
Embark on your dream knitting getaway in the enchanting landscapes of Ireland! Picture yourself surrounded by rugged coastlines, lush green hills, and a vibrant cultural heritage, all setting the stage for a truly unique knitting retreat. Immerse yourself in hands-on workshops with talented local artisans who will guide you through the art of Irish knitting, including iconic Aran sweater patterns and traditional dyeing techniques using native materials. Indulge in lively Irish dance, enjoy a scenic ferry ride, and relax on the captivating Island of Inis Oirr. This journey promises unforgettable experiences and inspiration for every knitter.
Don’t miss out on this amazing trip—join us today!
Overview
Knitting and Craft Trip of Ireland
DATES & PROGRAMS:
2027: October 1-9
• Spaces available -15
If we are fully booked, we recommend that you sign up on our waiting list. as we may have cancellations. You can also choose to ensure that you get early notification about this event for the following year.
TO REGISTER: Register Now →
A $500 per-person non-refundable deposit is due upon registration. Questions? Contact us
LOCATION: Ireland
THE EXPERIENCE: Join other knitters and visit Ireland, sightseeing in this area of extreme natural beauty, enjoy knitting workshops taught by local craftspeople, and make new knitting friends!
LODGING:Camden Court Hotel, accommodations through Trips for Knitters. For details, see Lodging.
HEALTH & FITNESS: While we do relax often, we also walk to sites for meals and tours. For details, see The Experience.
PRICING: $5738. includes lodging (shared room) and $6,700. (single room), some meals, knitting classes, local transportation, and project yarn. For details, see Pricing. Note: (We don’t provide roommates, you have to have a roommate when you sign up)
TRAVEL: You make your own flight arrangements to Shannon Airport; travelers arrive at Dublin airport (prior to 9.30am) for a transfer to your hotel. on the first day.
TIPS FOR TRAVELERS: See our Tips for Travelers page for registered travelers. Read the Trips for Knitters Responsibility/Disclaimer Statement.
The Experience and Itinerary
Itinerary:Important Note: Attractions, Workshops and Demonstrations May Change According to Availability and Scheduling
Day 1 – 01 October 2027 – Welcome to Ireland!
• Arrive at Shannon airport (prior to 08.300am) for a chauffeur transfer to your hotel.
• Meet your tour guide and fellow knitters for a welcome brunch and brief introduction to your
tour activities!
• Visit AppleOak Fibre Works for dyeing demonstration. Owners Jennifer and Tristan Lienhard
proudly run a circular-economy business, operating with sustainable and eco-friendly practices.
All of dyeing is done with harvested rainwater and all dye water is recycled through engineered
reed-bed and plant bed systems.
• After lunch, enjoy a tour of McKernan Woollen Mills, a small family-run business located in the
beautiful location in County Clare. You will have a chance to shop afterwards.
• Welcome dinner at your hotel.
Overnight 4 Star Lahinch Coast Hotel, County Clare – Welcome brunch and dinner included
Day 2 – 02 October 2027 – Inis Óírr Island and Aran Knitting
• After breakfast, take a scenic ferry journey from the charming fishing village of Doolin to the
enchanting island of Inis Oírr, the smallest of the Aran Islands nestled in the heart of Galway Bay.
Here, time seems to slow down as you experience an authentic Irish way of life in a close-knit
fishing community, where the Irish language still thrives alongside English.
• Once you arrive at the island, you will be warmly welcomed by your local host and expert
knitting instructor, Úna McDonagh, over tea or coffee and freshly baked homemade scones in a
cosy island café. Settle in before embarking on a captivating island tour, exploring highlights suchas the dramatic clifftop fort of Dún Aonghasa, the lively seal colony, and the historic Seven
Churches, along with other hidden gems that make the island so special.
• In the afternoon, immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Aran knitting as you begin your own
unique project: a beautifully crafted Wine Bottle Aran Waistcoat and Hat. Under Úna’s expert
guidance, you will learn traditional island techniques, including the intricate Sharry Chain Link
Stitch. The Sharry family were an Island family whose connections to the sea are evident in their
choice of stitches used in knitting traditional Aran sweaters.
• Check into your accommodation and have some time to relax before you are collected to the
dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight Inis Óírr, local quality bed and breakfast, Aran Islands – Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 3 – 03 October 2027 – More Fun on Inis Óírr!
• Breakfast
• Enjoy a full day of authentic local traditions. Spend a memorable full day immersed in authentic
island traditions. Watch a live demonstration of traditional Irish brown bread baking and
homemade butter making, followed by a captivating spinning demonstration. You will also have
time to relax and continue working on your own island knitting project, making this a perfect
blend of activity and creativity. activities
• Dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight Inis Óírr, local quality bed and breakfast, Aran Islands – Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Day 4 – 04 October 2027 – A Sunrise Walk and Brigid’s Cross Workshop
• This morning, enjoy the magic sunrise walk to the castle. Along the way, take in the beauty of the
island landscape while delving into the rich history of Irish dress – how fabrics, patterns, and
garments told stories of identity, status, and heritage.
• After breakfast, gather for a hands-on workshop where you will learn to weave your own St.
Brigid’s Cross. Discover the symbolism behind this cherished tradition, said to bring protection
and good fortune, while enjoying the rhythmic, mindful process of crafting with natural
materials.
• After lunch, settle into a calm and creative afternoon as you bring your knitting project to
completion. Whether adding the final stitches or refining details, this is a time to reflect and
connect
• Finish your enchanting stay on Inis Oírr with a farewell dinner, traditional music and dance.
Overnight Inis Óírr, local quality bed and breakfast, Aran Islands – Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Day 5 – 05 October 2027 – Ballyhoura Fibres and Vandeleur Walled
Garden
• After breakfast, take a ferry back to the mainland.
• Visit elegant Vandeleur Walled Gardens, one of Clare’s most beautiful botanical tributes to
Ireland’s rich natural heritage. Adding a special touch, enjoy a unique talk and pop-up experience
with Cierra, founder of Ballyhoura Fibres. Originally from Denver, Colorado, Ciarra has made
Limerick her home and dyes her own exquisite yarn collections, inspired by nature, the landscape
and her travels.
• After enjoying lunch at the charming Woodlands Café (not included), sail across the breathtaking
Shannon Estuary by ferry, soaking in sweeping coastal views along the way. Continue your
journey to the vibrant town of Killarney, known as ‘’The Kingdom’’ of Ireland, renowned for its
lively atmosphere, stunning scenery, and warm welcome.
• Evening is at leisure to relax before the dinner at your hotel.
Overnight 4 Star Lake Hotel, Killarney – Breakfast and dinner included
Day 6 – 06 October 2027 – Knitting with Carol Feller and Whiskey &
Chocolate Tasting Experience
• After a relaxed morning exploring Killarney, join the first knitting class hosted by knitwear
designer Carol Feller of Stolen Stitches. Carol trained initially as a textile artist and then as a
structural engineer. While both of these backgrounds are very different, the influences can be
seen in her design work which is well-shaped, flattering to wear and enjoyable to knit.
• End the day with a Whiskey and Chocolate Tasting Experience. The rest of the evening is at your
leisure to relax and knit.
Overnight 4 Star Lake Hotel, Killarney – Breakfast included
Day 7 – 7 October 2027 – More Knitting and Kerry Woollen Mills
• Breakfast
• Visit Kerry Woollen Mills, one of the oldest working woollen mills in Ireland. Nestled in the heart
of the countryside, the mill offers a unique opportunity to experience centuries-old weaving
traditions still in action today. A visit to Kerry Woollen Mills is more than a shopping trip; it is a
journey into Ireland’s textile history.
• Return to the hotel where after lunch you will enjoy the second knitting class with Carol Feller.
• This evening is at your leisure.
Overnight 4 Star Lake Hotel, Killarney – Breakfast and lunch included
Day 8 – 08 October 2027 – Rock of Cashel and Farewell “Cast-Off” Dinner
• After breakfast and check out, journeying on to the Golden Vale of Tipperary and the iconic Rock
of Cashel, a place of historical significance and medieval architecture.
• Relax as you journey back to Dublin.
• Join your fellow knitters for the Farewell Dinner & drink at your hotel.
Overnight 4 Star Camden Court Hotel, Dublin – Breakfast, lunch and Farewell dinner & drink
Day 9 – 09 October 2027 – Farewell Ireland
Transfer to Shannon or Dublin Airport for your return flight.
What is Included :
• Transfers on arrival and departure (chauffeur or tour coach depending on arrival/ departure
flight location and times)*
• Experienced tour guide/manager throughout
• 24/7 helpline straight to members of the Knitting Tours team
• Luxury, spacious coach with experienced driver
• Ensuite Hotel Accommodation on the Irish mainland with bath/step in shower or walk in shower
• Authentic and Traditional bed and breakfast accommodation on Inis Oírr for 2 nights
• Porterage from hotel reception to your room and back on the Irish mainland
• Return ferry to Inis Oírr, Aran Islands
• Irish Breakfast Daily
• 3 x Hotel dinners and Farewell drink
• 3 x Local Restaurant Dinners (Inis Oírr)
• Welcome brunch
• 5 x Lunches
• 2 Days Cable Knitting & Irish Mill talk hosted by Carol Feller (Stolen Stitches) including a copy of
Carol’s book on Irish knitting
• Traditional Aran Islands Knitting with Úna McDonagh
• AppleOak FibreWorks Natural Dyeing Demonstration
• Spinning, Traditional Irish bread and homemade butter Demonstration
*Transfers relate to pre-tour accommodation package, arrivals on tour start date before 03.00am and
departure on the tour finish date.
Items not Included
• Travel to and from Ireland
• Gratuities/Tips
• Room Service
• Additional beverages and alcoholic drinks
• Personal items such as phone calls, additional meals, snacks or drinks not included in the itinerary
• Yarn, patterns and materials not included in the itinerary
Pre-tour Accommodation & Transfer Arrangements (optional)
30 September 2027 x 1 night Bed & Breakfast
Arrivals Dublin Airport – Camden Court Hotel, Dublin (subject to availability)
$171.00 per person per night sharing in a Twin/ Double room
$304.00 per night if Single occupancy room is required
Arrivals Shannon Airport – Lahinch Coast Hotel, Clare (subject to availability)
$ 105.00 per person per night sharing in a Twin/ Double room
$182.00 per night if Single occupancy room is required
Travel
You make your own flight arrangements from a major airport near you to Shannon airport Ireland.
Where ever you are flying from you might need to arrive a day before hand to make the 9:00 am meeting time.
You make your own flight arrangements to Shannon Airport; travelers arrive at Dublin airport (prior to 9.30am) for a transfer to your hotel. on the first day.
Pre-tour Accommodation & Transfer Arrangements (optional)
30 September 2027 x 1 night Bed & Breakfast
Arrivals Dublin Airport – Camden Court Hotel, Dublin (subject to availability)
$171.00 per person per night sharing in a Twin/ Double room
$304.00 per night if Single occupancy room is required
Arrivals Shannon Airport – Lahinch Coast Hotel, Clare (subject to availability)
$ 105.00 per person per night sharing in a Twin/ Double room
$182.00 per night if Single occupancy room is required
QUESTIONS? contact us
Workshops/ Knitting Activities Included
- 2 Days Cable Knitting & Irish Mill talk hosted by Carol Feller (Stolen Stitches) including a copy of
- Carol’s book on Irish knitting
- Traditional Aran Islands Knitting with Úna McDonagh
- AppleOak FibreWorks Natural Dyeing Demonstration
- Spinning, Traditional Irish bread and homemade butter Demonstration• Ballyhoura Fibres Talk & Pop up experience
- Kerry Woollen Mills tour
Pricing
TO REGISTER: Register Now →
PRICING: $5738. includes lodging (shared room) and $6,700 (single room), some meals, knitting classes, local transportation, and project yarn.
Pricing. Note: (We don’t provide roommates, you have to have a roommate when you sign up) You’ll want to have money for shopping and personal expenses . Note: If you are a non-knitter you will receive a $200.00 discount off the per person sharing price. Note: (We don’t provide roommates, you have to have a roommate when you sign up)
If we are fully booked, we recommend that you sign up on our waiting list as we may have cancellations. You can also choose to ensure that you get early notification about this event for the following year.
A $500 per-person non-refundable deposit is due upon registration. Payment in full is due May 1. Questions? Contact
Trips for Knitters Cancellation Policy
To secure your place on the trip, a non-refundable deposit of $500.00 is required upon booking. The remaining balance for the spring trip should be submitted by February 1, while for the fall trip, the balance is due by May 1.
**Cancellation**
We understand that circumstances may change. If you need to cancel your trip after confirming your participation, we kindly ask that you notify us as soon as possible via letter or email. After the final payment has been made, no refund will be issued. We strongly encourage you to secure travel insurance to cover the cost of your trip due to cancellation. Please be aware that the deposit is non-refundable and cannot be returned.Please read our Tips for Travel Insurance.
Read the Trips for Knitters Responsibility/Disclaimer Statement.
Meet the Instructors on the Tour

”Carol Feller is a knitting superstar! She is a very popular designer, teacher and author of several knitting books. Carol even has her own range of yarn. She has been teaching for KnittingTours.com from the very beginning and our knitters LOVE her classes!
Carol lives in Cork, in the south of Ireland. Like many Irish children, she learned to knit in primary school and spent years making cardigans for her dolls. Crafting runs in the family; her mother sewed most of her clothes, her grandmother was an expert knitter, and her aunt ran a knitting shop in Dublin.
She trained first as a textile artist and later studied structural engineering. That mix of creativity and structure shows up in her designs today, with garments that are well-shaped, flattering to wear and fun to knit. She strives to design clothing with a twist: simple, but with a standout finish.
Carol’s work has appeared in Interweave Knits, The Knitter, Twist Collective, Brooklyn Tweed and Knitty. She is the author of Contemporary Irish Knits, Short Row Knits, Scrumptious Knits, Among Stones, Dovestone Hills and Knitting with Rainbows. Her patterns and signature yarn Nua and Irish yarns, Blasta, Deas and Solas, can be found at www.stolenstitches.com.
Carol teaches internationally in yarn shops, fibre festivals and knitting clubs, including Knit Nation in London, Edinburgh Yarn Festival and Unwind. Her classes cover everything from cables and chart reading to garment shaping, customisation, short rows and colourwork, helping knitters build confidence and troubleshoot as they go. She also teaches online at StolenStitches.com, with clubs and classes designed to support knitters at every level.
”

| Una McDonagh Una McDonagh was born and raised on Inis Oirr (Inisheer), the smallest and in her opinion the most beautiful of the three Aran Islands! Una comes from a long tradition of knitters and crafts people.Islanders had to be very resourceful and self-sufficient to survive on this barren rock throughout the ages thusperfecting amazing craft and boat handling skills. Seaweed was harvested from the shore and used as fertilizer along with sand to make the potato and vegetable drills to sew crops and feed families. The making of these fields also involved clearing the bare limestone of loose stones and these stones were used to build dry stonewalls to shelter the fields and mark boundaries. The work was laborious and never ending and had a great influence on life as is portrayed in both music, song and local customs but also in the Aran stitches such as the honeycomb, the diamond, cables and blackberry to name just a few. As Una grew up very much immersed in those traditions it was only a matter of time until she would return tocrafting and knitting on the island, where she teaches Aran Knitting using the traditional Aran methods. All skills are handed down from generation to generation visually (no patterns in those days howeverdo not fear as she uses patterns for her classes). She can cater for all groups and abilities and can design the class specifically to the group’sneeds. Typically she introduces the class with a short historical presentation of island life, traditions, clothing, knitting, and its influence on the island economy through the ages and especially on women’s lives. She also includes a guided island tour to complete the experience and give people a sense of the beauty and uniqueness of their surroundings where they are steeped in Irish culture and Gaeilge is the spoken language |
Included in Trip
- Transfers on arrival and departure (chauffeur or tour coach depending on arrival/ departure flight location and times)*
- Experienced tour guide/manager throughout
- Luxury, spacious coach with experienced driver
- Ensuite Hotel Accommodation on the Irish mainland with bath/step in shower or walk in shower
- Authentic and Traditional bed and breakfast accommodation on Inis Oírr for 2 nights
- Porterage from hotel reception to your room and back on the Irish mainland
- Return ferry to Inis Oírr, Aran Islands
- Irish Breakfast Daily
- 3 x Hotel dinners and Farewell drink
- 3 x Local Restaurant Dinners (Inis Oírr)
- Welcome brunch
- 5 x Lunches
- 2 Days Cable Knitting & Irish Mill talk hosted by Carol Feller (Stolen Stitches) including a copy of
- Carol’s book on Irish knitting
- Traditional Aran Islands Knitting with Úna McDonagh
- AppleOak FibreWorks Natural Dyeing Demonstration
- Spinning, Traditional Irish bread and homemade butter Demonstration
Not Included in this trip
- Travel to and from Ireland
- Gratuities/Tips
- Room Service
- Additional beverages and alcoholic drinks
- Personal items such as phone calls, additional meals, snacks or drinks not included in the itinerary
- Yarn, patterns and materials not included in the itinerary
Health Fitness and other useful information .
It is important to note that a certain amount of walking is encouraged on our trips. All trip members must be able to mount steps into the coach and walk unaided at a reasonable pace from coach to hotel and coach to visitor attractions/events on possibly uneven ground. Passengers must be able to handle their own luggage.
You must be ale to climb stairs of more than 25 steps and be able to walk more than 1 mile unaided at a reasonable pace. The terrain at some attractions and locations may be rough and uneven and not suitable for someone with mobility issues.
Travel Insurance
We urge you to purchase cancellation insurance & supplemental medical coverage (which covers pre-existing conditions). This is a smart way to safeguard against life’s surprises.
Additional Information
Baggage
Please pack light. You are required to bring no more the one piece of standard airline bag per person and one carry-on
Items Not Included
The trip does not include items of a personal nature such as laundry, room service, telephone charges or other hotel extras. You are responsible for settling any such costs incurred before checking out of each hotel.
Gratuities
Gratuities are not included. These are at the participant’s discretion.
Safety
It is the responsibility of each individual client to ensure that they do not behave in such a way as to cause offence or danger to themselves or others, or which risks damage to property. Each client shall be responsible for any injury or damage caused by their failure to behave in a safe and proper manner.