After meeting with your experienced tour guide and fellow retreat knitters, enjoy a lovely introduction to Tunisian Crochet with esteemed crochet instructor and designer, Aoibhe Ni. After the first session, if you are having fun you can stay on for session two for more crocheting!
Alternatively, you can join us on a visit to EPIC, the Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin's Docklands. Here you can explore and connect with centuries of Irish history and emigration across the globe. The trials and tribulations of travellers are brought to life in this fully immersive experience. This evening join your companions for a relaxing welcome dinner!
Day 2: Travel to 'The Kingdom' of Kerry via Cahir Castle
Today your knitting retreat will take you to Kerry via the remarkable Cahir Castle, one of the largest castles in Ireland. The town of Cahir is situated on an island on the River Suir and the castle dates back to the 12th century. The castle’s keep, tower and defensive structures remain intact. which is why it is a favourite among filmmakers! Continue to the gorgeous Parknasilla Resort on the Wild Atlantic Way. Given its scenic location, Parknasilla is the perfect place to relax and unwind, so much so that George Bernard Shaw famously described the location as "a place of long sea views and intricate walks between ferns and fuchsias….. a part of our dream world." After checking in, meet with your host Carol Feller and enjoy dinner and some informal knitting!
You will spend a lot more time with Carol over the next few days, so this evening is an informal get together and ‘get to know each other’ session with some knitting thrown in for good measure! Overnight Parknasilla Resort Hotel, Sneem, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Basis
Day 3: Knitting, Whiskey & Chocolate Tasting and Trad!
Over the course of this knitting retreat you will work on a very special cabled hat and cowl set with Carol which you will begin today. Both of these patterns will provide a great learning experience as they are knit from side-to-side with some fantastic techniques! You’ll learn how to do a provisional cast-on, cables without a cable needle, short rows in pattern and grafting in pattern. Carol will walk you through every step of the project over the following days. Learn how to tighten up loose cables and fix cable errors. Go on a virtual tour of Irish Mills with Carol and even learn how to pick the right size garment to knit. This afternoon, enjoy a Whiskey and Chocolate Tasting Event where experienced whiskey and chocolate connoisseurs will take you through the history of Whiskey in Ireland and how to pair it with the perfect chocolate flavours.
You can enjoy samples of both or either! This evening after dinner enjoy a traditional Irish music session in the hotel’s bar. Overnight Parknasilla Resort Hotel, Sneem, Dinner Bed & Breakfast Basis
Day 4: Knitting with Carol and enjoying your surroundings!
This morning enjoy more knitting with Carol, following by lunch. This afternoon is free to make the most of your idyllic surrounds and make use of the Spa (not included). Pamper yourself at the hotel’s spa, surrounded by the natural beauty of woodlands, ocean and mountains; let your troubles drift away as you take in this awe inspiring backdrop, enjoy a round of golf at the nearby course or just relax. You can also spend time working on your knitting projects before dinner.
Overnight Parknasilla Resort Hotel, Sneem, Dinner Bed & Breakfast Basis
Day 5: Ring of Kerry, Derrynane House and Kenmare Lace!
Explore the highlights of the Ring of Kerry, Ireland's famous breath-taking scenic drive! From mountain vistas to the rolling waves of the Atlantic Ocean, emerald green and rust coloured fields, you won't be short of photo opportunities! Pass by brightly coloured villages and thatched cottages before visiting Derrynane House, coastal estate of 'The Liberator' Daniel O' Donnell before lunch at a nearby coastal spot! Continue to the charming town of Kenmare, where you will discover the intricacy and heritage of Kenmare Lace! Return to Parknasilla for dinner and time to relax.
Day 6: Travel to Kilkenny via Zwartables Farm & Cushendale Mill
Today, we travel towards the city of Kilkenny, colloquially known as the ‘Marble City’, making a stop or two along the way. Firstly, we visit Zwartables Ireland to meet Suzanna and her family who breed and rear Zwartbles Sheep. Tour the farm, meet the sheep and chat with the family who will tell you all about their unique yarn which you can buy direct from the farm if you wish. Nearby we will also visit Cushendale Mill where products made on site are crafted natural-fibre textiles made with mohair, Irish wool and merino lamb’s wool. Enjoy a tour of the mill and see the spinning mule in action. You might even spot some of the wool from the sheep at Zwartables Ireland! Continue to your nearby five star hotel for check-in and take some time to relax before dinner.
Overnight Lyrath Estate Hotel, Kilkenny, Dinner Bed & Breakfast Basis
We start the day with a visit to Kilkenny Castle, a 12th century castle remodelled in Victorian times and set in extensive parklands. There are ornamental gardens on the city side of the castle, and extensive land and gardens to the front. It has become one of the most visited tourist sites in Ireland. There will also be time to visit Kilkenny Design Centre across the courtyard which offers a fantastic selection of Irish handcrafted gifts including jewellery, knitwear, and pottery. Travel onward to County Kildare and the Newbridge Silverware Visitor Centre where you will have an exclusive discount for shopping in the flagship store! While here you will have access to the fabulous Museum of Style Icons, which include iconic outfits and artefacts from Audrey Hepburn to Princess Diana and The Beatles! On arrival back in in Dublin, visit the No. 1 yarn store in Dublin, This Is Knit! Enjoy a farewell dinner with your new friends this evening.
Overnight Hyatt Centric Hotel, Dublin, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Basis
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.
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