7 Night Northwest and West Ireland With Donegal and Galway (2018)

Return to your coach and travel to the Ulster American Folk Park in Omagh. The Park explores the historical link between Ulster and America, focusing particularly on the lifestyle and experiences of those immigrants who sailed from Ulster to America in the 18th and 19th centuries. Of particular interest to you may be the weaver’s cottage where you will see an authentic handloom which would have been used to weave tweed or linen by the man of the house while his wife spun the flax fibres into yarn and the children carded and combed the flax in preparation for the spinning wheel. Staff here will give you a demonstration on the spinning wheel and tell you all about traditional yarn dyeing methods. Onward to Donegal and check into your hotel. Overnight in Ballybofey, Donegal, Bed & Breakfast included.

Next, visit Slieve League Cliffs, one of the highest cliffs in Europe to enjoy some amazing views. After lunch (included) at the cliffs travel to Glencolmcille, an area famous for its wealth of traditional Irish culture, music and prehistoric settlements. Take a tour of Glencolmcille Folk Village, a collection of several small cottages, called a ‘clachan’, resting on a hillside that overlooks the stunning Glen Bay Beach. Designed, constructed and conserved by local people, the Folk Village is one of Ireland's longest running living-history museums. At Glencolmcille we will Spend Some Time Knitting with The Locals. Knitting was an integral part of the income of families in Glencolmcille. Spinning, weaving and dying of wool also played a huge part in the lives and culture of the locals. Glencolmcille was very much a fishing community and the Aran sweater was both a necessity and second nature to the people. Rita Cunningham grew up in Glencolmcille, her father Francie fished out of the now deserted fishing village of Port. Rita as a child remembers the woman gathered around a quilting frame in an old thatched cottage in Port, stitching a special naturally dyed red flannel onto a quilt. One of the women in this village passed on a Fair Isle pattern to Rita that would pass down the generations through her own family. Immerse yourself in this unique pattern and stories from the ancient coastal Geltacht parish of Glencolmcille with Rita and other local knitters. Overnight in Killybegs, Donegal, Bed & Breakfast included.

Return to Galway where after a panoramic tour of the city, the remainder of the day is free for your own personal sightseeing. Places of interest include Galway City Museum or Galway Cathedral to name but a few. Situated behind the famous Spanish Arch, Galway City Museum houses exhibitions which explore aspects of the history and heritage of Galway City, focusing on the medieval town, the Claddagh Village & Galway. Galway City is also a great shopping location with many shops selling traditional Irish craft and other souvenirs. You might have a look at some Claddagh Rings, The Claddagh Ring is a typical souvenir from Galway. It comes in a gold or silver band made of two hands clasping a crowned heart and symbolizes friendship, fidelity, and love. Overnight in Galway, Bed & Breakfast included.