Alice to hold writing retreat in Castlebar

Award-winning Mayo writer Alice Kinsella will host a unique writing retreat in Castlebar next month.

The inaugural All-Weather Words Writing Retreat will take from May 23 to 25 led by renowned writer and poet Alice Kinsella and will be based at Lough Lannagh Holiday Village.

Alice co-authored ‘Wake of the Whale’ in 2024 which was a Sunday Independent Book of the Year and recipient of a Mayo County Council Cathaoirleach’s Award.

Alongside writing, she has been a creative writing teacher, editor, and mentor for over a decade.

She has always thought of Castlebar as an ideal location for a writing retreat and is relishing the prospect of hosting her inaugural writing retreat.

“I’ve been walking through the village at Lough Lannagh for 20 odd years now, and at least ten of those thinking ‘that would be a great place for a writers retreat’.

“I’m hoping to host a place for people from anywhere in the country (or world, Knock isn’t too far!) to come, take time out from their normal lives, and give their attention to their creativity. 

"A wonderful thing about a retreat is not having to think about all the usual jobs that take up our days. Retreat goers will have their desks to write, other creatives to meet and chat with, and if they want to take a swim in the leisure centre or visit an exhibition, that’s all on their doorstep,” she said.

The retreat is designed to give participants time and space to read, relax, meet like-minded peers, spend time in nature, and write.

There is an introductory offer of €265 for the first retreat. This includes accommodation (a private bedroom in a shared cottage), breakfast and creative writing workshops. Spaces are extremely limited. For more see: https://www.thelinenhall.com/whats-on/workshops/all-weather-words-writing-retreat.