Itinerary

quilt cruises, quilt trips, quilt tours, quilt travel

Breakfast is included daily except on the day of arrival. Other meals as indicated by L (Lunch) and D (Dinner).

August 16, 2025 – OFF TO BELFAST!  We welcome travelers from all over the world, however, if departing from the USA, most flights are overnight and our  “Free to Fly” program allows you the freedom to depart from the city of your choice, using mileage plans or points if you prefer, and you do not have the hassle of having to meet up with a group at an appointed airport. You may leave from where you want and when you want.

August 17, 2025- Belfast ARRIVAL: After landing at the Belfast International Airport, you will make your way to the hotel, you are free to settle into your room. You may like to rest or explore some of the city on your own before we meet in the early evening.

Tonight, we will enjoy dinner in a lovely Irish pub. It is a wonderful way to begin our incredible Irish journey together.  Overnight Belfast.   D

August 18, 2025 – This morning, we will drive north to experience one of Ireland’s popular scenic routes along the coast road. Here you’ll see the “Nine Glens of Antrim” which offer wonderful views of mountains, valleys and coastline. We will stop to view the Giant’s Causeway, an impressive area of hexagonal columns formed over 60 million years ago by cooling lava and has given rise to many legends.    

As we return to the city we will have a driving tour and learn more history about the infamous ‘troubles’ and enjoy a local quilt shop.  Once we are back at our hotel the remainder of the day is free for us to explore the lively city. For those who wish to visit Titanic Belfast, we will arrange a drop off for you here before the remainder of the group returns to the hotel. Overnight Belfast   B

August 19, 2025 – Today, we’ve arranged a special visit at a living history museum, the focus here is on ways of life and traditions of the people of Northern Ireland.   As you enjoy the homes in the village, take note of the Irish quilts that may be on the beds and tables.  Additionally, as time allows we will have a curatorial visit to see some of the antique quilts in their collection.  We will take time for lunch here (on your own) as they serve lovely traditional Irish stews, soups and sweets. We will make our way back to the hotel via Belfast’s favorite quilt and fabric shop. The evening is free for sightseeing, shopping and independent dining.  Overnight Belfast  B 

August 20, 2025- Departing Belfast we will drive south then west across Ireland through the fertile midland region, dotted with farms and marketing towns, where we can see how many Irish people make a living from farming, which is of great importance to the Irish economy. In the early afternoon we be stopping at a wonderful quilt shop or two before arriving in Galway. We spend the night in Galway, be sure to ask at the hotel about walking directions to Galway’s lively Latin Quarter with a multitude of restaurants and shops (about a 15-20 minute  walk away ). Enjoy the balance of the day at your leisure.  Overnight Galway B

August 21, 2025 – A wonderful and active day is planned as we drive around the shores of Galway Bay and through the Burren Country, an unique region of limestone hills where many rare flowers thrive in the sheltered crevices.

We will stop at the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher, a wall of rock that plunges 700 feet to the churning Atlantic Ocean below. Later we will take a ferry to cross Ireland’s Shannon River, ending our day in the charming seaside town of Dingle where we will stay for the next four nights.  This evening will gather for dinner together at the hotel.  Overnight Dingle B, D

August 22, 2025 – After breakfast this morning we will embark on a driving tour of the town of Dingle. With a population of only 1200, Dingle serves a larger population of the surrounding countryside. Situated below Slievanea Mountain, the town faces comfortably onto a sheltered harbor. As a market town and fishing port, Dingle has long been famous for its pubs and many opportunities to enjoy traditional Irish shopping, food and entertainment.

As we travel on the beautiful and noteworthy Slea Head Drive we will discover the beauties of the Dingle Peninsula, made famous by David Lean’s movie, “Ryan’s Daughter.” This is one of the most beautiful areas in all Ireland and is packed with history from about 500 BC. Driving along the south shore of the peninsula we will enjoy vistas of heathery mountains, sandy stretches of beach and rocky headlands.  Along our way we will be able to look across the bay to the Blasket Islands and Dunmore Head. Not to be missed, we will stop and enjoy sheepdog trials, seeing how these intelligent dogs are trained to guard and protect the area’s sheep. Additionally we will have the opportunity to visit houses and remains from Ireland’s famine era.

After our sightseeing tour, we enjoy lunch at a wonderful (and our favorite) Irish Pub.  Overnight Dingle B, L

August 23, 2025 –  Following breakfast today we will enjoy one of Ireland’s most famous and scenic drives is along the Ring of Kerry.   Along our way we will take in some of the most beautiful views of Ireland as we travel on its circular route. We will enjoy beautiful beaches, villages, green pastures, and mountain ranges in County Kerry.  Overnight Dingle  B

August 24, 2025 – We’ve traveled a long way since our adventure began and today is a free day for us to relax, unwind a little and enjoy the beautiful Dingle Peninsula. From walking, to bicycling to fishing, there are many activities that await. For those that wish you may take an optional quilting class from 9-12 (see below) or enjoy our optional visit to Muckross Farm (also below). Overnight Dingle B

August 25, 2025 – We’re off to the Blarney Castle where you will have an opportunity to climb the battlements and kiss the famous “Stone of Eloquence”. The remainder of our day will be in the Blarney area so take the afternoon for a traditional pub lunch and shop in their famous Mill store or take a nice walk in the lovely gardens and parks nearby.  Overnight Blarney  B

August 26, 2025 – After leaving Blarney this morning, we will visit the House of Waterford Crystal to learn about their special glass blowing and cutting process and to see their one-of-a-kind masterpieces. Continuing north through the Irish countryside stopping at the fabulous historic  Avoca Weaving Mill for a mill tour before ending our day in Dublin.  Once we arrive at our city center hotel the remainder of the day is free.  Overnight Dublin B 

August 27, 2025 – Following breakfast we will enjoy a panoramic tour of the city where we will see the prominent historic buildings, monuments and beautiful vistas of the area. Dublin is an ancient settlement, founded by the Vikings in the 9th century. The city has been molded through the centuries with many architectural styles, reflecting the economic, political and artistic influences.  We will make a stop at a favorite fabric shop during this time. After our time here we will return to the hotel and  you are free to enjoy the city on your own, you may wish to make pre-booking arrangements (strongly suggested) to see the Book of Kells at Trinity College. Overnight Dublin B 

August 28, 2025 – Today you are free to enjoy the sights of Dublin as you wish.  B

August 29, 2025 –Following breakfast, we will depart Dublin and travel north along the coast to Drogheda. We will continue north, driving through the towns of Dundalk and Newry and past the scenic Mourne Mountains driving into Belfast which is situated on the deep inlet of Belfast Lough surrounded by hills.  Once in Belfast we will stop at one of the area’s most friendly and colorful quilt shops before checking into our hotel.   The remainder of the afternoon and evening are for your enjoyment of the area.  With several wonderful pubs just across from our hotel you will find a lovely and traditional spot for dinner.   Overnight Belfast.  B

 August 30, 2025 – Eat well this morning as today we will visit Irelands Quilt Fayre!  This is the largest quilting extravaganza on the Island!! We will enjoy a day long visit at the fayre, however for those who might wish to return to the hotel early, we will have a pick up time arranged.  This evening we will meet together for a Farewell Dinner. B

August 31, 2025 – All too soon, our Irish vacation has come to an end. Following  breakfast, you may arrange transportation to the airport with the hotel.   B 

Workshop with Sue Spargo –  August 31-September 2
Spend three additional days in Belfast enjoying the embroidery techniques teaching style of Sue Spargo.  Sue is preparing a custom project just for our retreat. I for one cannot wait for this special time learning from Sue.  Price includes workshop, accommodations, breakfast and lunch daily.  shared $1675,  private $2150 (minimum enrollment required).

Option –  A celtic theme quilt class

On the free day in Dingle, enjoy a Irish theme quilt project with one of Ireland’s most beloved quilting instructors. The class will be from 9am – 12 noon, allowing you plenty of time left in your day to enjoy Dingle’s charm in the afternoon.   Kit and instructor fee $110. (minimum enrollment required).

Option –  Muckross House and Garden with Traditional Farm Visit

**At the same time as the quilt class, please do not book both.

Additionally, we are offering a special tour for those who do not wish to participate in the quilting workshop.  

Our optional tour to Muckross House and Traditional Farm is planned at the same time as the quilt workshop so that friends and spouses who accompany you will also have an option on this day. 

In the midst of Killarney National Park (Ireland’s oldest National Park) sits Muckross House, a nineteenth century Victorian Mansion. The house stands close to the shores of Muckross Lake, one of Killarney’s three lakes, famed worldwide for their splendor and beauty. Your visit will include a tour of the home and entry to the beautiful gardens.   Additionally, you will have the opportunity to visit Muckross Traditional farm where you will step back into the past and visit a very different Ireland.   This was Ireland in the 1930s and 1940s,  when a trip to the well was still a daily chore and electricity had yet to be introduced to the countryside. Visit three separate working farms (small, medium and large), each complete with animals, poultry and machinery. The farm dwellings are furnished in traditional style, complete with dressers, settle-beds with quilts and meal bins. There is also a Laborer’s Cottage, a Carpenter’s Workshop and a Blacksmith’s Forge.  The craft shop is full of local weavings and crafts and should not be missed!

This is a full day excursion.

Cost $125


Things to know:

  • Prices are(s) in USD, land only, per person, based on double occupancy. Deb Roberts’ Tours is not responsible for omissions or typographical errors. Please refer to terms and conditions which apply when registration is received. This tour is limited to 25 guests, please do not delay your registration. 
  • It is to be noted that Sue Spargo will NOT BE TEACHING ON THE IRELAND TOUR but only at the optional workshop in Belfast.  Booking this tour indicates  your understanding of this.
  • The Sue Spargo workshop has a minimum enrollment requirement of 10 guests.  The workshop will be from 9AM until 4PM on August 31, September 1 and 2.
  • ***This tour was priced when the currency exchange GBP/USD was 1/1.25, the Euro 1/1.07.  I understand any change in the exchange rate, service charges, gasoline taxes or currency rate change, or other surcharges of more than one percent 1% of the advertised price of the tour may be reflected by an increase in the final payment up until the time of travel.
  • Registration for the tour package and/or workshop constitutes consent to all Legal policies and terms and conditions described on our Terms and Conditions pages. You are undertaking travel at your own risk.  Neither the Tour Operator, Tour Hosts, nor any mentioned or unmentioned subagents / affiliates shall be held responsible for any illness, death, personal injury, property damage or other loss a passenger incurs on any tour or after any tour arising from any reason including acts or omissions by any air carrier, public transport company, hotel, car rental company, subcontractor or other person or organization, whether or not such company is rendering any services supplied on the tour.
  • This tour is in Europe and the UK, Unlike the USA, air conditioning is not guaranteed in  hotels here. 
  • Additionally, Northern Ireland is in the UK, the Republic of Ireland is in Europe and there are two different currencies on this tour.
  • There is a good deal of walking during portions of this tour.  You and your health care provider are the best judge of your ability. If you are in question about your ability to fully participate on this tour, please check with your healthcare provider.  We cannot judge this for you. At the Cliffs of Moher there is walking, (some paved, some slightly rugged and slightly uphill) and the Giants Causeway some walking is involved but there is also a shuttle to assist you. You are always free to sit any activity out.  
  • All tickets and vouchers are issued and supplied subject to the foregoing and to any and all terms and conditions under which transportation and services are provided. The Tour Operator and Tour Hosts accepts no responsibility for losses or expenses due to delay or changes in schedules, flight cancellations or missed connections due to mechanical problems, sickness, quarantine, weather, acts of God, strikes, government actions, war, terrorism or other circumstances beyond its control. Passengers must bear all such losses or expenses.  
  • Insurance is not included but is a highly recommended option, please review coverage at the appropriate link on the tab to the left. Insurance rates are subject to change until the time of booking/final payment. Due to the insurance rules for New York, we are not able to offer insurance to residents of this state or to international guests. however it can be purchased online from any travel insurance provider.  Please see their rules regarding coverage.
  • The Tour Operator reserves the right to alter prices at any time prior to departure and without prior notice if circumstances so warrant. Any devaluation or revaluation of currencies may affect published prices.  This tour was quoted with the Dollar/Euro exchange rate at 1/1.07