Yarn Shops (or anything craft related really!) in Ireland?

[Laurac]

Hi,

I'm going to be hitting the road next month and visiting Belfast, Limerick and Dublin.

Anyone know of any good yarn shops I could visit? Although knitting is my main hobby, I love pretty much anything crafty!

Thanks

 

[bonzo]

Gah!! I can't believe I just saw this, hope it's not too late! I live in Dublin, and can recommend the Blarney Woollen Mills shop which is just at the Ha'Penny Bridge right in the city centre. It's small, but has some nice stuff. There's a chain of fabric and wool stores called Hickeys, you'll find them on Henry Street or in the St Stephens Green shopping centre. Also there's a nice fabric store right near the Market Arcade...can't remember the name but it's right near a bead store called Crown Jewels and a vintage store called Harlequin.

Anyway, they're all in the city centre so if you're out and about you'll be able to find them easily enough. Hope it's not waaay too late! 

[Laurac]

Thanks!

I was there on Saturday night at the Temple Bar Music Centre, but it turned out that I barely had time to eat let alone shop!

Had a great time though. Dublin is ace!

[kmsmaverick]

bonzo, your post isn't too late for my trip! i'm just off now to look at a map to find these places! yay!

[j0j0]

Hi,

if you are in Belfast try Craftworld on Queen street for general crafty stuff, Simpsons (behind marks and Spencers) for knitting stuff, Abacus Beads on Castle Street for, uh, beads and the Spinning Wheel (along the left hand side of the City Hall as you are facing it) for fabrics.  Although I'm sure the shops in Dublin are better, these could be worth a look if you are up this way anyway!

[rhythmgrl]

The shops that you all mentioned, do they carry Irish yarns or are they more commercial - stuff I can find anywhere?  I'm arriving in Dublin on 30th of May, will be in Belfast for just a day and back to Dublin for another four days.

Thanks!
Also, can anyone recommend some non-touristy places to hit for a good time?  Traditional music, pubs, etc that aren't corny?

[kmsmaverick]

i was just there a week or so ago! (also it's worth noting that I can be folded up flat and fit in your suitcase) there is very little yarn available in ireland actually spun from the sheep of ireland. it's  too rough for sweaters and garments. the bulk of that yarn is sent to those countries that make carpets and such.

most spinners, knitters and weavers use fiber that is imported, from south america or austrailia, occasionally japan. in dublin check out this is knit and springwools. i had great luck at this is knit, alas, i never got a chance to find springwools.