So…I’ve got big news, I’m organising a retreat for April 2019 in Cork! I’ve done a few retreats (and tours) with Knitting Tours over the past few years but up to this point they’ve all been in Kerry. Kerry is wonderful but coming from Cork I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for the place! It’s very central and there are loads of activities and spots to visit that are all less than an hour from the city. We’ve got a good airport here that makes it easy to access Cork from pretty much anywhere! I’ve put together a collection of classes and activities that I like to do myself in Cork and Knitting Tours have help bring it all to life for me.

Photos on this blog post are from Evin O’Keeffe who lives in Cork city and spends a lot of time photographing it as well!

So to start with it’s going to take place from the 4th – 9th of April 2019. You will be staying downtown in Cork which has a lot of shopping, nightlife and excellent restaurants all within a short walk. I’m going to design a brand new project for the tour and I’ll send the details on to you before we start so that you can have all of the supplies you need with you. There will be lots of techniques to learn about so it should be a good few days of learning as well as relaxing. If you’d like to learn more about Brioche or even if you’re a beginner you’ll have lots to learn during the retreat!
The project will use my Nua yarn or a yarn of your choice in a similar gauge as a substitute. Nua yarn will be available at my studio if you want to get the yarn when you arrive. You will get enough Nua to get the project started though!

Itinerary

Thursday 4th April

This is arrival day so for arrivals before 11 am you will be collected from the airport. For anyone making their own way here, we will meet at the hotel at 1.00. After this, we will take a tour around Cork in the afternoon visiting the Cork City Gaol, Blarney Castle and Woollen Mills.
We will end the evening with a welcome dinner together where we can all get to know each other.

Friday 5th April

This morning you’ll all come out to my studio and we’ll spend the morning in the first knitting class where I’ll introduce the retreat project and we can work through the techniques you’ll need.
After lunch, we’ll take a visit to Hedgehog Fibres for some yarn stash enhancement and travel to Cobh to see the Titanic experience. You’re free the rest of the evening to explore Cork city and try out some of the fantastic restaurants.

Saturday 6th April

This morning we’ll return again to my studio to work on the retreat project and dive further into the techniques and brioche stitch patterns.
After the morning knitting session, we will travel to one of my favourite spots, Kinsale. We will have lunch at the fantastic seafood restaurant, Fishy Fishy, and will then afterwards go to visit Blacks Brewery. This is a relatively new business and they produce whiskey, rum, gin and a great range of craft beers.
After this, we will visit Charles Fort which has been converted into a museum and has great views of Cork Harbour.
When our afternoon touring is complete we will return to Cork and you’re free the rest of the evening.

Sunday 7th April

This will be a day of relaxation. We will start the day with a Somatic movement workshop which is specifically aimed at knitters. It’ll focus on areas of pain and discomfort that knitters sometimes experience and will help you to move freely and efficiently using mindful attention and full body movement patterns. I’m looking forward to this workshop very much myself.
The afternoon will be an informal knit group in the hotel if you wish or else you can take the time to further explore Cork.

Monday 8th April

This morning will take us to a few more iconic Cork spots; both the Shandon Church and the English Market.
After lunch, we’ll head to the yarn shop, Vibes and Scribes, where Diarmuid from STwist will talk about the new yarn line he is producing with them, Yarn Vibes
We will end the day with a traditional Irish dinner and show at the Oliver Plunkett.

I’ll say goodnight to you all after a fun few days together.

Tuesday 9th April

Today is when you’ll fly home and can get your last minute shopping at the airport.

Included in This Tour

Transfers on arrival and departure by private coach (for arrivals prior to 11 am)

• Sightseeing as per itinerary in a luxury coach with an experienced driver and accredited guide
• Accommodation in rooms with private facilities for 5 nights
• Irish breakfast daily
• 1 hotel table d’hote dinners
• 1 lunch
• Entrance to the following attractions: Cork City Gaol, Blarney Castle, Titanic Experience, Blacks Brewery, Charles Fort, St Anne’s Church Shandon
• Somatic Movement Session
• Demonstration at Vibes & Scribes
• Traditional Irish Dinner & Show

Workshops/Knitting Activities Included in This Tour

Knitting Sessions with Carol Feller, both formal & informal

Overnights for this Tour

Clayton Hotel, Cork

Not Included

• Travel to or from Ireland
• Items of a personal nature such as wines, drinks, phone calls, etc
• Meals not included in the itinerary
• Tips & Gratuities

Cost and Details

I wanted to keep this retreat small so space is very limited. Places will be on a first come first served basis. A deposit will hold your spot.