Ireland 2021

By National Sewing Circle Editors

Ireland

Come along with Nicki LaFoille on this once-in-a-lifetime experience combining amazing sightseeing, crafting with local artisans, and the unique experience of traveling with fellow sewers.

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9 Day Ireland Tour Package Includes:

  • Round-trip international airfare from New York City to Dublin, Ireland. (Airfare also available from your closest international airport for an additional fee. First/Business class upgrades are available.)
  • Private motor coach and professional driver/guide the entire time.
  • Professional Craftours escort the entire time.
  • First-class hotel accommodations in Galway, Killarney and Dublin. (Suite upgrades available)
  • Daily Irish breakfast and two dinners.
  • Hand-sewing projects with National Sewing Circle guest instructor.
  • Sewing chats with National Sewing Circle guest instructor.
  • Special “Irish Christmas Wish Doll” sewing workshop with a professional Irish artisan.
  • A crystal carving demonstration by a master artist.
  • A special presentation and shopping opportunity at the family owned Connemara Marble facility.
  • An optional Irish Scone Making cookery class.
  • Panoramic city tour in Galway and drive to the craft village in Spiddal.
  • Panoramic city tour in Dublin including driving past Trinity College, Phoenix Park, the city center and other notable sights.
  • A Panoramic drive through the famous Dingle Peninsula and a stop in the seaport town of Dingle.
  • Sightseeing at the spectacular Cliffs of Moher and drive through the “Burren.”
  • An optional tour of Bunratty Castle and Folk Park.
  • Photo opportunity at see the ruins of Ross Castle in Killarney.
  • A visit to a family owned weaving and spinning factory.
  • A short visit to the award winning “tidy town” of Adare.
  • Shopping at the Blarney Woolen Mills and an opportunity (for a small fee) to kiss the famous Blarney Stone.
  • An optional tour to Kylemore Abbey and Gardens and scenic drive through the stunning Connemara Region.
  • Photo stop at the extraordinary Rock of Cashel.
  • Free time for shopping on the famous Grafton Street in Dublin.
  • An optional Irish singing and Riverdance-type show.
  • A Craftours lanyard and commemorative gift.


    • Discover Ireland banner

    To make your reservation call us at 815-663-4046 or Toll-Free at: 877-887-1188 (USA or Canada) 02393-880068 (UK) 18-0010-6424 (Australia) or submit your reservation online.

    Full Package Price: $3,437.00 | Air from New York JFK
    Land Only Price: $2,787.00 | Land only rate does not include airport / hotel transfers
    (per person, based on double occupancy)

    Nicki Your National Sewing Circle Instructor
    Nicki LaFoille will be your instructor on this once-in-a-lifetime trip to Ireland. Nicki has created countless instructional videos for National Sewing Circle and has years of experience in garment making. She routinely instructs garment making classes and helps new sewers grow in their passion. She will be instructing a class and a small project while on the Ireland trip that will be unique and only available on this trip! Nicki loves traveling and is so excited to share her passion of sewing with you in Ireland.


    Ireland Highlights


    Bunratty Castle Bunratty Castle
    Bunratty Castle is a large 15th century tower house in County Clare, Ireland. It is located in the center of Bunratty village, between Limerick and Ennis, near Shannon Town and its airport. The Castle and the adjoining Folk Park are run by Shannon Heritage as tourist attractions. The present castle, was built by the MacNamara family around 1425. Its builder may have been one Maccon Sioda MacNamara, chieftain of Clann Cuilein (i.e. the MacNamaras). He died before the castle was completed by his son Sean Finn (who died in 1467). Around 1500, Bunratty Castle came into the hands of the O’Briens (or O’Brians), the most powerful clan in Munster and later titled Earls of Thomond. They expanded the site and eventually made it their chief seat, which had previously been in Ennis.


    Cooking Class Cooking Class
    If you have ever wondered what foods are cooked in a traditional Irish kitchen, then wonder no more. This class will take you through the making of the most famous Irish family dinner, the Irish stew. Our chef will teach you everything you need to know to make this dish at home. And what Irish kitchen would be complete without the smell of fresh baked scones? Roll your sleeves up and be prepared to make the most delicious, fluffy scones you have ever tasted. Our chef will share his tips and tricks, all with a generous pinch of Dublin wit and wisdom. An experience not to be missed.


    Kylemore Kylemore Abbey and Gardens
    Kylemore Abbey is a Benedictine monastery founded in 1920 on the grounds of Kylemore Castle, in Connemara, County Galway, Ireland. The abbey was founded for Benedictine Nuns who fled Belgium in World War I. The current Mother Abbess of the Benedictine Community is Mary Margaret Funk.



    Testimonials from past Ireland Tours


    Barbara Stanbro – “I attended the International Quilt Festival of Ireland in 2012, and I had a fabulous time. The hotels were lovely, the destinations interesting, and our tour guide/bus driver couldn’t have been more charming or knowledgeable. It was a wonderful trip and I have many good memories.”

    Nancy and Ken Burkhalter – “My hubby and I had an absolutely wonderful trip sponsored by Craftours to tour Ireland and the 1st International Quilt Festival in Galway in 2012. It was a small group, and we really loved that tour. We are still in touch with many of the others who were on our tour. Very well organized! Great places to see, great places to stay, great quilt festival – wonderful time. It was our 50th wedding anniversary trip – so we went on to Paris after to have our final celebration!”

    Bonnie Bloom – “I was on one of your trips to Ireland with my sister. I was amazed at the care that was taken to make our trip flawless. Everything was seen to and everyone was so friendly it was a memory I will treasure forever.”


    Make your reservation banner

    To make your reservation call us at 815-663-4046 or Toll-Free at: 877-887-1188 (USA or Canada) 02393-880068 (UK) 18-0010-6424 (Australia) or submit your reservation online.


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    11 Responses to “Ireland 2021”

    1. Darlene

      I will be alone as well I need a non-smoking partner who doesn’t mind listening to a book at night.

    2. Pamela barnes

      Because of covid, are there any special terms feom this trip if people have to cancel because things shut down next year? Obviously each person should have trip insurance but the fine print often does not include certain things. Just curious if that was discussed and part of the package...for instance a credit if Ireland does not accept US citizens next Sept.

    3. Linda Gothard

      Is the cost based on double occupancy? I am interested but would be traveling alone.

    4. Shelley Johnson

      I’m interested - but because of Covid wil not be making any decision until early 2021. Please re-send me this information then.

    5. MS IRIS ANGEL

      I am very excited, is there a payment plan?

    6. MS IRIS ANGEL

      I am very excited, is there a payment plan? what type of payments are available?

    7. Ethel

      How much walking on this tour?

    8. Sue Lutz

      I was looking to book tour and links just lead to bad gate ways. Why?

    9. Becky Toole

      When will an itinerary and tour schedule be available?

    10. Cicily Kaye

      In light of the Covid 19 problem, will this trip really happen