Ireland: Painting Workshop and Tour Led by Kathleen Jacobs

Your journey to Ireland begins with an overnight flight from the U.S. to Shannon, Ireland.

You will be met early this morning at Ireland’s Shannon International Airport and driven north to Westport, on the shores of Clew Bay. The first afternoon you can relax, and enjoy getting settled in to your environs. If the weather cooperates and the group is feeling a bit energetic you can capture the sunset by exploring the nearby countryside. Your hotel is located on the Quay (harbor) of Westport, which should provide for some dramatic sunsets. All rooms are now ensuite, and there is a pool and optional spa services available. You’ll enjoy traditional Irish breakfasts and a few dinners at the hotel. Lunch will be at various restaurants and pubs, or you can stop in town and have a picnic lunch wrapped for your daily excursions in the field. Transportation is provided in a roomy tour van. (D)

Crafts were a major part of life in Ireland, people needed to produce their own tools for farming and household items necessary for daily life. From the kitchen, to the bedroom, to the farmyard, everything was hand made. Irish communities have always been proud of their traditions, and you’ll see a re-birth in some of these time-honored customs. Each day visit some of these typical locations from your home base. 

There’s no possible way to visit all of them so your guides will plan each day considering the interests of the group. The City of Westport and the Village of Newport, both capture the flavor of true Irish towns with their tree-lined canals and colorful shops.  Paul Taylor is the owner of Westport Pottery. Paul will demonstrate his techniques and perhaps someone can have a hand at the wheel. Linda Timms, has a stained glass studio we can tour and perhaps take some time at the Custom House Art Gallery also in Westport.

One of your historical stops will include the inspirational archeological site of Ceide Fields, where stonewalls were discovered dating back to 3000 BC. There is a terrific print making studio and gallery in Ballycastle, near this amazing site. Living in the Partry Mountains is a traditional basket maker, weaving old style baskets out of reeds. Ballintubber Abbey, or Baile Tobair Padraig, named for the natural spring nearby, where St. Patrick baptized his first Irish converts. 

There are other places to see given time, such as Moore Hall, Barnabawn and Murrisk Abbey. The picturesque village of Cong was the setting for John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara’s film The Quiet Man. The ruins of Cong Abbey are here, founded in the 12th century by the King of Connacht. Many of the finest examples of cut stone can be found in the cloisters where you will marvel at the ancient stonework of 13th century masons. In 1198 the last High King of Ireland died in the abbey. You may catch a glimpse of Ashford Castle built in 1228 or take a walk through the woods to see a child’s play tower built by B.L. Guinness in 1864. 

Round towers were designed as bell towers to call worshippers to prayer, and later used to protect Irish monks and their libraries from the Norman invaders. Next to one of these towers, the Turlough Round Tower, is the award winning Museum of Country Life, which is part of Ireland’s National Museum. It encompasses an old homestead and ancient crafts come to light with hands on demonstrations and three floors of exhibits. The location offers wonderful views and setting for a picnic lunch. In the afternoon we can stop at Foxford Woolen Mills, where they have an optional historical and factory tour.

Achill Island is the largest island off the Irish coast. To get there, drive over the bridge at Achill Sound. The island wrought by wind and water — an arrangement of rock, cloud, and cliffs falling off to the sea. (B each day, D three evenings)  

Leave Westport early this morning, and drive to the Burren, a remote region near the town of Ennis. Your last full day of exploring will be spent in this beautiful area for the wild landscapes, megalithic sites, culminating in the mighty Cliffs of Moher. Tonight you will stay in the town of Ennis or close tot eh Shannon Airport, enjoy dinner on your own. (B)

There will be a group transfer (time to be announced) to the Shannon International Airport for your flight back home.