Dublin: Both the largest city and capital of Ireland
Dublin has hundreds of historic buildings including Dublin Castle which was the seat of government in Ireland until 1922, and the imposing Christchurch Cathedral which was founded around 1028. The Temple Bar area boasts a dazzling choice of restaurants, cafes, bars and shops to suit all tastes and pockets, all within easy walking distance of many interesting cultural centres and galleries.
Spinning & Dyeing Workshop with Anita Marnell & Helena Kelly Maye
The day starts with tea and coffee and an Introduction to different Fleeces and Natural fibres which are used in Yarns. Anita and Helena will also introduce you to carders for wool in preparation for Spinning. Learn how to draft and prepare fibres and then spin them into wool ready for making your knitwear creations. Your day also includes some knitting techniques where the honeycomb, blackberry, diamond and cable stitch are practiced and perfected.
Kilkenny Castle & Kilkenny Design Centre In the heart of Kilkenny City
Kilkenny Castle was built in 1195 to control a fording-point of the River Nore, it stands dramatically on an elevation that dominates Kilkenny City. Guided tours show the many additions and alterations that have been made over time. On the grounds of Kilkenny Castle sits Kilkenny Design Centre with giftware including knitwear and textiles drawn from Ireland’s most well-known craftspeople and designers.
Zwartable Ireland is a sheep farm in County Kilkenny run by Suzanna Crampton
Zwartbles are elegant tall black sheep with unique white blazes and white-tipped tails. They produce beautiful yarn which is milled nearby. By appointment only; you can come and visit the farm by the banks of the river Nore, meeting the Zwartbles sheep and Alpaca that guard the flock.
Cushendale Woollen Mills Ltd. is a family run textile manufacturing business in County Kilkenny.
The mill has a history spanning five generations producing high quality textile products from a range of natural fibres. The facility has the ability to design and fully manufacture a range of textile products from 100% Irish Wool from blankets to luxury mohair throws, hats and scarves and home craft supplies. Visitors can see parts of the production process by guided tour.
Cahir Castle was once the stronghold of the Butler family
Cahir Castle is one of Ireland's biggest and best preserved castles. It is located on an island amid the River Suir. Once the property of the powerful Butler family, the castle still has its impressive keep, tower and a lot of the original defensive structures.
Hedgehog Fibres: An Irish artisan yarn and fibre dyeing studio located in Co. Cork. They produce high quality yarn in vibrant colours.
The owners personal style is reflected in the colours of Hedgehog Fibres yarn and the colours vary from dark, rich and earthy to crazy, fluorescent and vibrant depending on her moods.
Yarn Development & Knitting workshop with Liz Spillane
Liz Spillane is a Knitting Instructor and textile artist operating from her home in Kenmare. Your workshop with Liz will include creating fancy/ textured yarns, using a single smooth yarn as a base and a variety of techniques to build the texture and colour. The yarn is then knitted with standard knitting needles.
Kerry Woollen Mills: Visit Kerry Woollen Mills where fabrics and yarns have been created for over 300 years.
Remaining faithful to the traditions of its founders, todays mill takes advantage of up-to-date weaving technology, marrying tradition with contemporary styling for today’s discerning customers in Ireland and overseas. A tour of the mill is visual, educational and fun. It follows the path from opening of the wool fleece, teasing, dyeing, carding, spinning, weaving and finishing.
Dingle: The Dingle Peninsula has more interesting antiquities, historic sites and varied mountain scenery than any other part of Ireland.
Not alone is Dingle full of historic sites and mountain scenery, the peninsula is also a haven for craft makers with several studios dotted around the peninsula. Two stops in the town of Dingle which may be of particular interest to you are Lisbeth Mulcahy’s Weavers and Commodum Art and Design which stocks a great selection of Irish yarns.
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