Aran Knitting, History and Heritage in the Burren
Overview
2 hours
Mobile ticket
The idyllic setting on a traditional Irish family farm makes this experience one of a lifetime. I am a professional aran knitter giving a modern take on traditional Irish cable patterns and shapes. Located in the world famous Burren lowlands I can show you how to weave together craft, landscape and colour to create modern heirlooms using the best natural fibres unique to Ireland.
Whether you are a beginner or more experienced this will be a unique fun learning experience with some delicious homemade food as an added extra.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
I am a 4th generation farmer here at Faerie Fort farm so I will start by giving a brief history of the heritage of the area. The garden studio is located next to a 1000 year old fairy fort behind our thatched cottage. I will explain the origins of Aran knitting, the various types of wool available and the meanings of a variety of stitch patterns. I will show examples of various cable and stitch patterns and discuss how you can design your own sweater. We can then knit a prepared cable pattern. Smoked salmon on homemade brown bread, traditional Irish porter cake, tea, coffee and herbal teas will be served at your convenience.
Options
Aran Knitting, History and Heritage in the Burren
What‘s Included
Smoked salmon on my own homemade brown bread, traditional Irish porter cake , tea, coffee herbal teas
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
17 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
5-19-2026 Highly Enjoyable Burren Knitting Experience
Linda B,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Stephanie is a highly personable, engaging and accomplished fiber artist and knitwear designer. I (Gen X) sought her out (because I love vacation knitting experiences!) and brought my niece (Gen Z) with me. This was our 3rd day driving in Ireland and the beginning of our experience in the Burren. We both loved being at her farm, and the review/discussion of aran stitches, fibers and old patterns. The custom sweaters she had on display were those she designed and embellished are amazing. We individually worked on two different stitch types that she picked for us based on this discussion. The environment and workspace were not only comfortable, but the view outside was picturesque. As knitters generally do, we also had our own knitting with us for show and tell which added to the fun. It was a wet, rainy afternoon and the tea and homemade snacks along with her dog sleeping in the corner chair made this perfect. Suggestions she made for other areas of interest (Burren Perfumery, Hazel Mountain Chocolates) to visit that afternoon due to weather constraints definitely enhanced our Burren experience.
Solo knitting experience
P2419DSlaurenw,May 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Incredible knitting experience! Enjoyed discussing the history of Aran knitting as I tried out the various patterns of Aran knitting. Beautiful location and well worth the visit.
Great!
Guide557930,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Aran knitting with Stephanie was fantastic. Her home and studio are beautiful, and the knitting lesson was fun and informative. Stephanie does a great job modifying the lesson to the learners skill and provides all patterns to keep practicing later. My husband- who doesn’t knit- enjoyed the location, the conversation, the delicious food, and reading Stephanie’s books.
Stephanie was SO...
Olivia H,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Stephanie was SO wonderful. BEYOND wonderful, truly one of the kindest souls I have ever met. She was such a great teacher and so knowledgeable about the history of the area. I should have booked a taxi well beforehand, since the one I called ended up cancelling on me. Stephanie was so kind and ultimately asked her sister to drive me back into town to catch a bus when we couldn't get another taxi. She was truly a lifesaver and I cannot recommend spending an afternoon with her more!
Best knitting class I've done
BackPacker651500,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I had the best time with Stephanie! She was so knowledgable and taught me everything you need to know about the history of aran knitting, and how to get the right tension with my cables. It was just me Stephanie and her cute dogs. Would (and have) recommended to anyone going to Galway! Disclaimer: you will need to have a car to get there, I hired one for the day and did a trip down the coast to the Cliffs of Moher, it was a great day.
Such a lovely afternoon....
Jeffrey B,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Such a lovely afternoon. Would recommend! Stephanie was so kind and her farm was beautiful. There was something for everyone. My wife is an avid knitter and I’d never touched a set of needles.
I thoroughly enjoyed my...
Sarah N,Feb 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Stephanie and walked away with new knitting skills I could try out on my next project! Stephanie was kind, welcoming, and a fantastic and patient teacher. It was nice learning from her and seeing her beautiful studio space and all of her ongoing projects. If you knit, I highly recommend this experience while you are around the Burren!
Authentic Aran Knitting Experience
Rhonda H,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This is an authentic Irish experience. Stephanie lives on a 209 year old family farm. She is a talented knitter and crafter. Her knowledge of the area’s history and of the knitting patterns for Aran sweaters is vast and quite interesting. She made brown bread with smoked salmon and coffee/tea for us. Delicious! The journey getting to her authentic farm was fun too. She was also a great teacher, having try knitting patterns and provided the patterns to us. Amazing!
Amazing Learning Experience
2019marilynh,Dec 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I am an experienced knitter and this two hour session with Stephanie was a gift from family. I learned so much about Aran knitting from Stephanie, and also about Irish culture, history, and language. Stephanie is a delightful, intelligent, vibrant person who loves Aran knitting and loves Ireland. It was such fun! I highly recommend this very special opportunity.
Far Exceeded Expectations- a MUST do
rosalinal632,Sep 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Knitting with Stephanie was easily the highlight of our trip. Between the drive to her lovely home, delicious snacks, knitting, and seeing her studio and Irish Cobbs, the entire experience was absolutely unforgettable. My husband and I really appreciated Stephanie's warm hospitality. He didn't partake in the knitting lesson but he had a wonderful time and we both learned so much about Irish history and culture. I am already looking forward to booking another lesson with Stephanie on a future return trip to Ireland. Stephanie- from the bottom of our hearts: THANK YOU!!!
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Operated by Stephanie Healy Aran knitwear designer