Crochet in Ireland at the Blarney Castle
By Rachel Choi – 8 CommentsYou may have noticed the blog was quiet the past week. That’s because I was in Ireland taking in the sights and scenery. The family trip was fantastic as the locals were all so friendly and we got to see lots of tourist attractions, small cities, and even the beautiful national parks and scenery. One place that really stood out on my week’s adventure was my visit to the Blarney Castle. Not necessarily because of the historical significance, but because of the crochet and knit art that was there!
I’ve witnessed lots of crochet art via the web, but honestly never in person until the day I visited the Blarney Castle. The trees lining the walkway to the castle were all covered in crochet and knit.
Trees along walkway covered in crochet and knit.
Here’s my favorite free that’s covered in a bunch of crocheted motifs!
Not only were the trees a surprise to witness, there was also a window on the castle that had granny squares covering it.
Castle window covered in granny squares.
Here’s the side of the castle for size perspective.
While there are lots of folks who may claim that it is a waste of yarn or time to crochet these decorations, I really enjoyed seeing them in person and it brightened my day. It reminded me that crochet is a worldwide hobby. While sitting at home or traveling for vacation, crochet is loved everywhere!
Although these sheep weren’t at the Blarney Castle, I can’t write a post about Ireland without a picture of cute sheep.
Wow! I was in Ireland last week and it was the first time we didn’t go to Blarney, noooo. Looksbeautiful.
We were probably in Ireland at the same time! I hope you had a wonderful trip 🙂
When we went to Blarney Castle in early June, the window was the only thing that was crocheted at the time. I’m so thrilled to see the trees all decorated, and it looks like the window was redone as the colors are brighter and so beautiful.
Glad you had a good time.
Thanks Karla! I hope you had a great time too! It’s so much fun spotting crochet while traveling, especially in the least expected places.
Ugh, I hate yarn bombing, especially of nature. In my opinion, nature and historical places do not need improvement with yarn. I am a history buff and if I traveled all the way to Ireland to see a place like Blarney Castle, I don’t want to see granny squares and yarn all over it. I think it is so tacky and disrespectful to cover beautiful and meaningful things with crochet and knitting. It is so ugly. I might love crochet, but like anything else, it has its place, not plastered all over everything. The sooner this yarn bombing fad is over, the better. I love the sheep, though, and I’m glad you enjoyed your trip.
I think yarn bombing is nice when it covers ugly things like sign posts etc. But I agree that it should not be done on trees. Humans can make fabulous art, but there is nothing better than the wonders that Mother Nature gives us.
Thanks for sharing this! How beautiful. The crochet granny scares look like stained glass windows to me. I wish I could figure out how to do this on my porch in the back of the house — maybe put up a lattice and then nail or staple the squares inside the lattice. I might have to use plastic thread or fishing line so that it won’t mildew. It will serve the very fine purpose of providing shade in the summertime as well as displaying my beautiful crochet art. I always enjoy more beauty and positive energy in my life to comfort me and my family. I appreciate your sharing this beauty with us.
Last year I took a crochet tour of Ireland where not only did we see a lot of wonderful sites but had classes in how to do Celtic Knots from the wonderful Jennifer Ryan. Sadly I was unable to visit the Castle when our group was there because it was rainy and foggy so our tour guide deemed it best for me to stay on the bus since I have some difficulty walking so I didn’t get to kiss the Blarney Stone–told it wasn’t necessary for me to do so!!
Sadly I agree with Twinkie Lover. I am not a fan of yarn bombing because that yarn could be put to so much better use. I do greatly admire the beauty, workmanship and artistry of the pieces but again, how many hats, blankets, gloves, mittens and afghans for charity could be made from the yarn?