Let authentic experiences inspire your creative writing
Ireland Writing Retreat started eight years ago as a dream. Now it’s a beautiful reality. And "...one of the 10 best creative retreats in the UK and Europe," according to The Guardian newspaper.
Week-long, creative writing holidays with a difference – scenic walks, historic excursions, food and drinks tasting, fascinating author talks and daily practical writing and editing workshops.
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All in a land that time forgot, Donegal, probably the most scenic part of Ireland, snug along the famous 'Wild Atlantic Way.'
After nine years of hard-work, we have expanded our number, and reach, to four different week-long sessions, in Donegal, Ireland, in the picturesque Pyrenees Orientales in the south of France and in Paris, the City of Light, in France.
Before spending your hard-earned money to join us for one of these exciting weeks, why not take a few minutes to read about our philosophy to see if it matches yours and some testimonials from previous participants who have attended in different years.
“This week was rich with local stories, informative and inspiring workshops with authors, interesting visits to traditional local sites, gorgeous landscapes, sunsets, songs and music. The people of Donegal are wonderful hosts including Sean and Columbia who welcomed us and co-ordinated and tutored a fabulous programme of events. We were challenged to write every day and to discuss our writing with the other attendees. By the end of the week, we were sad to farewell the friends with whom we’d spent time and from whom we’d learned so much. Thank you, Sean and Columbia. It was all amazing.”
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Bridget Davidson, teacher, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Joining ‘Ireland Writing Retreat’ means you will leave enriched in the following ways:
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Confidence - You will be part of a trusting environment, with others supporting you to strengthen your confidence, vital for better writing.
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Creative process - You will receive close guidance in various stages of your creative process, from generating ideas, drafting a plan, first drafts, revision and editing, with constant feedback throughout the week.
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Craft - You will learn about strategies that will help you widen your imagination and senses, develop your observational skills and apply these techniques to perfect your writing skills.
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Cultural experience - You will visit islands, hundred-year old cottages, medieval towns and French markets. You will listen to stories and music by local people passionate about their heritage - Irish or Catalan - and taste the local foods and drinks. You will write in the same historical cafes where writers of the 'Lost generation' found their inspiration.
“I came to the 'Ireland Writing Retreat' for inspiration and to become immersed in Irish culture. The experience was more than I hoped for. I'm leaving with the start of three new stories set in Donegal and new friends from three continents. It has enriched my writing and my life.”
Laurie Wagner, Director of Development, Lighthouse Writers Workshop, Denver, Colorado
“I came to the retreat with few expectations, preferring a ‘wait and see’ approach. I could not have imagined anything more perfect. This experience has been warm, adventurous, engaging. I have gained a focus and a new writing community. I will use the tools learned and the immersion experiences as long as I am able.”
Linda Muller, Iowa City, USA.
Crime, mystery, women's fiction, magic realism, fantasy, travel, memoir, poetry and creative non-fiction, 'Ireland Writing Retreat' has attracted successful authors in these genres to teach those wishing to learn the challenging craft of good writing.
These award-winning authors accomplish their task not through general lectures on theories of writing and editing that can be easily read in one of the many garden variety ‘Guide-to-Writing’ books, but through practical, hands-on teaching techniques including individual critiques of participant's own work completed before and during our week-long writing retreats.
Not only, these authors also share specific details about their own professional experiences (including failures) in the tough world of publishing and book marketing. In so doing, they provide invaluable lessons on how participants can overcome many of the common difficulties they will probably face before succeeding in having their short stories, novels, poetry and memoirs see the light of day in print.