel free to unwind by the indoor pool. The hotel also boasts a fitness centre and a spa—perfect for relaxing after a day of adventures.
- Connacht Hotel
The Connacht Hotel in Galway is the ideal spot for a warm welcome and modern amenities. A stone’s throw from Galway’s vibrant streets and stunning coastlines, it’s the perfect base for exploring. Enjoy a delicious meal at The Connacht Restaurant or unwind with a drink at the Bar. With a pool, fitness centre, and spa, this hotel has everything you need!
Tour itinerary
Day 1 - Welcome to Dublin! Brunch, National Botanic Gardens and Glasnevin
Join your group in the lobby of the Herbert Park Hotel and meet with your wonderful tour guide, and your new companions! After a brief introduction enjoy a Welcome Brunch together. Hop on your luxury coach for a short ride to the National Botanical Gardens. The Gardens offer a welcome escape into nature within the lively city of Dublin, featuring over 15,000 plant species from around the world.
Step through a magical gate from the National Botanic Gardens into the past with a visit to Glasnevin. This fascinating journey takes you back in time, where you can explore Ireland’s rich history and discover the stories behind its most famous figures including Michael Collins!
Head back to your hotel, relax, and enjoy your first evening however, you like!
Overnight Herbert Park Hotel, Dublin – Welcome Brunch included.
Day 2 - The Art of Japanese Quilting, Afternoon Tea at Newbridge Silver and the Museum of Style Icons!
Start the day with a trip to the stunning Gothic Tudor Lisnavagh House. Meet the amazing Tomomi of Slaney Quilting Studio for a fun demonstration of both traditional and modern Japanese quilting techniques. You will also dive into the fascinating history and cultural background of this impressive art form. Enjoy a pop-up shop with unique quilting fabrics, supplies, and other craft materials that will inspire your next projects
Next, travel to Newbridge for a delightful sparkling afternoon tea in the charming Silver Restaurant. Take a fun factory tour and go behind the scenes at Newbridge Silverware! You will meet the talented artisans who bring those stunning silver pieces to life. Enter a world of elegance and beauty, in the Museum of Style Icons. Explore the costumes and clothes of some of the most famous faces in the world, including Audrey Hepburn, Princess Diana and Princess Grace Kelly.
Overnight Herbert Park Hotel, Dublin – Breakfast and Afternoon Tea included
Day 3 - Crafts of Ireland, Lumra, Irish Lace and meet Edel MacBride
Make your way to Cavan, where the fun continues with Crafts of Ireland! of Irish lace, and finish with a relaxing afternoon tea. Lumra Work is an old traditional wool craft that uses only natural coloured wools, a beautiful heritage craft. In your workshop you will learn how to prepare a canvas, create this beautiful craft and how to read a pattern. This craft is very suited to crafters of all abilities and you will go home with your own kit!
Continue your afternoon in the idyllic surroundings of Crafts of Ireland, with a charming vintage Afternoon Tea and an introduction to Irish Lace.
Arrive at the stunning Manor House Country Hotel on the peaceful shores of Lough Erne, where you'll meet the talented Edel MacBride, your tutor for your next class!
Wrap up your day with a delicious dinner, the perfect way to unwind and enjoy a cosy evening!
Overnight Herbert Park Hotel, Dublin – Breakfast, Afternoon Tea and Dinner included.
Day 4 - Embroidery for Quilting, Quilting with the Irish Countrywomen’s Association and Dolly’s Cottage!
Start your day with a hands-on Embroidery for Quilting workshop led by Edel MacBride in your fabulous Manor House surroundings. Learn new techniques and get inspired to add beautiful embroidery to your quilting projects!
Next, head to Strandhill, Sligo, where you will enjoy a delicious lunch at the National Surf Centre on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. This cosy spot offers incredible ocean vistas, making it the perfect place to relax and refuel.
After lunch, settle in for an engaging Irish Countrywomen’s Association demonstration, where you will discover the art of quilting Irish style and hear captivating stories behind the craft. Next, visit Dolly’s Cottage, a beautiful heritage site owned by the ICA. The Irish Countrywomen’s Association) is a vibrant and enduring organization dedicated to empowering women, preserving Irish heritage, and fostering traditional crafts.
Arrive at the Sligo Park Hotel, your home for the next two nights. End your magical day with a delightful dinner in your hotel.
Overnight Sligo Park Hotel, Sligo- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included
Day 5 - Botanical Dyeing Workshop, the Irish Seaweed Kitchen and Local Sightseeing!
Return to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean at the National Surf Centre in Strandhill for an exciting day!
Immerse yourself in the calming art of bundle dyeing and eco printing, where nature’s colours and patterns come to life. In this hands-on workshop, we use seasonal flowers and plants—many grown in our own dye garden—to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind prints on fabric. With no prior experience needed, you will be guided through each step, connecting with nature’s quiet beauty.
Recharge with a delicious, healthy organic buffet at the Surf Centre. After lunch, dive into a Seaweed Workshop, where you will learn all about the incredible benefits and uses of seaweed. From its culinary uses to its health benefits, you will be amazed at how this natural treasure can enhance your life!
Next, enjoy some local sightseeing! Explore Carrowmore Megalithic Monument, wander over to Queen Maeve's Cairn, or simply relax and stroll along the beautiful beaches.
Finish off your day with a relaxing evening at the Sligo Park Hotel. Rest, enjoy the hotel’s facilities, or take a stroll around the lovely grounds – The choice is yours!
Overnight Sligo Park Hotel, Sligo – Breakfast and Lunch included
Day 6 - Quilt Yarn Stitch Store and exploring Gorgeous Galway!
Start your day in Tuam with a visit to the Quilt Yarn Stitch store. Explore their beautiful selection of quilting fabrics, yarns, and stitching supplies – the perfect place to spark your creativity!
Next, head to Galway for a mix of culture and coastal beauty. Visit the stunning Galway Cathedral and take in its magnificent architecture. Enjoy a free afternoon where you can stroll along the Salthill Prom, visit the Spanish Arch, or just enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Eyre Square.
Check into the Connacht Hotel Galway, where you have the rest of the day free to either explore more of Galway or simply relax at the hotel.
Overnight Connaught Hotel, Galway – Breakfast included
Day 7 - Fabric of Athlone, Ireland’s Oldest Bar and Quilts at the Irish Museum of Modern Art!
Step back in time at Athlone Castle, where centuries of history come to life through interactive exhibits and stunning river views. Then, immerse yourself in The Fabric of Athlone exhibition, a fascinating journey through the town’s rich textile and trade heritage.
No visit to Athlone is complete without a stop at Sean’s Bar, officially recognized as Ireland’s oldest pub, dating back to 900 AD! Soak in the lively atmosphere, admire the ancient wattle and daub walls, and raise a glass with a perfectly crafted Irish coffee—the ultimate way to toast to over a thousand years of history. Sláinte!
Arrive back in Dublin for an unforgettable visit to IMMA! Kith & Kin: The Quilts of Gee’s Bend brings the extraordinary work of the Gee’s Bend Quiltmakers to Ireland for the first time. These African American women from a small Alabama community have been crafting bold, improvisational quilts for over 200 years—blending art, history, and resilience. Their vibrant, abstract designs, often likened to modernist masterpieces, tell powerful stories of creativity, self-sufficiency empowerment.
Wrap up your trip with a farewell meal with your new quilting friends! Share stories, memories, and celebrate the wonderful time you spent together!
Overnight Herbert Park Hotel, Dublin – Breakfast and Dinner included
Day 8 - Farewell to Ireland!
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 | 6 Oct 2025 - Brand new tour! |
|---|---|
| Price per person sharing | €2,999 |
| Single occupancy | €3,598 |
Prices in other currencies are indicative only. Please note that we charge in Euro.
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