Let's gather at the edge of the world, on the dramatic western coast of Ireland, where land and sea, summit and stone meet to inspire this unique silversmithing creative retreat.
Many of us are collectors, gatherers of things that capture our attention. Found on the ground, on a walk, during travels, on a beach — we can't help but stop, tilt our head inquisitively, and pick up broken bits of glass, an interesting twig, shells, and of course, stones. I recently made a necklace out of things I discovered during a trip to Morocco: small fossils, beach stone, worn glass found in a dry riverbed. Gathered together and grasped with silver, the necklace became a talisman of the experience, a memory worn on the body.
For this adventure, I'm inviting you to bring a small variety of things you have gathered along your journeys.
Perhaps we'll even find a treasure or two in our Irish surroundings. Your gathered objects will set the agenda. Maybe you'll have several items you wish to put together, or one grand showpiece that tells a whole story. We'll explore a variety of ways to connect, hold, and complement these pieces — prong settings, fused elements, hinges, hollow forms — letting the technique serve the story you wish to tell.
What to Expect:
so yes, there will be storytelling.
there will be connections.
there will be walks along the wild Atlantic.
there will be pubs and pirate queens (yep… pirate queens!)
there will be time to experience.
there will be room to breathe.
Come gather with me for 8 days of adventure, including a 4 day immersive workshop, in the wild Irish lands… let’s gather, together.
About Ace Mccasland / Studio Luna Verde
Hello, my name is Ace, and I love to play with fire. I design wildly eclectic, organic jewelry to celebrate your restless and adventurous spirit.
Raised as a wild child on a Midwestern farm, I found an opportunity to load my car with a tent, a Nikon, and a change of clothes and hit the road. For the first time, I experienced mountains, canyons, deserts, and oceans, vast landscapes that spoke to my soul. I groomed race horses. I slept under vast starlit skies. I guided adventure tours across the United States, Mexico, and Central America for Green Tortoise Travel in vintage 1956 buses. I failed miserably at surfing in Baja California and ate too many mangoes. And yes, somewhere along the way, I ran away and joined the circus.
It wasn't until my early forties that I picked up a torch, melted the heck out of some metal, played with bits of silver and stone, and found a new passion. My work not only implies adventure — it is adventure. It's about grit and rust and edginess and embracing the art of imperfection. It is about not only discovering yourself, but becoming yourself.
Today I create in Colorado from the studio I built with my own hands (my largest sculpture yet), and guide art retreats for adventurous souls across the country — and soon, around the world. Opening up your heart and creating imperfect things with your hands is truly its own kind of journey. I invite you to join me on this exquisite and raggedy adventure of metal and stone.
Reviews
From all of us here at EOM
You are warmly invited to stay a while.
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 an 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, in an amazing state of the art studio..
Join us in Mulranny, Ireland.
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. While you're here, take some time to explore the charming village of Westport, where you can shop at the quaint stores and perhaps stop by 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
Make sure to pack your camera and sketchbooks because you're about to embark on a journey that will capture your heart and fill your mind with boundless inspiration. Prepare to be swept away by the sights, sounds, and stories that make this place truly magical.
Your Time with Ace at EOM
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, at the gorgeous Essence of Mulranny Retreat center, operated by yours truly. We will be visiting enchanting villages, strolling along the beautiful coastline, touring ancient castles and ruins, picnicking in the heather fields and creating all along the way! The creative inspiration will be all around you!
Your general itinerary for your time in this magical place.
There may be a few changes here and there, depending on weather usually but we will let you know.
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We’ll collect you from Westport Train Station at 4:00 pm and whisk you away to Mulranny, a beautiful drive of approximately 30 minutes. Once you arrive, we’ll welcome you with a champagne reception, followed by dinner and a chance to relax, get to know one another, and settle into your rooms at Essence of Mulranny or Heather Rise.
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The MAC Silversmithing Studio will be open each day from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm and is just a short walk from the accommodation areas, giving you plenty of time to continue working outside of class hours if you wish.
Class will run from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm, with lunch served at the MAC at 1:00 pm on each studio day.
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This day will be a full-day excursion to beautiful Achill Island, with plenty of time to explore and enjoy the spectacular scenery.
We’ll stop for lunch at the charming Beehive Craft & Coffee Shop (at your own expense), before continuing our adventures on the island. In the evening, we’ll return to Mulranny, where dinner will be served at Essence of Mulranny.
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Class will run from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm. Lunch served at the MAC at 1pm. Dinner at 6pm. Evening is open time for exploration, socialising etc.
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We often arrange a special evening of entertainment on this night, subject to availability. We’ll share the details with you closer to the time.
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We’ll enjoy a half-day in the studio, followed by an afternoon exploring some of our wonderful local attractions, including a visit to the Old Irish Goat Centre and time in historic Westport, a beautiful heritage town known for its colourful streets, Georgian architecture, shops, cafés and lively atmosphere.
In the evening, we’ll return to Mulranny and gather for dinner at Doherty’s Pub (at your own expense), a lovely way to finish the day together.
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We’ll enjoy a half-day in the studio, giving everyone plenty of time to finish up their work and add those final touches.
In the evening, we’ll come together for a delicious farewell dinner with wine, sharing stories, celebrating the week, and enjoying one last evening together in Mulranny.
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Our bus will take you to Westport Train Station in time for the 9:45 am departure to Dublin, or to connect with the bus to Galway, depending on your onward travel plans.
Your home for the week.
This beautiful creative learning centre is home to a fully equipped mixed-media and encaustic art studio, as well as a dedicated jewellery and silversmithing studio, giving artists access to wonderful spaces designed specifically for making and learning.
Our accommodation includes comfortable private bedrooms, a cosy gathering room with a fireplace, and a shared kitchen for tea, coffee and those all-important midnight snacks!
Meals are prepared for you and focus on fresh, delicious and healthy cuisine, giving everyone the chance to relax and enjoy being looked after throughout the retreat.
For larger groups, we also use carefully selected accommodation in the village, including lovely apartments and houses, many with spectacular views over Clew Bay and the surrounding landscape.
June 7th - 14th, 2027
Gather : Exploring Silver, Sea, and Stone
with Ace McCasland
US $4,895 for a private bedroom & bathroom
US $4,295 for a shared bedroom/shared bathroom
Included in your retreat:
Expert workshop instruction throughout your retreat
7 nights’ accommodation
Transportation from Westport to Mulranny on the designated arrival day. We recommend flying into Dublin Airport and taking the train from Dublin to Westport, where we’ll meet you and whisk you away to Mulranny.
All meals, with the exception of one lunch and one dinner, giving you an opportunity to enjoy some of our favourite local cafés and pubs
All scheduled tours, excursions and entrance fees
Transportation for all included excursions and activities
And perhaps best of all, new friendships, shared experiences and a wonderful new art tribe!
Not Included:
Travel costs / Airfare
Passport fees, photos and processing where applicable
Additional nights lodging
Ready to reserve your spot?
A US $500 deposit will secure your place.
It is advisable to have insurance to cover your travel to Ireland and to cover your workshop fees for your possible cancellation in the event of illness. There are no exceptions for this policy. Read the cancellation policy here.
Ace McCasland
$500.00
Nonrefundable deposit of $500. Read the cancellation policy here.
Complete information about the workshop and prices can be found here.