Ireland

Destination Overview

Join one of our inspirational crafting holidays in Ireland and discover the stunning scenery, spirit and traditional crafts of the Emerald Isle, where time-honoured artistry intertwines with the country’s captivating charm. All of our craft holidays include workshops accompanied by a leading expert who will design projects inspired by your surroundings, drawing inspiration from the rolling hills and dramatic landscapes. 

One of the many highlights when exploring the west of Ireland is the opportunity to discover the Aran Islands, which are renowned for their preservation of the traditional ways of life. Aran sweaters have been worn by fishermen here for hundreds of years, and patterns passed from generation to generation without being written down. With their distinctive design, the sweaters are a symbol of Ireland and still inspire artists today. The patterns, representing the daily life of the islanders, have been handed down through the generations and each garment represents Irish tradition and culture.

As well as its stunning scenery, the west of Ireland is also renowned for high quality goods. Creative crafts continue to flourish and traditional crafts including knitting have been revived. Knitting has been a part of Irish life since the 1600s when knitting schools were established across the country, and during the 18th century, knitting became a source of income for many households thanks to an abundance of wool.

Further south, the natural beauty and cultural heritage of County Kerry offers even more creative inspiration, from the sweeping vistas of the Ring of Kerry to the rugged coastlines of the Dingle Peninsula. Here, the long-standing tradition of wool production is still alive today, with Kerry Woollen Mills continuing a legacy of craftsmanship that dates back over 300 years.

When crafting in Ireland, every weave and stitch becomes an ode to its folklore, passion, and natural beauty; let’s discover together…