Itinerary for 2019 Quilt Shop & Textile Tour of Ireland
Monday, June 3, 2019 - Day 1 – Newgrange/Trim Castle
Start your tour of the Emerald Island with an early morning group meet up in the lobby of the hotel* before boarding your coach to enjoy a relaxing journey to Newgrange, a World Heritage Site. Enjoy a guided tour of Newgrange, a Neolithic (Stone Age) monument in the Boyne Valley, Co. Meath. After lunch (on your own), travel the short distance to Trim Castle for a tour of the largest Norman Castle in Ireland. Check-in for your overnight stay at Trim Castle Hotel and enjoy a group Welcome Dinner. (D)
Tuesday, June 4, 2019 - Day 2 - Donegal
After a full Irish buffet breakfast and check-out, travel to Boyle Abbey for a wander through this 12th century Cistercian monastery. Enjoy lunch (on your own) in a nearby restaurant or tearoom before heading off to Sligo and visit a quaint quilt shop. Continue on to Donegal for your two night stay. Tonight enjoy a group dinner and afterwards, you may want to check out a local pub or two. (B/D)
Wednesday, June 3, 2019 - Day 3 - Donegal
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before heading to the magnificent Glenveagh National Park. Enjoy a tour through the hauntingly beautiful Victorian Glenveagh Castle situated on the shores of Lough Veagh. Enjoy a delicious lunch (on your own) in the Castle Café before heading out through the beautiful countryside of Donegal. Visit a generations-old, family-run hand weaving textile mill, nestled in the picturesque town of Ardara on the Wild Atlantic Way. Experience the history and witness the skill and craft that has gone into that famous Donegal Tweed for generations. Return to your hotel and enjoy a group dinner. (B/D)
Thursday, June 4, 2019 - Day 4 - Galway
After breakfast and check-out, board your coach for Galway, stopping at Yeat’s Grave for a photo or two. Continue on to Tuam, visit to another quilt shop and stop for lunch (on your own). Travel on to Galway for the first of your two night stay. Tonight, you are free to explore the many pubs and restaurants in this vibrant city. (B)
Friday, June 7, 2019 - Day 5 - Galway
Today after a good breakfast you will head out to Moycullen and visit the family owned Connemara Marble Factory, Ireland’s largest manufacturer of Connemara marble jewelry and gift items. Enjoy a tour and talk by a member of the Joyce family to learn about one of Ireland’s most authentic products. Next, on to Oughterard and a visit to another quilt shop with hospitality like no other! Back to Galway in time for lunch (on your own) where the rest of the day and evening is yours to explore Galway. (B)
Saturday, June 8, 2019 - Day 6 - Killarney
After breakfast and checkout, head to the magnificent Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy a leisurely walk with plenty of photo opportunities on the Cliffs before heading to the well-resourced Visitor’s Center for lunch (on your own). Your day continues as you travel to Killarney, enjoying a short, 20-minute ferry ride across the Shannon Estuary. After checking into your hotel and freshening up, take a short drive to The Gap of Dunloe, Ireland’s most spectacular glaciated valley. At the entrance of The Gap sits Moriarty’s, a world-class, family-run business. Your evening will begin with a private shopping experience, choosing from a wide range of top-quality Irish made tweeds, hand knits and jewelry unrivalled anywhere. Afterward, enjoy a delicious dinner at Moriarty’s Heather Restaurant, followed by a trunk show and presentation by one of Ireland’s premier quilters. Afterwards, you will be transported back to your hotel. (B/D)
Sunday, June 9, 2019 - Day 7 - Killarney
This morning after breakfast you will travel towards the Dingle Peninsula, with your first stop at the “cutest quilt shop in Ireland.” Afterwards continue to the town of Dingle and explore this artisan hot spot. Enjoy lunch (on your own) before heading out on the scenic Slea Head drive with some of the most breathtaking sights of coastal Ireland. Head back to Killarney where the rest of the afternoon and evening is yours free to explore the many restaurants and pubs. (B)
Monday, June 10, 2019 - Day 8 - Kinsale
Today after breakfast and check-out, travel to Blarney Castle, where you can enjoy a tour and have the opportunity to kiss the famous Blarney Stone, known to give the gift of gab. Enjoy one of Ireland’s best shopping experiences at Blarney Woolen Mill, followed by a delicious lunch (on your own) in their renowned cafe. This afternoon, travel on to Kinsale, one of the most picturesque and oldest towns in Ireland. Visitors to Kinsale are captivated by its beautiful setting, its long waterfront, yacht-filled harbor, narrow winding streets and brightly painted galleries, shops and houses. Spend the afternoon and evening in Kinsale before being transported to your hotel for your overnight stay. (B)
Tuesday, June 11, 2019 - Day 9 - Waterford
Today after breakfast and check-out, journey to Midleton in Co. Cork for a visit to the Jameson Distillery. Enjoy a guided tour and whiskey tasting at this 200 year old distillery. Travel on to Waterford and the famous House of Waterford Crystal Factory where you will enjoy a guided tour and see exquisite pieces of crystal created before your very eyes. Enjoy lunch (on your own) and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the town. Check in to your hotel - a beautifully restored 18th century mansion in the heart of Co. Waterford. Enjoy a group dinner before retiring for a restful night. (B/D)
Wednesday, June 12, 2019 - Day 10 - Dublin
This morning after breakfast and check-out, your first stop will be to visit the amazing Ros Tapestries, consisting of 15 striking hand embroidered panels (6’ x 4’ each), depicting events around the Anglo-Norman arrival in the South East of Ireland, specifically the founding of the town of New Ross, Co. Wexford. A short walk will take you to the Dunbrody Famine Ship, an authentic reproduction of an 1840’s emigrant vessel, providing a world-class interpretation of the famine emigrant experience. Board your luxury coach and continue to Avoca Handweavers Mill for a tour of one of Ireland's oldest working mills. Here you can shop for beautiful clothing, throws and home goods in their colorful gift shop. Enjoy lunch (on your own) in the quaint café before heading on to Dublin for your last two nights. Check in to your hotel and enjoy a group dinner or head out to a popular and traditional pub! (B/D)
Thursday, June 12, 2019 - Day 11 - Dublin
Today after a leisurely breakfast, enjoy the entire day on your own to explore the many sights and shops of Dublin. The Book of Kells, Trinity College, the Guinness Factory, the National Museum and Grafton Street - one of the world’s most popular shopping centers, are but a few things to see and do in Dublin. Tonight, enjoy a group Farewell Dinner and possibly a last drink or two in your favorite Dublin pub. (B/D)
Friday, June 13, 2019 - Day 12 - Home
This morning after breakfast there will be a group transport to the Dublin airport to catch your flights home.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Please note: Depending on weather conditions and circumstances beyond our control, the itinerary is subject to change. We will make every effort to adhere to the itinerary as listed, but your flexibility if alternative choices are made to enhance the schedule, is appreciated.
*The exact time and location of the official tour start will be announced closer to travel time. If you choose to arrive into Dublin ahead of the tour start (highly recommended), Celtic Quilt Tours would be happy to assist you with hotel accommodation for a pre-tour stay.
Start your tour of the Emerald Island with an early morning group meet up in the lobby of the hotel* before boarding your coach to enjoy a relaxing journey to Newgrange, a World Heritage Site. Enjoy a guided tour of Newgrange, a Neolithic (Stone Age) monument in the Boyne Valley, Co. Meath. After lunch (on your own), travel the short distance to Trim Castle for a tour of the largest Norman Castle in Ireland. Check-in for your overnight stay at Trim Castle Hotel and enjoy a group Welcome Dinner. (D)
Tuesday, June 4, 2019 - Day 2 - Donegal
After a full Irish buffet breakfast and check-out, travel to Boyle Abbey for a wander through this 12th century Cistercian monastery. Enjoy lunch (on your own) in a nearby restaurant or tearoom before heading off to Sligo and visit a quaint quilt shop. Continue on to Donegal for your two night stay. Tonight enjoy a group dinner and afterwards, you may want to check out a local pub or two. (B/D)
Wednesday, June 3, 2019 - Day 3 - Donegal
Enjoy breakfast in the hotel before heading to the magnificent Glenveagh National Park. Enjoy a tour through the hauntingly beautiful Victorian Glenveagh Castle situated on the shores of Lough Veagh. Enjoy a delicious lunch (on your own) in the Castle Café before heading out through the beautiful countryside of Donegal. Visit a generations-old, family-run hand weaving textile mill, nestled in the picturesque town of Ardara on the Wild Atlantic Way. Experience the history and witness the skill and craft that has gone into that famous Donegal Tweed for generations. Return to your hotel and enjoy a group dinner. (B/D)
Thursday, June 4, 2019 - Day 4 - Galway
After breakfast and check-out, board your coach for Galway, stopping at Yeat’s Grave for a photo or two. Continue on to Tuam, visit to another quilt shop and stop for lunch (on your own). Travel on to Galway for the first of your two night stay. Tonight, you are free to explore the many pubs and restaurants in this vibrant city. (B)
Friday, June 7, 2019 - Day 5 - Galway
Today after a good breakfast you will head out to Moycullen and visit the family owned Connemara Marble Factory, Ireland’s largest manufacturer of Connemara marble jewelry and gift items. Enjoy a tour and talk by a member of the Joyce family to learn about one of Ireland’s most authentic products. Next, on to Oughterard and a visit to another quilt shop with hospitality like no other! Back to Galway in time for lunch (on your own) where the rest of the day and evening is yours to explore Galway. (B)
Saturday, June 8, 2019 - Day 6 - Killarney
After breakfast and checkout, head to the magnificent Cliffs of Moher. Enjoy a leisurely walk with plenty of photo opportunities on the Cliffs before heading to the well-resourced Visitor’s Center for lunch (on your own). Your day continues as you travel to Killarney, enjoying a short, 20-minute ferry ride across the Shannon Estuary. After checking into your hotel and freshening up, take a short drive to The Gap of Dunloe, Ireland’s most spectacular glaciated valley. At the entrance of The Gap sits Moriarty’s, a world-class, family-run business. Your evening will begin with a private shopping experience, choosing from a wide range of top-quality Irish made tweeds, hand knits and jewelry unrivalled anywhere. Afterward, enjoy a delicious dinner at Moriarty’s Heather Restaurant, followed by a trunk show and presentation by one of Ireland’s premier quilters. Afterwards, you will be transported back to your hotel. (B/D)
Sunday, June 9, 2019 - Day 7 - Killarney
This morning after breakfast you will travel towards the Dingle Peninsula, with your first stop at the “cutest quilt shop in Ireland.” Afterwards continue to the town of Dingle and explore this artisan hot spot. Enjoy lunch (on your own) before heading out on the scenic Slea Head drive with some of the most breathtaking sights of coastal Ireland. Head back to Killarney where the rest of the afternoon and evening is yours free to explore the many restaurants and pubs. (B)
Monday, June 10, 2019 - Day 8 - Kinsale
Today after breakfast and check-out, travel to Blarney Castle, where you can enjoy a tour and have the opportunity to kiss the famous Blarney Stone, known to give the gift of gab. Enjoy one of Ireland’s best shopping experiences at Blarney Woolen Mill, followed by a delicious lunch (on your own) in their renowned cafe. This afternoon, travel on to Kinsale, one of the most picturesque and oldest towns in Ireland. Visitors to Kinsale are captivated by its beautiful setting, its long waterfront, yacht-filled harbor, narrow winding streets and brightly painted galleries, shops and houses. Spend the afternoon and evening in Kinsale before being transported to your hotel for your overnight stay. (B)
Tuesday, June 11, 2019 - Day 9 - Waterford
Today after breakfast and check-out, journey to Midleton in Co. Cork for a visit to the Jameson Distillery. Enjoy a guided tour and whiskey tasting at this 200 year old distillery. Travel on to Waterford and the famous House of Waterford Crystal Factory where you will enjoy a guided tour and see exquisite pieces of crystal created before your very eyes. Enjoy lunch (on your own) and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the town. Check in to your hotel - a beautifully restored 18th century mansion in the heart of Co. Waterford. Enjoy a group dinner before retiring for a restful night. (B/D)
Wednesday, June 12, 2019 - Day 10 - Dublin
This morning after breakfast and check-out, your first stop will be to visit the amazing Ros Tapestries, consisting of 15 striking hand embroidered panels (6’ x 4’ each), depicting events around the Anglo-Norman arrival in the South East of Ireland, specifically the founding of the town of New Ross, Co. Wexford. A short walk will take you to the Dunbrody Famine Ship, an authentic reproduction of an 1840’s emigrant vessel, providing a world-class interpretation of the famine emigrant experience. Board your luxury coach and continue to Avoca Handweavers Mill for a tour of one of Ireland's oldest working mills. Here you can shop for beautiful clothing, throws and home goods in their colorful gift shop. Enjoy lunch (on your own) in the quaint café before heading on to Dublin for your last two nights. Check in to your hotel and enjoy a group dinner or head out to a popular and traditional pub! (B/D)
Thursday, June 12, 2019 - Day 11 - Dublin
Today after a leisurely breakfast, enjoy the entire day on your own to explore the many sights and shops of Dublin. The Book of Kells, Trinity College, the Guinness Factory, the National Museum and Grafton Street - one of the world’s most popular shopping centers, are but a few things to see and do in Dublin. Tonight, enjoy a group Farewell Dinner and possibly a last drink or two in your favorite Dublin pub. (B/D)
Friday, June 13, 2019 - Day 12 - Home
This morning after breakfast there will be a group transport to the Dublin airport to catch your flights home.
B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
Please note: Depending on weather conditions and circumstances beyond our control, the itinerary is subject to change. We will make every effort to adhere to the itinerary as listed, but your flexibility if alternative choices are made to enhance the schedule, is appreciated.
*The exact time and location of the official tour start will be announced closer to travel time. If you choose to arrive into Dublin ahead of the tour start (highly recommended), Celtic Quilt Tours would be happy to assist you with hotel accommodation for a pre-tour stay.
"Excellent communication on all levels! I enjoyed the newsletters with information coming at intervals rather than all at once.
Knowing Kim and Debbi's contact info gave me peace of mind if anything went wrong.
Liked the idea of putting our hotel info on the back of our name tags."
2017 Quilt & Textile Tour of Ireland Traveler
