7 Night Kerry Manor Luxury Knitting Retreat

Included in This Tour

• Transfers on arrival and departure by private coach (for arrivals prior to 10.30am on tour start day)
• Sightseeing as per itinerary in a luxury coach with an experienced driver and accredited guide, entrance fees included if applicable
• The company of your knitting host Carol Feller for 4 days
• Accommodation in rooms with private facilities for 7 nights
• Irish breakfast daily
• 6 dinners
• 1 dinner followed by traditional music session at the Parknasilla Resort Hotel
• 4 lunches
• Irish whiskey and chocolate tasting at Parknasilla
• Optional touring as described in the itinerary

Workshops/Knitting Activities Included in This Tour

• Knitting workshops as described in the itinerary including yarn and patterns
• Knitting on the Sheep’s Head Peninsula
• Visit to Zwartables Ireland sheep farm
• Visit to Cushendale Woollen Mill

Overnights for this Tour

• Hyatt Centric Hotel (or similar), Dublin, 1 Night
• Parknasilla Resort Hotel, County Kerry, 4 Nights
• Lyrath Estate Hotel, County Kilkenny, 1 Night
• Hyatt Centric Hotel (or similar), Dublin, 1 Night

Important Note: Attractions, Workshops and Demonstrations May Change According toAvailability and Scheduling

Day 1: Dublin Arrival and City Tour of Dublin

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.

Day 2: Travel to Kerry via Cahir Castle  

Today your knitting retreat will take you to Kerry via the remarkable Cahir Castle. One of Ireland’s best-preserved castles, Cahir sits on a rocky island above the River Suir. Once the home of the powerful Butler family, the castle’s keep, tower and defensive structures remain intact. Continue to Parknasilla Resort Hotel and meet your host, one of Ireland’s most famous knitters, Carol Feller. You will spend a lot more time with Carol over the next few days in Kerry 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

Day 3: Knitting, Whiskey, Chocolate and Trad!

Over the course of this knitting retreat you’ll work on a very special cabled hat and cowl set with Carol which you will start 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 mistakes. Go on a virtual tour of the 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 flavour. You can enjoy samples of both or either! This evening after dinner enjoy a traditional Irish music session in the hotel bar.  Overnight Parknasilla Resort Hotel, Sneem, Dinner Bed & Breakfast Basis.

Day 4: Optional Tour: Ring of Kerry

Today you can opt to stay at your hotel and enjoy some of the facilities on offer, if you wish. Pamper yourself in 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 join us for a tour of a section 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.  Overnight Parknasilla Resort Hotel, Sneem, Dinner Bed & Breakfast Basis

Day 5: Optional Tour: Sheep’s Head Peninsula with Workshop

Again, today if you prefer to stay at Parknasilla you can do that or join us for a tour of the Sheep’s Head Peninsula in Cork. If you do decide to tour with us, bring your knitting! Today we travel to the neighbouring county of Cork via the Caha Pass.  There are a number of places to stop where you can get out and enjoy the views. After a short stop continue to Sheep’s Head and meet Niamh and the other organisers of the annual Sheep’s Head Yarn Festival. Enjoy a knitting session 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 some more before returning to the hotel in time for dinner.  Overnight Parknasilla Resort Hotel, Sneem, Dinner, Bed & Breakfast Basis

Day 6: Travel to Kilkenny via Zwartables Farm & Cushendale Mill

Today, we depart Parknasilla and make our way to the 'Marble City' of Kilkenny. En route, we stop at Crampton's farm to meet Suzanna and her family who breed and rear Zwartables 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 is 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 Crampton's farm! Travel onwards to your hotel in time for dinner. Overnight Lyrath Estate, Kilkenny, Dinner Bed & Breakfast Basis

Day 7: Kilkenny Castle & Dublin

This morning, we begin the day with a visit to Kilkenny Castle. This castle was built for defence over 800 years ago in Norman times and was reconstructed once again in Victorian times. 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. Continue onwards 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

Day 8: End of Tour

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.