Ireland A Wooly Weaving & Knitting Odyssey

Transcription

1 Ireland A Wooly Weaving & Knitting Odyssey Explore the Road Less Traveled Along the West Coast of the Emerald Isle Dunluce Castle, Northern Ireland With Options for World Class Golf, Horseback Riding, Fishing, Walking & more October 7 24, Days

2 The Lamb Lovin Lassies in our Group will be referred to hereafter as The Do Lally Flock (do lally means a bit mad in Irish slang) Meet Our Irish Weaving Teachers Taipéis Gael As part of the Taipéis Gael program in , local artist-weavers from Glencolmcille in Donegal were trained in the skills of preparing and dyeing wool using local materials, carding and spinning, designing tapestry and weaving on specially fabricated wooden frames. The original Taipéis Gael creations are now exhibited all over the world. Glencolmcille, where we will weave, has long been known for the excellence of its weavers and hand-knitters and for the production of high quality tweed garments. In our workshop, some of the weavers from Taipéis Gael will teach the skills acquired from the community s older practitioners who are generously passing on their skills from an earlier generation. Mary Cooper, Markree Wool Craft Mary learned to spin over 25 years ago on a traditional Donegal wheel which she still has. When she moved her business to Markree Castle, she found that she had no time to continue with it and her wheel had to be put to one side, but it was never forgotten Six years ago she got back to spinning having bought some Wensleydale sheep. Mary raises, shears, spins and dyes the fleece from her flock and other fleeces from nearby local farmers using eco-friendly products and nontoxic commercial dyes. Mary offers occasional workshops and her spinning has now become a part time business. Meet Our Irish Knitting Mentors Carol Feller, Author of Contemporary Irish Knits Edel MacBride is a knitwear designer and knitting teacher with an approach that combines her training as both an artist and a structural engineer. She emphasizes seamless construction and clever shaping techniques with interesting shapes and textures. Her patterns for men, women, and children are widely published in books and magazines in addition to her two books. Quoted in an article in The Knitter, Carol says: "The traditional Aran has long been exported to the rest of the world as being quintessentially Irish, but more important to me are the mills still operating here, including Donegal Yarns, Cushendale and Kerry Woolen Mills. They all produce high quality yarn and are making changes so they continue to appeal to modern knitters, while bringing the experience and knowledge from generations of working in textiles." When you cross pollinate fashion with the skill of craft you get originality, something with my stamp on it something exciting. Like all stories worth telling it starts with a good yarn. Irish Designer Edel MacBride has been creating and selling innovative knitwear since the establishment of her eponymous label in Having studied fashion design at Limerick School of Art and Design Ireland, it was the early childhood love of knitting and yarns that has provided inspiration for her collections. Having traveled extensively, Edel finds travel the greatest stimulus to the design process. However, it is the Irish Aran that will always have her heart. Edel started KNITFIELD in 2010 to bring her skills to others via workshops. Anne O Maille Is the proprietor of the head of O Maille, the Original House of Style, a family business established in Galway in In 1951, many of the costumes for the movie The Quiet Man were tailored by her family. Famous for their Aran sweaters and tweeds, the shop employs over 100 knitters and is devoted to the preservation of Aran knitting and Irish craft. Most of these artists do not knit from written instructions, but rather from patterns known by heart. Anne says that Wool is my life---i knit, crochet and teach knitting. Over the years, she has developed her own patterns which she teaches as a 3 hour workshop using all the yarns she specializes in from her shop.

3 Tuesday, October 7 Travel Day - Fly to Ireland Fly from your home to Shannon, Ireland. We will be happy to help you with your air arrangements. We recommend the United Airlines flight from Newark to Shannon. Otherwise, most airlines connect to Ireland via their respective European hubs. Overnight and meals on flight(s). Wednesday, October 8 Arrive: Adare & Killarney, Co. Limerick Cead Mile Failte - Welcome to Ireland! You arrive this morning in Shannon, a much less crowded option in the western half of Ireland than the Dublin Airport in the east. If you are arriving on the United Airlines flight from Newark, you will be greeted at the airport and driven by our private van to Adare, often referred to as Ireland s prettiest village. It is the quintessential Irish hamlet dating from the Norman Conquest with picturesque thatched-roof houses and ivy-covered medieval churches. Set on the banks of the River Maigue, there are plenty of shops to browse, historic sites to explore and a Heritage Center. One can walk to the banks of the river where the remains of priories built by medieval monks still stand. We will explore the town and have lunch before driving an hour and half southwest through the beautiful scenery of Limerick and Kerry Counties. Our destination is Killarney, a land of deep blue lakes, dark green forests and purple mountainsides with legendary views. Our accommodation for the next three nights is Cahernane House Hotel, beautifully situated on its own private estate on the edge of Killarney National Park. Formerly the Residence of the Herbert Family, the Earls of Pembroke, Cahernane House Hotel dates back to the 17th Century. We will enjoy dinner as a group tonight in the hotel s dining room. Overnight at Cahernane House Hotel. (D)

4 Golfers: If you wish to golf upon arrival in Ireland, you could transfer with our group to Adare and play the course at Adare Manor Golf Club. If the available tee time prevents you from taking the private van to Killarney with the group, we can try to obtain a transfer for you later in the day. Horseback Riders: If you would like to ride upon arrival, Ireland Clonshire Equestrian Center offers top class horses. If the available riding times prevent you from taking the private van to Killarney with the group, we can try to obtain a transfer for you later in the day. Thursday, October 9 Kenmare & Killarney National Park Today we have a full day of scenic treats and adventures. We visit Kenmare which offers some interesting diversions. The Kenmare Lace and Design Center has displays of the needlepoint lace-making which was taught at the convent and catapulted Kenmare to international fame. An ancient stone circle, reputed to be one of the largest in southwest Ireland dating back to the Bronze Age, is just off the square. We stop at Quills Woolen Market offering Aran handknits, Irish linen and hand-loomed knitwear. Traveling over a mountain pass at Moll s Gap, we ll also stop at Avoca Handweavers which is the outpost of the famed County Wicklow weavers. Here you will find colorful handwoven blankets, knitted clothing, pottery and jewelry. We ll also visit Kissane Sheep Farm where we can see a demonstration of sheep dogs working in action with the sheep. Boasting a glacial landscape with subtropical vegetation, the views around Killarney are legendary. We will explore this glorious region of Killarney National Park by boat and carriage.

5 Beginning at Kate Kearney s Cottage, we travel through the Gap of Dunloe by pony and trap passing five lakes linked together by the River Loe with magnificent mountains on either side. For those that prefer to walk, the hike takes about two hours. Arriving at Lord Brandon s Cottage, formerly a hunting lodge, on the Gearhameen River, we can enjoy a light lunch (not included). In the afternoon, we hop on an open 12 seat boat to travel through three lakes and two rivers to the 13 th Century Ross Castle, ancestral home of the great chieftain O Donoghue. The scenery along the way is considered some of the finest anywhere in the world. The highlights of this boat journey are the oak woods of Derrycunnihy and the Tomies mountains, the Meeting of the Waters where the three lakes meet, Inisfallen Island with ruins dating back to the 6 th century and the three thousand year old Copper Mines. Our van will be waiting for us at Ross Castle to return us to Cahernane House. Overnight at Cahernane House Hotel. (B) Golfers: There are a variety of courses in the area. We suggest that you concentrate on those found on this website: Horseback Riders: There are quite a few options for horseback riding in the area. You can choose from a variety or terrain and length of rides. Friday, October 10 Dingle Peninsula The Do Lally Flock: Evening Book Signing/Trunk Show with Carol Feller Today we spend the day exploring Dingle Peninsula. While the Ring of Kerry gets all the buzz and recognition, it unfortunately gets all the tourists and traffic as well. Instead, we will immerse ourselves in the wild rugged scenery, archeological ruins, undulating hills and fragrant woods of the Dingle Peninsula where everything moves a little slower. Here the government subsidizes the survival of the Irish language and culture. The 30 mile loop around the peninsula reveals hidden Celtic forts, mysterious stone tombs and castles, all with sweeping sea views. An interesting stop is the Gallorus Oratory, built approximately 1,300 years ago. It is one of Ireland s best preserved early- Christian churches. The Slea Head Drive boasts stunning coastal scenery of opal blue waters with rocky islands as well as the greatest concentration of ancient sites in County Kerry, if not the whole of Ireland. Dingle Peninsula culminates in Europe s westernmost point.

6 We ll take time to explore the many shops found on the Dingle Peninsula. Three worthwhile stops include The Weavers Shop where Lisbeth Mulcahy creates fabrics and tapestries inspired by the local landscape on a 150 year old loom. The West Kerry Craft Guild is a co-op selling the work of 14 local artists and there are a couple of jewelers that offer fine handcrafted works in Celtic designs. A local potter produces sophisticated wares out of local clay. In the late afternoon, we return to our hotel where The Do Lally Flock has a wonderful opportunity to meet Irish Knitting Designer, author and teacher, Carol Feller (see page 2). Carol will speak to us about her unique take on Irish knitting and the importance of the Irish mills still in operation, a book signing and trunk show. Overnight at Cahernane House Hotel. (B) Golfers and Riders: See options above Saturday, October 11 Cliffs of Moher & Irish Music This morning we travel north into County Clare where the rugged natural beauty and the timeless ocean meet on coast. We ll take a short ferry ride across the Shannon Estuary into the gently rolling countryside of southern Co. Clare, heading up to the desolate rocks of the Burren. Hugging the coastline following the incredibly scenic Loop Head Road, we first visit Clare s Other Cliffs. Some believe that the costal views here are even more dramatic than the Cliffs of Moher and certainly less touristed. If the weather cooperates, we can take a 45 minute walk along the cliffs. We ll then carry on in our van up the coast to see one of Ireland s most iconic sights, the Cliffs of Moher. For five miles, the limestone plateau of the Burren plummets 1,000 feet into the sea. We ll take a cliff path here to Hag s Head for the best views where, on a clear day, we can see the misty Aran Islands and the mountains of the Connemara in the distance.

7 No trip to Ireland would be complete without at least on night of traditional Irish music. Just six kilometers north of the Cliff of Moher, Doolin is the music capital of Ireland, literally chock full of music pubs offering authentic sessions. We ll stay one night in the area just to enjoy this true Irish experience in this musical mecca. Doolin s three main music pubs are McGann s, O Connors and MacDiamada s. Our accommodations tonight are at Ballinalackin Castle Country House, with a beautiful location featuring incredible panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, the Aran Islands and the distant Connemara. The hotel is not a castle, rather it sits next to the ruins of a 16 th century O Brien Castle. Overnight at Ballinalackin Castle Country House. (B) Sunday, October 12 To the Connemara or the Aran Islands Today we travel north into the Connemara region of Ireland. Our plan may be dependent on the weather and your personal choice. If the seas and winds are calm, you may opt to take a trip to Inishmore, the largest of the Aran Islands (one hour and 20 minutes by ferry) from Doolin departing at 10A. Outposts of Gaelic culture and language, many of the inhabitants still live a traditional life on these deeply isolated islands. The distinctive fisherman s A Pony Cart in the Aran Islands sweater known as Aran originated in this area was knitted from the islands native sheep. (We ll be learning how to knit these cable stitches in a workshop later in the trip). One can explore the island via a horse-drawn buggy, on foot or taxi. The island is home to one of Ireland s most important archeological sites, Dún Aengus, a stunning stone fort in addition to stone church ruins, a monastery and many pubs. Departing at 5P, a different ferry will bring you across the North Sound to the Connemara landing where our van will be waiting to drive us to our hotel about an hour away. OR (Additional cost of 28 subject to change and availability) If Mother Nature is not so benevolent, or you simply prefer not to visit the Aran Islands, you will be driven in our van through the North Burren with possible stops at the moody and evocative Corcomroe Abbey, a former Cistercian abbey, considered one of the finest of its kind. In the area is also Wilde and Wooly, a small single- handed cottage industry. It is a beautiful knitwear studio producing exquisite knitwear from natural yarns whose colors and designs reflect the landscape and light of the Burren landscape. Each piece is a work of art. We ll also visit O Maille Original House of Style in Galway, a family business established in 1938 (see description on Page 2). Anne O Maille, the Proprietor, will be teaching our knitting workshop on Tuesday at our hotel where we learn about the significance of the different Aran patterns and her unique cable stitches. From Galway, we carry on into the Connemara to arrive at our hotel in the afternoon which may allow for other activities in that area. We may choose to stop en route from Galway at Cnoc Suain (restful hill), a restored 17 th century hill-village set in 200 acres of the Connemara s ancient bogland, for immersion in Irish culture and nature or Ross Errilly Friary, the largest and best preserved Franciscan Friary in Ireland.

8 Our accommodation in the Connemara was voted the #1 Hotel in Ireland by Conde Nast readers in Ballynahinch Castle Hotel is located 5 miles from the Atlantic Ocean, set on a 450 acre estate of woodland, rivers and trails with a rugged mountain backdrop. Once famed for being the largest estate in Great Britain and Ireland dating from the 16 th century, the castle is a turreted, gabled manor house overlooking the Owenmore River and is deeply steeped in tradition woven through the history of Connemara and its people. The castle played a vital role in Irish history from the O Flaherty Chieftains to Grace O Malley, the Pirate Queen of Connemara. Today, Frommer s Guide describes the ambience as country-house casual. As you stroll the grounds of Ballynahinch Castle you might encounter some of the other fauna that inhabit the area. Among the many species of wildlife one can expect to meet are mallard, teal, foxes, maybe a view of a swooping kestrel or merlin or perhaps if you are lucky you may glimpse the elusive tree dwelling Pine Martin The Estate and surrounding area offers many activity options including walking and hiking trails, horseback riding on renowned Connemara Ponies, outstanding fly fishing, cycling, sea and island adventures. For our golfers, there are six courses within an hour from the hotel. Overnight at Ballynahinch Castle Hotel. (B,D) Monday, October 13 Exploring Connemara and its Loughs Connemara is one of the most beautiful and mysterious regions in Ireland with endless mountains, lakes and a wild landscape. Sparsely populated, the Connemara is one of the only places in Ireland where sheep have the right of way over cars on the road! Today we will spend the day exploring the highlights of the Connemara.

9 We ll meander to the coast to Clifden, the main market town and its famous Sky Road, one of the most impressive coastal roads in Ireland. A must is a stop to marvel at the beauty of Kylemore Abbey, the iconic and most photographed castle in Ireland. It is the oldest of the Benedictine Abbeys in Ireland and is also an exclusive boarding school for girls. Further north, Killary Harbour is Ireland s only fjord. Weather permitting, we may take a boat trip the length of the 9 mile waterway or perhaps visit Killary Sheep Farm to see a live demonstration. We might even Hogswarts? How about boarding school at Kylemore Abbey? stop by Lough Nafooey which is known as the most haunted lake in Ireland with its own lake monster! We ll explore the village of Cong on the shore of Lough Corrib. Surrounded by many stone circles and burial mounds and home to the ruins of the 12 th century Augustine Abbey, Cong is a magical Irish enclave. We may take a boat across the lake to Oughtergard and return to our hotel. Overnight at Ballynahinch Castle. (B) Note: Our route and activities may vary depending on the weather. Tuesday, October 14 Connemara The Do Lally Flock: Aran Cable Knitting Class with Anne O Maille What a wonderful morning we have planned today! Anne O Maille of O Maille Original House of Style will teach a 3 hour knitting workshop at our lovely hotel. Using the yarns that she specializes in at her shop, she will teach us her own patterns of classic Aran cables. (If you are a novice or beginning knitter, don t Overnight at Ballynahinch Castle. (B) worry! Anne will structure the class to be suitable for levels of knitting experience). The class includes copies of the six patterns that Anne will teach, her recommended reading list and two balls of the Donegal yarn she recommends to knit the patterns. Our afternoon is free to explore or relax on the beautiful grounds of our castle. Golfers: Ballynahinch Castle is ideally located as a base for golfing holidays in Connemara whether you prefer the challenge of Links Golf Courses or the beauty of parkland fairways. Connemara Golf Club in nearby Ballyconneely is renowned as a challenging links course and is only fifteen miles from Ballynahinch Castle. Set against the spectacular backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean with the Twelve Pins in the distance this is a stunning 27 hole championship Golf Course. There is also a parkland course at Oughterard and a championship seaside course at Westport, a forty mile drive through beautiful scenery.

10 Horseback Riders: There are quite a few options for horseback riding in the area where you can experience Ireland s only indigenous breed of pony, the Connemara. Highly valued worldwide for it temperament and surefootedness, the Connemara Pony is a unique feature of the local landscape. You might even want to visit the stables of the country s top breeder nearby. You can choose between a cross country hack, a trek along country lanes or gallop across the sands of Omey Island at low tide. Walkers: The estate s extensive grounds offer the perfect opportunity for a gentle amble by the Owenmore river or for a more prolonged stroll around the Castle's picturesque shores of Ballynahinch Lake and woodlands. There are over 10km of walks mapped out around our 450 acre estate all of which contain stunning scenery and natural beauty. The hotel s in-house guide also offers a 2 ½ hour guided tour of the estate. The journey offers stunning lakeshore views, mountain scenery and majestic trees which form the perfect backdrop for tales about the Castle s history, archaeology and some of its more colorful residents. The terraced gardens by the river, the walled garden with its labyrinth and tennis court and the river and lakeside paths, provide the perfect environment for a quiet and reflective walk. Every morning the fishery manager Simon, and walking guide Noel are available in the pub at 9.30am for a coffee and a chat. A Sea & Island Tour: You might opt for a guided boat trip on Roundstone Bay and visit the deserted, picturesque island of Inishlacken with one of the staff of Ballynahinch, John Sullivan; an experienced skipper and lobster fisherman from the nearby island of Inishnee. On your journey you will visit the grey seal colony located in the Ballynahinch estuary, whilst also spotting numerous sea birds such as Terns, Guillemots, Gannets plus other thriving fauna. The highlight of the trip for most is the visit to Inishlacken, an idyllic island of stone walls, white sandy beaches, nesting sea birds and ruined houses; echoing of a way of life now lost. With a population of nearly 200 residents in 1900, the last Islanders departed in the 1980s. Wednesday, October 15 Today we travel north through Mayo County with its rugged coastal scenery terminating in rocky cliffs plunging into the icy blue sea into Sligo County, home of the landscape that inspired celebrated Irish poet William Butler Yeats. A stop in the heritage town of Westport is a must. Set on the shores of Clew Bay, it is considered one of the prettiest towns in Ireland. We ll wander around the streets and shops, maybe visiting the Linen Mill. From here we ll continue north stopping at Foxford Woolen Mills, founded in 1892 and one of the last working mills in Ireland. Just before arriving in Sligo, we ll stop for a visit to the megaliths of Carrowmore, located a few kilometers To Sligo County, Yeats Country

11 southwest of Sligo town. This is one of the greatest megalithic complexes of ancient Ireland. Twenty-seven monuments remain today in varying states of preservation, but it is believed that up to 100 monuments once existed at Carrowmore. Our accommodations for the next three nights are at Coopershill House, an 18th century luxury Country House Hotel located on a 500 acre private estate in the heart of County Sligo. A stunning mile long avenue, crossing the River Unshin, and winding through ancient woods and deer pastures brings you to the enormous front door of Coopershill. Here we have this quintessential Irish manor house completely to ourselves for a private retreat. Built in 1775, Coopershill House is filled with exquisite original Georgian antique furniture that has never been anywhere else in seven generations. The food is delicious and the peace and quiet sublime. The estate is a haven for birds and wildlife and the fallow deer reared here are a special favorite with guests. We will dine as a group tonight. Overnight at Coopershill House. (B,D) Thursday, October 16 Sligo The Do Lally Flock: From Fleece to Yarn Workshop at Markree Castle Others: Variety of Activities Available See Below Today is a treat for the fiber lovers in the group. We will enjoy a full day workshop with Mary Cooper of Wool Craft at Markree Castle. Mary raises the resident Wensleydale Sheep on the property. Known for their lustrous, long staple wool, Wensleydale Sheep produce some of the finest wool in the world and we will get to see them up close and personal. Our workshop will be an interesting blend of learning about the preparation of the fleeces, dyeing and drop spindle weaving. You will have the opportunity to purchase some of this amazing yarn and felted items from Mary and at Markree Castle. If others in the group would like to join us at Markree Castle, the estate offer activities on the grounds including falconry and woodcock shooting. A Wensleydale Sheep For others in the group, the day is yours to explore or participate in the activity of your choice: Golfers: Coopershill House is an ideal base for your golf in the West of Ireland. There are five 18 hole seaside links golf courses within an hour of Coopershill. County Sligo Golf Club, better known by its location at Rosses Point, is a championship golf course a few miles north & west of Sligo town, and a half hour's drive from Coopershill. Enniscrone Golf Club, where the West of Ireland Amateur Championship has been played in recent years is a 45 minute drive down the coast road towards Ballina, Co. Mayo. Bundoran Golf Club, on the way to Donegal is an 18 hole golf course, situated beside the Atlantic cliffs in County Donegal and is 40 minutes away. Strandhill Golf Club County Sligo is a very under rated 18 hole links course which offers a great round of golf only a drive of 25 minutes from Coopershill. There are two 9 hole golf courses nearby at Ballymote (6 miles) and Tobercurry (13 miles).

12 Horseback Riders: Guests at Coopershill Country House are ideally placed to enjoy Horseback Riding at three riding schools in the area. Each riding school offers horse riding to suit all standards of proficiency including spectacular beach rides! Walkers: Coopershill offers walking packages where they equip you with a delicious picnic stowed away in a handy backpack together with maps and advice for the perfect walking experience in Sligo ranging from 40 minute to two hour walks. Hawk Walks & Birds of Prey: The estate offers a truly memorable experience. You can explore a magical corner of Ireland like a High King with a hawk on your arm in the beauty and grandeur of the 500 acre private estate. Your instructor will teach you how to cast your hawk into trees and recall it to land on your gloved fist as you walk through the ancient woods at Coopershill. As you walk, your hawk will follow you from tree to tree. The duration of the hawk walk will be a minimum of 1 hour and is for 2 people at a time. Also located in the area is Ireland s largest sanctuary for birds of prey and owls where you can see flying demonstrations. Overnight at Coopershill House. (B for all, L for the Do Lally Flock only) Friday, October 17 Exploring Sligo or the Estate Today is a free day at your leisure to relax or explore the legendary beauty of Yeats Country or just relax at the estate. (Please refer to the activities listed above). You might opt for lunch in Sligo at Hargadon s Bar & Restaurant where they reputedly serve some of the finest stout and mussels in Ireland. Or you may wish to visit Parkes Castle, a restored plantation castle of the early 17 th century. Once the home of Robert Parke, the castle perched on the shores of Lough Gill contains evidence of an earlier 16 th century Tower House. You can also take a boat ride on Lough Gill from the castle and visit Lake Isle of Innisfree, made famous in Yeat s poem. (Please note that transportation not included for these activities). Overnight at Coopershill House. (B,D) Saturday, October 18 Markree Castle To Donegal Where you can see the sheep in the clouds. ~Carol Feller s 4 year-old son This morning we continue to head up through north Sligo County entering dramatic Donegal, a landscape of fierce beauty with dramatic headlands and a rugged hinterland. We ll make a stop at Abbey Mills and House of Craft, an award winning shop located inside a restored portion of the Cistercian Assaroe Abbey. A museum was created by the Abbey Mill Restoration Project with the goal of bringing back to life Ireland s 12 th Century heritage. Beleek Pottery may be another worthy stop along the way.

13 Our accommodations In Donegal for the next four nights are at Lough Eske Castle, an imposing Tudor-baronial 17 th century castle. The hotel was lavishly refurbished in 2007 and extended to create the modern comforts and graceful refinement of a world class boutique hotel. The castle sits within 43 acres of unspoiled forest woodlands hugging the shores of Lough Eske. The landscape is as magnificent as the castle hotel itself. This afternoon the Do Lally Flock has a great experience in store with renowned textile designer Edel MacBride. Inspired by the textural contrasts of Donegal with it rich textile history, Edel s design collections have been sold to Liberty of London, Henri Bendel New York and Isetan Mitsukoshi Japan. The label is recognized for its dedication to the crafting of the finest hand knit goods handmade in Ireland. Edel will lead us in a class in Aran Cables knitting which is undergoing a revival in Ireland and around the world. Historically, Aran traditional chunky sweaters were knitted by the women of the Aran Islands for their menfolk to wear out to sea. Each family had a different pattern which was the chief way to identify the men who drowned in the treacherous sea. Edel assures us that we will be cabling without cable needles in no time! Our workshop will be followed by a trunk show of her wonderful designs and a book signing. Take a look at Edel MacBride s website: We will dine as a group tonight. Overnight at Lough Eske Castle. (B,D) Golfers: Four courses are nearby. Located within 10 minutes from the castle, Donegal Golf Course (Murvagh) is an outstanding championship links course, continually featured in Golf World s Top 100 Courses in Ireland and Great Britain. Ballyliffin Golf Course with two magnificent links courses to play, this club offers the golfer an opportunity for a challenging game of golf along with some of Ireland's most breathtaking coastline scenes. Narin / Portnoo Golf Course offers golfers magnificent scenery with stunning views of Gwebarra Bay. This links course is located about a 45 minute drive from Lough Eske Castle while Bundoran Golf Club offers an 18 hole links and parkland course which is within a 20 minute drive of the Castle. Horseback riding: Riding here is a treat nearby as you guide your mount through a clean mountain stream or along the white sands of a pristine shoreline. There are three riding centers in the area. Sunday, October 19 Donegal The Do Lally Flock: A Weaving & Knitting Workshop with Margaret Cunningham & Others We travel about an hour today to Glencolmcille located on the Slieve League Peninsula at the southwest point of Donegal, a landscape of staggering beauty. Since the mid 1700 s, the Slieve League Cliffs

14 rearing of sheep and the related industries of weaving and knitting have been an important part of the lives of this area and have created an international reputation. This proud tradition of weaving and spinning has been revitalized and embodied by a small group of weavers known as Taipéis Gael, whose art captures Donegal s landscape and history using naturally dyed and handspun local yarns (see page 2). The Folk Village Museum was the initiative of a dynamic Donegal priest, Father James McDyer. It opened in 1967 with three cottages, built and Glencolmcille Folk Village furnished in just three months through local Copyright 2013 Donegal WebIT All Rights Reserved community effort. Local people regularly donate time, expertise, artifacts, stories and photographs. Tucked into a rocky hillside, the Folk Village offers visitors an intimate experience of a past way of life. Here you can experience life as it was in the 1700 s, 1800's and 1900 s. The thatched cottages are exact replicas of those belonging to that era and are furnished accordingly. (Quoted from Our workshops will be taught here by Margaret Cunningham, Museum Manager of Glencolmcille Folk Village, weaver and tapestry artist. She will begin with an informal talk about Taipéis Gael and her own work. We will also learn about the important history of the tradition of weaving and spinning in Glencolmcille. We will then spend two days weaving a sampler using all the techniques that Margaret uses in her work, with examples of where the stitches are used in practice. There will also be a knitting workshop. All materials will be provided including frame, warp and weft etc. Margaret will also give a spinning demonstration on a traditional Donegal spinning wheel. We are welcome try some spinning and carding as well. Glencolmcille Folk Village Copyright 2013 Donegal WebIT All Rights Reserved For the others in our group, today is at your leisure to relax or pursue the activities of your choice (see above, October 18). All are welcome to join us at the Glencolmcille Folk Village as it is not only designed for Fiber enthusiasts, but those interested in the history of rural Ireland. Overnight at Lough Eske Castle. (B) Monday, October 20 Donegal The Do Lally Flock: Weaving & Knitting Workshops Today we enjoy another full day workshop with Margaret. This will be held either at our hotel or again at Glencolmcille Folk Village. Again, for the others in our group, today is at your leisure to relax or pursue the activities of your choice (see above, October 18). Overnight at Lough Eske Castle. (B,D)

15 Tuesday, October 21 Exploring Donegal Today we spend a full day exploring the rugged beauty of County Donegal with mountains reaching right down to the sea. Considered Ireland s Back-of-Beyond, few tourists make it this far north. Our route will include spectacular panoramic coastal scenery with thatched roof cottages, fishing towns and mountain passes. We ll visit the heritage stone village of Ard an Rátha (Adara) at the heart of Donegal s traditional tweed industry and knitwear. Ardara Heritage Centre tells the story of Donegal tweed from the shearing of sheep to the manufacture and completion of the beautiful woven cloth. Here we may see the weavers at work (their seasonal hours vary). Regardless, there are many shops here chock full of Donegal s famous textiles. We may even visit Glenveagh National Park with its gorgeous castle and gardens and miles of walking trails. We return to our hotel for a final night in Donegal. Overnight at Lough Eske Castle. (B) Wednesday, October 22 Northern Ireland s Causeway Coast Today we enjoy some of the most dramatic and unique scenery of Northern Ireland s Causeway Coast. Highlights of our journey include a visit to the ruins of Dunluce Castle which served as the power base of the north for over 400 years. A World Heritage Site, the Giant s Causeway is an extraordinary natural rock formation that defies all description. One just must see this phenomenon that scientists believe was formed million years go by volcanic eruptions and cooling lava. However Irish legend has it that this is the handiwork of the giant Finn McCool. It is believed that he created the columns as stepping stones to reach a giantess he fell in love with on the Scottish island of Staffa. Whatever you believe, it is a true site to behold. For those not faint of heart, you can brave the crossing of the Carrick- A-Rede, an open rope bridge that spans a chasm 79 feet above the sea. Of course, no visit to this area would be complete without a stop at Old Bushmills Distillery, reputedly the oldest licensed distillery in the world, believed to date back to We ll enjoy a wee dram here before heading to our accommodations at Bushmills Inn, located just a stone s throw from Old Bushmills Distillery. Roaring peat fires, nooks and crannies and a secret library set the old world tone at this historic inn that dates from the 17 century. The bar is still lit by gas light. Bushmills Inn was voted Best Boutique Hotel in Ireland by Golfer s Guide to Ireland. Please note that we have a group dinner reservation at 7:30P, but dinner is not included in tour cost. Overnight at Bushmills Inn. (B)

16 Thursday, October 23 To Dublin This morning we will drive south through Northern Ireland bound for Dublin. We plan to arrive in the early afternoon to allow some time to explore this interesting city on your own. Our accommodations are at the Merrion Hotel, a lovely hotel in four converted townhouses. Voted Trip Advisor s Traveler s Choice 2014 Winner for Luxury and Romance, The Merrion is an oasis in the city located in Georgian Dublin. We may choose to gather for a farewell dinner tonight at the restaurant of our choice. Overnight at The Merrion. (B) Friday, October 24 Flights Home This morning, we sadly bid farewell to the Emerald Isle. We will be transferred to the airport for our flights home. (B) As with all true adventures, this itinerary is subject to change without notice based on a variety of factors. Although NatureQuest/Loom Dancer Weaving Odysseys will do our best to adhere to the scheduled itinerary, we are all at the mercy of Mother Nature and varying weather conditions. This itinerary should be considered an approximation of activities only. The itinerary or accommodations may be changed subject to unexpected and worthwhile opportunities, weather, group desires, and circumstances beyond our control, etc. NatureQuest/Loom Dancer Weaving Odysseys and its guides reserve the right to alter the itinerary without prior notice. Also please be aware that any voluntary changes on your part to your itinerary while in Scotland will be made at your own expense. There is no refund for any unused portion of the itinerary including hotels, activities, etc.

17 Land Costs Include: 16 Nights in luxury 4 and 5 Star unique accommodations based on double occupancy (all individually atmospheric - no large impersonal chain hotels!). Single accommodations available at additional cost 6 Gourmet Dinners from fine chefs featuring local produce and seafood and traditional Irish cuisine 6 Fiber Arts Workshops/Special Events including 2 Days of an exclusive weaving workshop with Taipéis Gael; 1 Day From Fleece to Fiber Workshop and 3 Knitting workshops/events with renowned Irish Knitters Private van and local expert guide Full Irish breakfast daily and some lunches Private visits and demonstrations with talented knitters, weavers, spinners, jewelers and textile designers Admission fees for included tours/boats and activities with visits to castles, distilleries, museums, mills, etc. Land Costs Exclude: Any air transportation Airport transfers if not arriving/departing on the United Airlines flight as specified on Page 3 Meals not designated on the itinerary Any activities such as golf, horseback riding, fishing and any others not specifically included in the itinerary are at an additional cost. Any item not specifically included in your program including all snacks, extra personal beverages & bottled water, etc. other than during designated meals, alcoholic beverages Excess baggage fees, laundry, phone calls, internet and any other items of a personal nature not specifically indicated Tips for your guide, drivers, hotel porters and other service staff Additional insurance of any kind Cost: $5,345 Per Person Based on Double Occupancy $4,845 Per Person for Non-Fiber artist, based on Double Occupancy (Activities such as golf, horseback riding, fishing and any other activity not included in the itinerary are at an additional cost, but we will be happy to help with the arrangements). For those wishing single accommodations, there is a $1,185 Single Supplement Save Your Spot! Please call our office for details or questions! ~ A Division of NatureQuest PO Box 22128, Telluride, CO ~ loomdance@aol.com ~ ~ Natureqst@aol.com ~ ~ Fax