The Creative Writers' Workshop

The Creative Writer’s Workshop: Fiction Writing on Inis Mór, Aran Islands, Co. Galway, Ireland

with Author Irene Graham

Kilmurvey House, near Dun Aengus, Inis Mór Island, Aran Islands, Co. Galway

5 Day Creative Writing Course and Retreat - writing fiction and walking ancient sites in the historical landscape of Inis Mór Island, the largest of the Aran Islands, off the West Coast of Galway.

This writing retreat is for the creative traveler and writer who want to discover and develop their writing skills as they source inner creativity and imagination through the medium of creative writing in this mythical landscape. The workshop is open to writers at any stage of the writing process.

Writers create and develop a short story throughout the workshop.  Workshop participants are welcome to develop a concept they have previously worked on, or use the workshop to access new writing concepts.

The Creative Writer’s Workshop guides you through simple and fun right-brain/left-brain writing exercises which draw upon your imagination as you learn how to create story and express your creativity through writing creative fiction.  The workshop focuses upon Characterisation, POV (Point of View), Theme, Plot, Setting and Structure.

You will understand how characters are created, how to develop them and learn techniques to imaginatively incorporate them into the structure of story. You will also learn the importance of Theme within story and how to integrate this aspect into premise for story development.
The creative writing course and workshop is a proven success with international writers and will inspire you to think like a writer as you develop your abilities to write creatively.
You will be enthralled by daily walks to mythical sites and be touched by the raw beauty of this ancient landscape.

You will also delight in a pony trap ride across the island and mix with locals and musicians as you enjoy island life and entertainment at its best. 

Kilmurvey House, an 18th century stone built Guest House, is situated within the grounds of the ancient Fort of Dun Aengus, a few minutes walking distance from sandy Kilmurvey beach. Offering peace and tranquility, Kilmurvey House provides excellent food, character and luxury in old world charm – a haven for any writer.

This is a rare opportunity to source inspiration, write creative fiction, eat great food, walk magnificent terrain, sleep well and enjoy island life – in great company!

Be inspired…write your story!

Workshop includes:

• Creative Writing Course with Irene Graham
• Single Room en Suite for each participant
• Island Transport
• Pony Trap Ride
• 3 x Lunches
• 3 x Dinners
• Writing Journal

Limited to 15 Participants
Cost: €995 euros including Single Room
Note: Participant Partners are welcome to share this island experience – without partaking in the Writing Workshop.
ie: Accommodation (sharing room with partner)
:Meals as outlined
:Transport / Pony Trap Ride
At a rate of €495 euro extra for 2nd person

Click here to Apply
Full details supplied upon Registration

Workshop Code: W143

The Mythical Island Workshop: Writing & Yoga Retreat to include Fictional Memoir Writing, Myth, Yoga & Music

with Irene Graham & Jack Harrison

Clare Island, Co. Mayo, Ireland & Inis Mór Island, Co. Galway, Ireland

8 day Writing, Myth, Yoga and Music Retreat set on two ancient islands off the West Coast of Ireland.

This mythical adventure is for the Writer/Explorer that wants to discover and develop their inherent creativity through creative writing, myth, movement and music as they explore personal life experiences and learn how to translate those experiences into writing Fictional Memoir stories.

Throughout the workshop participants explore various aspects of myth – through folklore, ancient traditions and the principle of how myth plays a significant part in our personal life stories.

Participants learn to identify with their personal myth and how to weave and integrate this facet of their lives into a premise for story development.

The Journey
You will be enthralled by guided walks to ancient sites on both islands.

The workshop includes a mix of simple yoga postures and music to focus the mind and breath.

Using mythological stories from the Irish and Indian traditions you connect to your essential self as these ancient stories, chants and melodies help to open your heart and mind to its full potential.

The writing element of the workshop shows you how to tap into your well of memory to evoke life experiences and how to translate and write these experiences as Fictional Memoir stories.

Using right-brain/left-brain learning techniques and writing exercises the workshop focuses on Character Development, Setting, Theme, Plot and Structure. Throughout the writing course you will develop and strengthen your authentic writing voice as you write a Short Fictional Memoir.

Set on Clare Island of the west Mayo Coast and Inis Mór, the larger of the Aran island in County Galway, your inner journey will evoke your spirit as you are guided through an unforgettable experience of ancient sites, myths of the landscape, Yoga, Irish music, singing, folklore and creative writing.

Be inspired…write your story!

Workshop includes:

• Creative Writing Course with Irene Graham
• Yoga Workshops with Jack Harrison
• Island Walks with Jack Harrison plus surprise guests!
• Music sessions with Jack Harrison
• Shared or Single Room Accommodation (supplement applies for Single Room)
• 4 x Lunches
• 6 x Dinners
• Writing Journal

Limited to 18 Participants
Cost: €2,395 Shared Accommodation
€225 Single Room Supplement

Accommodation & Transport Details: Refer to
full programme details

Click here for Full Programme Details
Click here to Apply

Workshop Code: M131

The Creative Writer's Workshop: Memories into Memoir Writing Course & Retreat in Markree Castle, Co. Sligo, Ireland

Based upon The Memoir Writing Workbook with Author Irene Graham

Markree Castle, Collooney, Co. Sligo

4 day Memoir Writing Course and Retreat in a 14th Century Castle set in the heart of W.B. Yeats countryside amidst 500 acres of secluded woodlands and gardens.  Lovingly restored by its owners Markree Castle is the perfect writer’s haven offering peace, relaxation and good food.

This four day writing retreat is for writer that wants to tap into life experiences and ancestral history to write memoir, or to use those experiences to translate into fiction.  The workshop is based on Irene’s workbook – The Memoir Writing Workbook, which is used as support material throughout the workshop. The workshop is open to writers at any stage of the writing process.

Writers create and develop a short memoir throughout the workshop. Workshop participants are welcome to develop a memoir they have previously worked on.

Using right-brain/left-brain writing exercises you will develop and integrate significant life memories and family history with narrative as you weave the elements of memoir writing within a creative structure.

It will be a time to discover and enhance your unique writing voice as you define your experiences and learn to write from the heart of personal understanding.  You will explore theme and subject and its associated meaning as you learn how to focus your memoir.  You will discover how to use and incorporate your retrospective voice into your writing and how to engage with truth in the writing of creative non-fiction.

You will be invigorated as you relax, walk and write in
this haven of old world charm…in great company!

Workshop includes:
*Writing Workshop with Irene Graham
*Copy of The Memoir Writing Workbook
*Single Room en Suite for each participant
*3 x Lunches
*2 x Dinners
*Writing Journal
Workbooks will be distributed at start of workshop.

Limited to 15 Participants
Cost: €805 + Workbook €40
Total: €845 euro including Single Room
Note: Participant Partners are welcome to share the Markree Castle experience – without partaking in the Writing Workshop.
ie: Accommodation (sharing room with partner)
:Meals as outlined
At a rate of €295 euro extra for 2nd person

Click here to Apply
Full details supplied upon Registration

Workshop Code: W144