Experience Ireland and

Dublin's Knit & Stitch Show

October 25 - November 3, 2012

Galway • Mulranny • Dublin

 

Features Knitting Workshop with Marie Duquette


This is a great opportunity to visit the Knitting and Stitching Show, which is one of the best textile exhibitions in Ireland and the United Kingdom.  While the show certainly includes knitting and stitching, it also covers felt-making, shibori dyeing, jewelery-making, card-making, mixed media, and more.  Hundreds of exhibitors will be selling specialist supplies that can't be found in shops and galleries.

As if going to the show wasn't enough, you'll preceed it with a wonderful tour of Ireland that starts in Galway on the west coast of Ireland.  You'll visit the Aran Islands, Achill Island, Rockfleet Castle (the Pirate Queen's last residence), the community of Newport to see Harry Clarke's infamous stained glass windows, and stay at the lovely Essence of Mulranny residence.  As these tours come to an end, you'll then travel by train to Dublin for the Knit & Stitch Show.  Can it get much better than this?!?

Itinerary

Day 1. Thursday. October 25.  Arrive in Dublin and travel to Galway.
The Beadventure starts in Galway on the west coast of Ireland. You can reach Galway city easily from Dublin by taking one of the many airport buses to the city center. The Park House Hotel is directly across the street as you exit the bus terminal. (This will be the back entrance to the hotel, but it is clearly marked). Here you will have a room booked in your name along with your chosen roommate, unless you have requested the single supplement. Cheryl, your trip tour leader, will be waiting in the lobby to greet you when you arrive.

Galway is a pedestrian friendly city and you are free for the rest of the day to explore the old city center on your own (or take a nap after your long journey). The group will meet back in the hotel lobby at 6 pm for a welcome dinner (included) at a local restaurant. 

Day 2. Friday October 26.  Tour Aran Islands and travel to Essence of Mulranny.
Depart Galway after breakfast for the Aran Islands. A bus will take the group to the harbor of Rossaveal on Galway Bay. From there you will travel on the ferry for a 40-minute ride to the island of Innismore, the largest of the three Aran Islands. Once on the island you will board a minibus for an island tour with a stop at the base of Dun Aengus, an old stone fort on the edge of the cliff. There is a restaurant below for lunch; you will be able to either take the minibus or walk up to the fort.   The Aran Islands are famous for the mass of beautiful stone walls. The ferry will depart in late afternoon where a private bus will meet and take the group to the residence (a 1.5 hour drive). Your luggage already will have been taken by car from Galway and be at the Essence of Mulranny residence when you arrive. (Breakfast, dinner included)

Days 3 & 4. Saturday & Sunday, October 27 and 28.  Workshop.
You'll enjoy a workshop with Marie Duquette who has organized this trip.  Marie is working on the design of the workshop so check back for details.  

At the residence there are great walks in the area to consider (weather permitting!) when there is a break in the afternoon before dinner. The beach is especially refreshing. The views of the mountains, sea and sky from the residence are beautiful in an altogether relaxing and mesmerizing environment. Bicycles are available for riding the Greenway walk/bike path that extends many miles each side of the village. The bike path follows an old railroad system along the coast if anyone feels energetic before or after class. (All meals included both days)

Day 5. Monday, October 29.  Visit Achill Island and Deserted Village.
Today the group will visit Achill Island, drive the dramatic Atlantic coastline and explore the Deserted Village. Lunch will be on your own at the Beehive Café with some time to shop in their craft store. (Breakfast, dinner included)

Day 6. Tuesday, October 30.  Local area tour and visit to Newport.
Today will be a local area tour of Rockfleet Castle (the Pirate Queen’s last residence before she died in 1603), Burrishoole Abbey (1469) and the picturesque graveyard that surrounds it. After lunch at a pub (the Granuaille) in Newport, the group will view Harry Clarke’s stained glass windows (we will have seen a video on this great artist (1890 – 1931) the night before). On return to the residence, you will be taken up the old bog road during which you will learn about some of the last remaining blanket bogs of Europe. (All meals included)

Day 7. Wednesday, October 31.  Local artist visit and free day.
A visit to Suzie Sullivan’s fiber art studio is on the itinerary for today. Here you will see this talented artist’s work in her little cottage gallery and workshop. You then will have the afternoon free in Westport to browse this quaint tourist town with interesting and charming shops. Lunch will be on your own in Westport.   (Breakfast, dinner included)

Day 8. Thursday, November 1.  Travel by train to Dublin.
Today we will travel by train to Dublin. As the journey is 3.5 hours long, there will be time to work on knitting projects as you travel across the country. Once in Dublin, taxis will take the group to Bewleys Hotel in Ballsbridge.  Dinner will be on your own this night and for those that like late nights, there is plenty going on in Dublin city for entertainment! (Breakfast, lunch included)

Day 9. Friday, November 2.  Knit & Stitch Show.
Knit & Stitch show for the day. The show is about one block from the hotel and you are free to enjoy the day as you wish. We will gather at 6:30 p.m. for a farewell dinner at the hotel. (Breakfast, dinner included)

Day 10. Saturday, November 3.  Departure.
Beadventure ends this day. As people leave at different times, enjoy breakfast at the hotel and continue on with your Ireland adventure (the Knit & Stitch Show ends Nov. 4 should you want more time). For those departing Ireland that day, you can catch the Aircoach bus to the airport (it stops at the hotel every 20-30 minutes for the Dublin airport).   (Breakfast included). 

 

About the workshop with Marie Duquette Inspired by "Galway Windows" Mittens . . .

In the workshop, you will explore different methods of turning your inspirations into knitted pieces.  You will experiment with different color combinations and textures and learn how your yarn choices interface and influence each other.  The workshop focus will be to create different swatches that can be used later for designing an inspired knitted garment or enjoyed in their own right, as works of art.  Techniques explored include: color work (working with more than one color at a time); color play (learning how colors influence each other); texures (cables, knit/purl patterns, simple lace).   This workshop is geared toward the knitter who wants to take knitting to a more personal level.  A basic knowledge of knit, purl is recommended.

About Marie Duquette . . .
Marie Duquette is an avid knitter and board member of the Madison Knitters' Guild of Madison, Wisconsin. She is also a Certified Knitting Instructor through the Yarn Council of America.  Her love of knitting and teaching has brought her around the world to attend classes with expert knitters as well as leading knitting retreats and workshops through her own business, Wool Forward.  Aside from developing her own knitting designs, she also knits samples and tests patterns for designers.  When not knitting, she can be found working as a social worker and doting on her grandchildren and extended family.  She lives in Madison Wisconsin with her husband Charlie and their blind, toothless calico kitty, Bunny.   You can follow her on Ravelry (duquette), friend her on Facebook and like her Facebook page, Wool Forward, to see what her knitting needles are up to.
 

Trip Cost

1790 Euro (currency converter)

Includes: Accommodations for 9 nights; all breakfasts, 8 dinners, 4 lunches; bus tours in Mayor and Galway; workshop tuition; entry fees to sites; train fare to Dublin; tax to hotel in Dublin.

Does not include:  airfare to Ireland; transpor to Gallway city where tour begins; 4 lunches, one dinner when not at residence; workshop project supplies.

Payment Terms:  $300 (US Dollars) deposit to hold spot; balance due 90 days prior to start of Beadventure (see Terms and Conditions for more information)

Trip Notes

  • Recommend that you arrive and depart from Dublin because it is easier than arriving at the Shannon airport near Galway and then taking a bus to Galway.  Also, Galway is a more interesting itinerary for knit shops and places of interest for knitters.

  • For departure from Dublin, it may be easier for many to stay an extra night, which would be an additional cost not included in the Beadventure.

  • If you arrive a day or two early, two Galway travel options are to visit the Burren and the Cliffs of Moher.  These trips can be easily booked while you are in Galway as the tourist office, which is next door to the hotel.

  • To book an extra stay at the hotel:  Park House Hotel in Galway; Bewleys Hotel-Ballsbridge in Dublin.