Where art, ancient myth, and the magic of Ireland meet.

I invite you to join me for an extraordinary eight-day creative journey through the sacred landscapes of Ireland, where ancient stones hold timeless stories, mist drifts across emerald hills, and Celtic myths still whisper on the wind.

Together, we'll follow the threads of Irish folklore, exploring mysterious passage tombs, sacred hills, and places long associated with the Fae and the Otherworld.

With sketchbooks in hand, we'll immerse ourselves in the beauty and mythology of this enchanting land, drawing inspiration from its landscapes, ancient traditions, and legendary tales.

Through travel sketching, expressive art journaling, and luminous encaustic collage, we'll transform our experiences into meaningful works of art that capture the colors, textures, and spirit of Ireland.

A beautiful opportunity to slow down, awaken your imagination, and rediscover the wonder of creating.

Your Time With Ivy

Our eight days together will unfold like a story, beginning in Dublin before traveling west into the heart of Ireland's ancient landscapes.

Along the way, we'll explore some of Ireland's most remarkable sacred sites, from Neolithic passage tombs older than the pyramids to legendary hills associated with the fairy folk.

We'll spend our days exploring, sketching, and absorbing the beauty and atmosphere of these extraordinary places. I'll guide you through approachable mixed media techniques, helping you capture the shifting light, organic shapes, ancient stones, and rich colors of the Irish countryside.

We'll also create pages in our art journals filled with sketches, handwritten reflections, watercolor studies, mythic symbols, and beautiful little fragments of our journey.

Back in our studio in Mulranny, we'll take this inspiration further, exploring the wonderful possibilities of encaustic collage. Using the luminous qualities of wax, layered imagery, and mixed media, we'll create evocative artworks inspired by the Celtic Otherworld, sacred landscapes, and the timeless relationship between nature and myth.

There will be plenty of opportunities for quiet reflection, creative experimentation, and sharing stories with fellow artists.

No matter where you are on your creative journey, my hope is that you will feel welcomed, supported, and inspired to explore your own unique way of seeing and creating.

By the end of our week, you'll have a collection of original art, a beautiful visual journal of your travels, and memories of Ireland that will stay with you long after we've said goodbye.

THE HILL OF THE FAIRIES

Known as the Hill of the Fairies, carries a long history of folklore and ancient ceremonial significance.

We'll walk to the summit and take time for reflection, surrounded by the expansive Irish countryside. A beautiful place to consider the myths of the Fae and the stories held within the landscape.

GODDESSES, QUEENS & THE OTHERWORLD

We'll journey to Rathcroghan, an ancient ceremonial landscape deeply connected to Irish mythology.

Associated with the legendary Queen Medb and stories of the Otherworld, Rathcroghan invites us into the powerful traditions of Celtic storytelling and the complex female figures who inhabit these myths.

ANCIENT WISDOM & SACRED TIME

We'll visit the remarkable Neolithic monuments of Newgrange and Knowth, where ancient communities created extraordinary stone structures aligned with the rhythms of the sun and seasons.

Here, we'll contemplate the mysteries of time, transformation, and renewal, surrounded by beautiful examples of prehistoric symbolic art.

STONES, STILLNESS & THE ANCIENT LAND

High in the Bricklieve Mountains, we'll explore the ancient stone cairns of Carrowkeel, a prehistoric landscape filled with beauty and mystery.

Our walk through this remarkable setting invites us to notice the relationship between the land, the passage of time, and the people who created these sacred monuments.

From our hosts - Lora & cHeryl

We invite you to imagine standing on the panoramic hillside of our studio, taking in the spectacular views of Clew bay and Croagh Patrick (Ireland’s holy mountain).

Open your heart to the profoundly moving drama of constantly shifting Atlantic skies, reflecting a ever changing light show on the bay. The wildness and drama of this spectacular area belie the peace and connection you will feel to Ireland and to this very special place.

Lay on a blanket in the heather and watch the stars emerge on a clear night or walk along the rocky shores, to gather shells, driftwood and memories. Find yourself letting go of the stress of everyday life, feel the mystery and beauty of this land, awakening your senses.

This unspoiled place provide a safe place of inspiration and experimentation to stretch your skills in whatever medium you are working on.

You are warmly invited to stay awhile.

At this retreat YOU WILL:

• Explore Ireland's ancient sacred sites, including Newgrange, Knowth, Carrowkeel, Knocknashee, and Rathcroghan.

• Discover the myths and traditions of the Celtic Otherworld, the Fae, and legendary figures from Irish folklore.

• Learn approachable mixed media travel sketching techniques.

• Create expressive art journal pages combining drawing, painting, collage, and personal reflections.

• Explore encaustic collage and mixed media techniques, working with luminous layers of wax and imagery.

• Gather inspiration from ancient carvings, sacred symbolism, natural textures, and the shifting colors of the countryside.

• Discover new ways to connect art with place, memory, mythology, and personal storytelling.

• Enjoy dedicated studio days to develop your own creative interpretations of the journey.

• Connect with a welcoming circle of fellow creatives who share your love of art, beauty, and discovery.

• Return home with original artwork, a cherished travel journal, and a renewed sense of creative inspiration.

Is This Journey for You?

This retreat is for the artist who feels a deep connection to nature, history, and the mystery of the creative process.

Perhaps you're fascinated by ancient cultures and the stories they leave behind. Perhaps you love the idea of wandering through beautiful landscapes with your sketchbook, capturing impressions rather than perfect likenesses.

Or perhaps you simply long for a week where you can step away from the familiar, immerse yourself in beauty, and spend your days making art alongside kindred spirits.

You don't need to be an experienced artist to join us. I'll guide you through the creative process with approachable techniques and plenty of encouragement.

All you need is curiosity, a willingness to explore, and a love of the unexpected.

This journey also includes walks and hikes through ancient landscapes, so a reasonable level of mobility and comfort on uneven terrain will be important.

Included in your retreat

• Workshop instruction

• Some supplies (we be specified closer to trip)

• 7 nights lodging

• Transportation from Dublin to the Mulranny Studio

• All meals except - 2 lunches & 1 dinner

• All tour & excursion fees

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED

• Travel costs / Airfare

• Passport fees, photos and processing where applicable

• Additional nights lodging