Once that’s done you’ll be able to experience the KnittingTours website perfectly.
If you feel like learning more about Ireland’s political history taking a trip to Leinster House or Dublin Castle is a must. Leinster House is where the current parliament sits while Dublin Castle was the seat of English rule over the city and country from the 13th Century. Dublin Castle also houses the Chester Beatty Library which displays manuscripts, prints, miniature paintings and early printed books from countries across Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and Europe. On one of your two evenings in Dublin, you may wish to take another opportunity to check out Dublin’s vibrant traditional music scene. Traditional music sessions are often held in cosy pubs throughout the city. Knitting stops that you won’t want to miss when visiting Dublin include the National Museum of Decorative Arts and History located at Collins Barracks, The Constant Knitter, This is Knit and Springwools which is just outside the city. You will find details for those and other craft stops in your full itinerary.
Kilkenny City is a pleasure to stroll around with its cobbled streets, colourful cafes and lovely craft shops. An essential stop for any craft lover in the city is the Kilkenny Design Centre, located on the grounds of one of Kilkenny’s biggest tourist attractions, the majestic Kilkenny Castle. The design centre stocks Jewellery, Knitwear, Celtic Gifts, China & Crystal, Pottery & Glass, Home & Fashion Accessories and other Irish handcrafted gifts. The National Craft Gallery can also be found on the grounds of the castle which features works by both Irish and international designers, artists and makers across a variety of disciplines who share a common passion for their chosen field. The National Craft Gallery often have Textile exhibitions on display which may be of particular interest to those on knitting and craft tours of Ireland.
While there, take a look around the farm and meet the sheep who have been known to come right up to guests on the farm! Following on from the Zwartables why not see where there yarn is spun and made into the final product at the Cushendale Mill in Graiguenamanagh which is twenty five minutes drive from Bennettsbridge. Returning to Kilkenny City, don’t forget that included in your tour package are tickets for the Smithwick’s Experience. Smithwicks is one of the most popular selling brands of Ale in Ireland and was first produced in Kilkenny by monks in 1231 and at the end of the tour you get sample a pint of the famous ale so you get to make up your own mind on its unique taste. If the taste of Smithwicks has whetted your appetite some of the best pubs to eat and drink in Kilkenny include Langtons Bar and Matt the Millers.
The Ros Tapestry depicts through embroidered panels events around the Anglo – Norman arrival in Ireland and the impact they had in founding New Ross. Located close by is Calico Interiors which is an interior and soft furnishing shop run by Ann Larkin. Recently the Dunbrody Heritage collection which contains a range of cushions and soft furnishings was launched. This collection was specifically designed for the Dunbrody Famine Ship which is also docked in New Ross. Continue to the Kite Design Studios in Waterford where you will get to see local craftspeople design a broad range of artisan products. Also located in Waterford is the famous Waterford Crystal which was first produced in the city in 1783. A factory tour and retail store gives you the opportunity to see the how the world renowned crystal is made from start to finish.
Just before you arrive into the city you have the chance to stop at Hedgehog Fibres, an Irish artisan fibre and yarn dyeing studio. Set up by Slovakian Beata Jezek, Hedgehog Fibres work reflect Beata’s experiences and moods which result in a vast variation of colours and styles which staff will be able to explain to you in more detail. Cork City’s unique personality can be seen through its architecture, landscape and most notably, through its proud people. Cork also claims to be the food capital of Ireland with The English Market being one of the most popular food markets in Ireland where even Queen Elizabeth decided to see how good the produce was for herself in 2011. If you didn’t get the opportunity to attend a live music session while in Dublin, Cork has numerous live music sessions in its atmospheric pubs to cater for nearly every taste in music.
Located just a few minutes walk away is the Cork Button Company where you will be able to buy many different types of buttons for your future knitting projects. Other options that you could visit beyond the city itself include the famous Blarney Castle, the nearby town of Cobh which was the ill-fated Titanic’s last port of call before its voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. There is a museum dedicated to the 123 people who boarded the Titantic in Cobh which details the ships final few days before tragedy struck..
Moving on from Kinsale the next port of call is Clonakilty where you can call to Knitwell Wools who sell a wide range of knitting products. Located just outside Clonakilty is the Michael Collins Centre which has a collection of memorabilia which belonged to Michael Collins and artifacts from the Irish War of Independence and Irish Civil War. Leaving Clonakilty again heading west towards the Beara Peninsula, This scenic route will take you via the Sheep’s Head Peninsula where the annual Sheep’s Head Yarn Festival is held. There is also a seasonal producers market held in Kilcrohane Village on Sunday’s where pottery and textile arts can be found on sale.
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