From photography and lampshade painting workshops to yoga and sleeping retreats, you’ll find your niche on this list …
Lisnavagh Estate, Co Carlow has a new Step into Spring programme of retreats and experiences created to inspire and re-energise. Emily Bunbury of Lisnavagh says, “There’s something for everyone from gardening to yoga, cooking and even a witchcraft retreat! We also offer a range of accommodation if people would like to stay over and enjoy the setting”. Upcoming is a Spring Equinox Yoga and Sleep Retreat from March 6-8, and Laura Lochab is leading The Gift of Silence from May 8-10. Guests can expect days that blend expert-led sessions with ample downtime: woodland walks, fireside rest, nourishing meals and the quiet luxury of Lisnavagh’s historic house. @lisnavagh
Students, creatives and soon-to-be graduates curious about starting a freelance career are invited to join an instructive session in Bewley’s Grafton Street Café in Dublin on March 7 (from 1-2pm), part of its ongoing Bewley’s Presents series. The event will feature talks by photographer Arann McCormack and artist Nicole Holbrook. “We hope it will foster an open discussion and equip attendees with the right tools before they enter into the freelance arena,” says Nicole. A follow-up event is Soft Resistance: a feminist zine-making workshop using collage, writing or drawings on March 8. Artist Lily Breslin will invite attendees to reflect on how visual culture shapes agency, safety and self-perception. @bewleysgraftonst
The multi-talented Sarah O’Dea is hosting a calligraphy workshop in Dublin’s National Print Museum on March 8 and a lampshade painting workshop in Eden Hall in Kilkenny on May 23. @sarahodea
Dublin’s Photo Museum has lots of interesting courses from half- to full-day sessions, a chance to hone skills on any sort of camera. On March 14, award-winning photographer Brendan Ó Sé leads a smartphone photography workshop. Through practical exercises, guided shooting and personalised feedback, participants will sharpen their visual awareness, refine composition and create standout images ready for sharing.
There’s also a Sustainable Photography Workshop – Lumen Printing with Plants led by artist Julie Corcoran, and a Cyanotype Workshop with artist Jane Cummins. While you’re there, check out the Museum’s new exhibition, Project Groundswell, which brings together work by twelve artists examining how environmental change is understood today. @photomuseumirl
The private island of Inish Beg, West Cork is the stunning setting for two artist-led experiences curated by Laura Rigney, designed to hone photography and painting skills. Ruth Medjber, who’s known for her portraiture and documentary work, will lead a photography retreat on March 27-29 where she’ll help participants discover their own visual voice with sessions covering the use of light, composition, portraiture and editing. @ruthlessimagery
A portraiture retreat with Dublin-based oil painter Bríd Higgins Ní Chinnéide takes place there from April 17-19. Working primarily from life, Bríd will guide beginners and more experienced artists through long-pose painting with careful attention to colour and form. Between art sessions, the island’s woodland trails and walled gardens provide plenty of inspiration and time for reflection. A further incentive to book – nutritious feasts will be provided by chef Ophelia Keane of Carpa Dining. Accommodation is in pretty self-catering cottages. @bridhc
I attended a half day wellness retreat at Cashel Palace recently which included a therapeutic Pilates session and workshop with Kaz Kearney, founder of Soak, whose holistic products from bath salts to body oils use Atlantic sea salt, organic seaweed and herbs. The perfect opportunity to enjoy mindful rituals in gorgeous surroundings. Cashel Palace is hosting a whole series of similar events this season, including with Heidi Higgins who’s leading a sewing retreat on April 2 – suitable for complete beginners or more experienced sewists. The retreat includes the use of sewing machines, all fabrics and equipment and a three-course lunch. @heidihiggins
Whether you’re new to painting with acrylics or you’re an experienced artist, you’ll find something to inspire you at Caroline Duffy’s Floral Art workshops from April to June. Held in her Dundalk home studio, Caroline will demonstrate how to use acrylic paint to create fabulous florals. Sessions are relaxing, mindful and fun – all materials are provided and everyone leaves with a painting. @carolineduffydesigns
Irish contemporary artist Monica Jones has just opened White Willow Studio, outside Baltimore, Co Cork. “The light here is unlike anywhere else,” she says. “It shifts constantly, illuminating the land in ways that feel almost spiritual. It’s that magic I try to capture in my paintings.”
Monica will be hosting small group workshops for beginners and more experienced painters in July and August that blend painting, journaling and sketching. Depending on the weather, sessions may begin outdoors with walking and observation, before returning to the studio for deeper exploration in oils and mixed media. “The focus is on process, not perfection. It’s about being present, tuning in to the landscape and your own intuition and rediscovering creative flow.” @monicajonesart
If your idea of a retreat is to hide beneath the covers and catch up on some shut eye, check out the Sleep Retreat at Lough Eske Castle, Co Donegal. This luxurious overnight escape has been created in collaboration with Ground Wellbeing and includes a Muscle Recovery Ritual in the hotel’s Cara Spa. In rooms, guests will find Ground‘s Night Body Balm and Sleep Spray to continue the sleep ritual throughout their stay and beyond. Guests also have access to the indoor swimming pool, gym and resort bicycles. @lougheskecastle
Finca Buenvino is an idyllic B&B in the Andalusian hills near Seville. It’s also the location for a workshop led by Joanna Bourke, a Dublin-based intuitive eating coach who works with clients on creating a nourishing relationship with food, without dieting. She’s partnering with journalist Elaine Kingett to host Write and Savour, a small group retreat which offers a chance to slow down and write about your life while enjoying home-cooked Spanish meals served with local wines. Joanna says, “It’ll be a week of hikes, swims in the pool, morning meditation, writing workshops, massage, siestas and beautiful meals. Elaine will support the writing practices, and I’ll be weaving in intuitive eating practices and tools through the week.” There’s still availability on the August retreat from August 29-September 5. @joanna_bourke_lawlor
