10 Night Irish Castles and Manors Silver Tour

On arrival to Dublin, we begin your retreat with a transfer to your hotel (for arrivals prior to 10.30 am). Your guide will meet the group at your hotel and introduce the tour. Your first visit will be to the iconic Jameson Distillery Bow Street where you will get a change to taste to the golden nectar before then moving on to the National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology, which is one of Ireland’s most important cultural institutions. Established in 1877, this building is the primary repository of the nation’s archaeological treasures including the Ardagh Chalice and the Tara Brooch, dating from the 12th and 8th centuries respectively. The exhibits on display show connections with our pagan past and Christian culture at the time and are of major importance in early European Culture. Enjoy some time in your hotel to relax before your evening welcome dinner with your tour group.

Today your knitting retreat will take you to Kerry via the remarkable Cahir Castle, one of the largest castles in Ireland. Cahir is situated on an island on the River Suir. It was constructed in 1142 by Conor O'Brien. Given to the influential Butler family in the 14th century, the castle was renovated between the 15th and 17th centuries. The castle’s keep, tower and defensive structures remain intact. Continue to Parknasilla Resort Hotel and check in. 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 your host Carol Feller. 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 informal knitting thrown in for good measure! Overnight Parknasilla Resort Hotel, Sneem, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Basis

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

Today you can opt to stay at Parknasilla and enjoy some of the facilities on offer. 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 in the wonderful surroundings. Alternatively, you can join us for a partial tour of the Ring of Kerry which will include a visit to Kenmare, Sneem, Ladies View and Molls Gap. Return to the hotel where there will be time to relax and work on your knitting projects before dinner. Overnight Parknasilla Resort Hotel, Sneem, Dinner Bed & Breakfast Basis

Again, today you may prefer to stay at Parknasilla or alternatively you can join us for a tour of the Sheep’s Head Peninsula in beautiful West Cork. If you do decide to tour with us, bring your knitting! Today we travel to neighbouring County Cork across the glorious Healy Pass. Often compared to Kerry’s Conor Pass, the Healy Pass is known for some of Ireland’s best scenic views. It was built in 1847 during famine times to connect Cork and Kerry and to provide relief work for the poor. Your coach driver will stop so that you can get out and enjoy the scenery. Continue to Sheep’s Head and meet Niamh and the other organisers of the annual Sheep’s Head Yarn festival. Enjoy some knitting sessions with Niamh and the gang on the topic of travel sock knitting or textured stitches depending on your preference. After the workshop and some lunch we will explore the peninsula before returning to the hotel in time for dinner.  Overnight Parknasilla Resort Hotel, Sneem, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Basis

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 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 Dublin where on arrival the remainder of the day is free to explore, shop or relax before your farewell dinner 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.