10 Night Ireland Knit the Wild Atlantic Way Tour

Included in This Tour

• Transfers on arrival and departure 
• Sightseeing as per itinerary in a luxury coach with an experienced   driver and accredited guide
• 4**** accommodation Irish Mainland
• 3*** ocean views on Inish Mor
• Irish breakfast daily
• 6 dinners
• 7 lunches
• Farewell dinner
• Entrance to the following attractions: Kilbeggan Distillery, Dún Aonghasa Fort, Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle, 
• Return ferry to Inis Mór, Aran Islands
• Inis Mór guided tour 
• Irish Dancing
• The Quiet Man Walking Tour
• Atlantic Sheep Dogs Demonstration
• The Irish Linen Centre
• Mourn Alpaca Farm Experience

Workshops/Knitting Activities Included in This Tour

• Spinning & tapestry workshop with Aine Dunne
• Knitting workshop with Edel MacBride from Knitfield
• Aran Island traditional knitting workshop with Una McDonagh
• Dorset Button Workshop
• Moebius Knitting class with This is Knit
• Folklore Yarns Visit, Belfast
• Studio Donegal weaving demonstration
• Pre-dinner talk on Irish Texxtile Heritage

Overnights for this Tour

• Camden Court Hotel (or similar), Dublin, 2 Nights
• Aran Islands Hotel, Inis Mor, 2 Nights
• Sligo Park Hotel, Sligo, 2 Nights
• Lough Erne Resort, Fermanagh, 1 Night
• Dunadry Hotel, Antrim(or similar), 2 Nights
• Camden Court Hotel (or similar), Dublin, 1 Night

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

Day 1: Dublin, Folk Tales and Aran Knit History

Our knitting tour begins in the lobby of the hotel where you will be met by your guide and travelling companions for a tour introduction. From here, meet Johnny Daly of Irish Folk Tours, offering a Folklore & Fairies experience as you enjoy some lunch (included). This will be followed by some free time to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Dublin City.

This evening, enjoy a talk and meet and greet drinks reception with Vawn Corrigan, Author of Irish Aran, History, Tradition and Fashion, before your welcome 'cast-on' dinner!

Overnight Camden Court Hotel, Dublin, Dinner Bed & Breakfast Basis

Day 2: This is Knit Workshop & Free Time in Dublin

fter breakfast, we visit This is Knit Yarn Store for a workshop with Lisa Sisk on the Moebius Knitting style followed by a workshop on the Glenties Cowl pattern which was designed by Lisa. After your class you will have the opportunity for a private shopping experience at This Is Knit, Dublin's premier yarn and knitting accessories store in the splendour of The Powerscourt Townhouse.

This afternoon is yours to explore Dublin at leisure and make the most of the myriad of bars, bistros, traditional pubs and restaurants.

Overnight Camden Court Hotel, Dublin, Bed & Breakfast Basis

Day 3:  Killbeggan Distillery & Aran Islands 

Today we leave Dublin and head west. We stop at the world's oldest licensed distillery dating back to 1757 in Kilbeggan, County Westmeath. Discover the history and process of making real Irish whiskey and learn how the proud people of Kilbeggan preserve its heritage before trying a drop yourself!

There will be a brief stop in Galway city for lunch (not included) and a chance to explore the lanes and boutiques before we continue to Rossaveal in Galway to board your ferry to Inis Mór, the largest of the three Aran Islands in Galway Bay. Meet with locals on arrival where you will be introduced to Aran life and hear all about the history of Dun Aonghasa before your visit tomorrow. Dinner will be served at your hotel followed by a traditional Irish dancing lesson!

Overnight Inis Mor (Inishmore), Dinner Bed & Breakfast Basis

Day 4: Another Day & Night on Inis Mór!

This morning, enjoy a knitting workshop where you will learn traditional methods and stitches the Aran Island way.  Then it’s off for a tour of Inis Mór with your local guide. The island has more than 50 different monuments of Christian and pre Christian history and you will pay a visit to the impressive fort of Dún Aonghasa. The fort consists of three terraced walls surrounding an inner enclosure containing a platform on the edge of a three hundred foot high cliff. Please note that the walk to the fort is up a sharp incline and suitable footwear should be worn and is not recommended for those who may have walking difficulties. The views from it are breathtakingly spectacular. On your tour you will also visit some of the local knitwear shops that are on the island and enjoy a delicious lunch at Teach Nan Phaidi!

Overnight Inis Mor (Inishmore), Dinner Bed & Breakfast Basis

Day 5: Quiet Man Walking Tour & Dorset Buttons

After breakfast, we take the ferry back to the mainland and travel through beautiful Connemara to the charming village of Cong, which straddles the border of Counties Mayo and Galway, known for its serene lakes, historic abbey ruins, and as the filming location of The Quiet Man. Enjoy a local walking tour which consists of an informative and historic stroll around the village taking in the movie’s key locations including Innisfree, Pat Cohan’s Bar and the Dying Man’s House!

After lunch (included), we head north to County Sligo, colloquially known as Yeats Country due to its close ties with the Nobel laureate poet. Upon arrival, partake in a Dorset Buttons class with Killala Woolcraft in Sligo. Check in to your hotel and enjoy an evening meal with your fellow knitters.

Overnight Sligo, Dinner Bed & Breakfast Basis

Day 6: Edel Aran Knitting & Surprise Activity! 

An established designer and knitter, Edel MacBride brings a deep love of textiles, craft and the cultural traditions of the North West of Ireland to every session she leads. With roots in Donegal and Derry, her work is richly inspired by landscape, history and the enduring legacy of Irish knitting.

Join Edel for a relaxed and engaging Aran knitting experience, where storytelling, heritage and creativity take centre stage. Through conversation and demonstration, Edel will share the meaning and history behind her traditional Aran stitches - from moss and cable patterns to her own personal favourites. This session is about enjoying a cultural, conversational and relaxed approach to knitting. Knit at your own pace while gaining inspiration and context from Edel’s unique perspective. Your workshop includes a yarn pack to work along during the session.

This will be followed by lunch (included) and then time to take part in a surprise activity! Journey back to your hotel and relax for the evening.

Overnight Sligo, Dinner Bed & Breakfast Basis

Day 7: Atlantic Sheepdogs & Studio Donegal

Today, we travel towards Donegal on Ireland’s northwest coast. We stop en route at Atlantic Sheepdogs, nestled between Benbulben Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean. Learn how sheepdogs are a key part of Irish farm life and see them at work and at play with the sheep.
After the workshop you will enjoy lunch (included), before you visit Studio Donegal and see the handweavers at work, using the finest Donegal yarns. Arrive at your charming hotel and relax with a evening dinner.

Overnight Lough Erne Resort, Fermanagh - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included

Day 8: The Causeway Coast

Time to take one of the top road trips in the world – the Causeway Coastal Route! The road travails around a narrow strip of coastline with stunning sea views and majestic high cliffs. Our first stop is to visit Dunluce Castle, made up of enchanting ruins perched on a dramatic headland which plunges directly down into the sea. Then on to enjoy lunch at the world famous Bushmills Inn (included).
After which we make our way to the Giant’s Causeway where over 60 million years ago, three great lava flows were laid down, cooling the basalt plateau into interlocking basalt columns. Finally, we arrive at our hotel, right on the stunning Antrim Coast with uninterrupted views across the Irish Sea. Enjoy dinner at your hotel (included).

Overnight Antrim Coast- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.

Day 9:  Mourne Alpacas & Folklore Yarns

Today we travel just outside Belfast to visit Mourne Alpacas, a family-managed herd of Alpaca and pedigree angora goats. High quality fleeces are produced and their motto at the farm is “we breed for heat, not for meat”. Enjoy some time with the alpacas, take photos and feel free to ask questions about the fleece. Enjoy a cup of tea and browse through the quality alpaca yarns and some blend yarns on sale at the farm. Yarns in many natural colours of the alpaca and some stunning seasonal colour ranges, created from natural dyes are on display here.

We make our way to visit Folklore Yarns with their own collection based on Irish Folklore! After some free time around the beautiful city of Belfast, return to your hote for a relaxing evening.

Overnight Dunadry Hotel, Antrim – Breakfast included

Day 10: Irish Linen Centre & Spinning and Tapestry Workshop

Linen was an important industry in Ireland, particularly in the North of Ireland. So much so that its capital Belfast was fondly known as 'Linenopolis'! Today begins with a visit to the Irish Linen Centre where you will take a guided tour and learn about the history of linen production in the province of Ulster. Next, we travel to Drogheda to meet Aine Dunne, a tapestry weaver and artist, resident and working from the Boyne Valley. With Aine and her team, you will enjoy a spinning & tapestry workshop. Here you will be introduced to hand spinning sheep’s wool by using a drop spindle and try your hand at weaving a sample piece on a four-sided tapestry frame loom. During your time with Aine you will gain insight into her designs, weaving methods and work schedule.  Return to Dublin where this evening your final farewell dinner will be served in a local restaurant.

Overnight Dublin, Bed & Breakfast Basis

Day 11: 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.

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!

BOOKING REQUIREMENTS AND CANCELLATION

A deposit of €500/£500 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 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.