Let’s take a journey to a magical land…

Hello creative friends! I’m so excited to invite you to join me for an incredible adventure to the west coast of Ireland. Journey to the Emerald Isle, where magic, mystery and myth enchant the land!

This 8 day/7 night all-inclusive creative wellness journey will be hosted by The Essence of Mulranny Studio, run and operated by artists, Lora Murphy & Cheryl Cobern Browne and located in the quaint coastal village of Mulranny! A place full of rugged beauty, fascinating history and endless inspiration!

Come create with us in Ireland!

Explore The History

Dream about the history of past times, evident in every field with old stone walls, every stoic castle and each abandoned cottage.

Local Villages

Meet the local people, warm, friendly and always happy to chat and share a story or a cup of tea. Shop in our local village of Westport and pop into a local pub or two!

Connect with Nature

Finding something to inspire you is not hard with the richness of the various eco systems surrounding Mulranny - from marine to mountain landscapes, with grasslands, bog and heather hills - this enchanted land casts a spell on any artist.

Enriching Excursions

Visit historic sites, Learn about the infamous Irish Pirate Queen and visit one of her many castles. Hear the story of our Stone Age ancestors and experience the myths and magic of Irelands spiritual roots while standing in one of the ancient stone circles. This is indeed a land of legends!

Find Your inspiration

Bring your camera , your sketchbooks and prepare to lose your heart in it all, your mind full of inspiration.

Connect with Self

This magical location invites us to slow down and go within. This journey will offer opportunities to deeply connect with your inner creative energy.

Your Time With Ivy

Your 8 days will be a beautiful blend of studio time, delightful excursions, cultural experiences and of course, plenty of free time to rest and explore! You can arrive, unpack your suitcase (and your art supplies) and truly relax, since the entire group will make it’s home at the gorgeous Essence of Mulanny compound, run and operated by artist, Lora Murphy.

Your week will include watercolor studies of the surrounding landscapes, where we’ll slow down and connect with the natural rhythms of the land. We’ll spend time sketching and creating our own field journal pages, inspired by the delicate flora and curious fauna that make this region so magical. We’ll head into the vibrant town of Westport for an afternoon of urban sketching, capturing its colorful charm and lively streets in our travel journals.

In the studio, I’ll guide you through creating a PanPastel portrait, and no previous portrait experience is necessary—we’ll use an easy transfer method for the face so you can focus on layering soft color and expression. We’ll also dive into a storytelling mixed media collage, drawing from the local myths, folklore, and magic of Ireland to build personal, meaningful works of art.

You’ll leave Ireland with a renewed creative spirit, artwork filled with heart and place, and a deeper connection to your inner artist—plus a sketchbook full of memories you’ll treasure forever.

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:

• Learn how to do some approachable and playful urban sketching using ink pen and watercolor

• Learn how to create soothing watercolor studies and swatches inspired by the landscapes around you

• Learn how to create beautiful field journal pages documenting the local flora and fauna

• Learn how to create a PanPastel Portrait (no drawing experience needed!)

• Create gorgeous layered storytelling mixed media collage

• Heighten your sense of observation, sense of color, form and aesthetics

• Learn tips on how to sketch and paint on location

• Fill your art journal with memorable pieces from our trip

• Experience the beauty and culture of this magical land

• Visit many historical sites and locations

• Shop at quaint Irish villages

• Enjoy healthy, nourishing chef-prepared meals

• Meet and connect with artists from around the world

• and so MUCH MORE….

Included in your retreat

• Workshop instruction

• Some supplies (we be specified closer to trip)

• 7 nights lodging

• Transportation from Westport to the Studio (it is recommended to fly into Dublin airport and get the train to Westport. )

• 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