2026 Writing Retreats Announced
- columbiahillen
- Aug 6
- 3 min read
'Early Bird' discount exclusive for Friends of Ireland Writing Retreat.
Booking airline tickets well in advance means saving a lot of hard-earned cash, so we’re releasing specific dates for our Spring, Summer and Autumn writing retreats next year so you can keep more money in your pocket.
And as an additional incentive, we’re offering a generous ‘Early Bird’ discount to those joining us in France or Ireland, exclusive to ‘Friends of Ireland Writing Retreat’ (it's free to join so sign up now and save even more on this special offer).
As we’re very proud of having attracted more than 500 alumni over the last eleven years to our week-long retreats uniquely combining writing workshops with exclusive music events and cultural excursions, please take a moment to enjoy the experiences of past participants from many different countries and walks of life, and hear their heartfelt views.
In this way, you’ll know. What we promise, we deliver.
And an 'Early Bird' discount exclusive for Friends of Ireland Writing Retreat.
Become a Friend of Ireland Writing Retreat to access our exclusive Early Bird Discount. HERE
Due to the bespoke nature of our retreats, we only accommodate 10 people in each so we urge you to book early and avoid disappointment. We think you deserve it. Don’t you? You’ve worked hard all your life. You’ve faced the difficult challenges Life tossed at you. You’ve survived, you’re stronger. Isn’t it well past time you basked in your resilience and courage?
Tempus neminem manet.
Please find our list of writing retreats for 2026 with details on each.
WHEN - March 23-29, 2026
WHERE - The majestic Pyrénées Orientales region of southwest France in the rich, rolling vineyard country of French Catalonia, an hour’s drive from the Spanish border. Accommodation in single, ensuite rooms with breakfast at the stunning century-old chateau Villa Lafabregue with clear views over Canigou, the soaring sacred mountain of the Catalan people.
WHAT - A blend of practical writing workshops on both fiction and non-fiction including character development, memoir and dialogue, with hands-on story critiques (including participants’ own works-in-progress), plus guided cultural excursions, exclusive evening dance and music performances (in traditional costumes) and local wine and food tastings.
See what participants enjoyed in our previous retreats in France:
NAME - Summer Writing Retreat Week
WHEN - June 29 - July 5, 2026
WHERE - Donegal, the most northerly region of Ireland, at a charming family-owned boutique hotel where all participants stay together. Only a few minutes walk from the sandy coves along the Atlantic Ocean. Called the ‘Forgotten Land,’ this part of Ireland is well-known for its traditional music, ancient sites, straw-thatched cottages, castles and, of course, faeries and intriguing legends from Celtic mythology.
WHAT - A week-long, creative writing holiday with a difference – scenic walks and bus tours, fascinating talks and daily writing workshops hosted by published authors from different countries amidst a gorgeous landscape of islands, inlets, mountains and meadows. Plus exclusive evenings of lively Irish folk music and dancing.
This article recalls what participants enjoyed in previous such retreats:
NAME - Autumn Writing Retreat
WHEN - September 14-20, 2026
WHERE - Donegal, the most northerly region of Ireland, at a charming family-owned boutique hotel where all participants stay together. Only a few minutes walk from the sandy coves along the Atlantic Ocean. Called the ‘Forgotten Land,’ this part of Ireland is well-known for its traditional music, ancient sites, straw-thatched cottages, castles and, of course, faeries and intriguing legends from Celtic mythology.
WHAT - A week-long, creative writing holiday with a difference – scenic walks, fascinating talks and daily practical writing and editing workshops – all in a land that time forgot, in probably the most beautiful part of Ireland of, an awe-inspiring landscape of islands, castles and thatched cottages. Plus lively, traditional Irish music performances; tuition in the Gaelic language and Irish ceildhe dancing lessons.
This article recalls what participants enjoyed in previous such retreats:
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