A Journey into Wonder, Deep Seeing, and the Soul of the Irish Landscape
On the wild edge of Ireland, where sea, sky, and ancient land meet in quiet conversation, lies a stone labyrinth overlooking Clew Bay. Here, walking becomes a form of prayer, and photography becomes a way of listening. This retreat invites you into a creative pilgrimage where each step and each image becomes an opening into deeper presence, wonder, and soul.
Imagine…
Slowing down into the rhythm of the tides.
Letting the Irish landscape stir your senses.
Walking the labyrinth with a question, an intention, or a longing.
And allowing your camera to reveal what your heart is already noticing.
Photography, like the labyrinth, is a contemplative pathway. One offers a physical journey into the center; the other offers a visual journey into the essence of what calls to you. Together, they awaken a way of seeing that is spacious, intuitive, symbolic, and deeply personal.
During our time together, you will explore:
Labyrinth Walking as a Creative Practice — Learn to use the labyrinth as a threshold for seeing—an invitation to shift from ordinary awareness into a more receptive, imaginal state. Each walk becomes an opening into symbols, metaphors, and the quiet wisdom rising from within.
Practices for Mindful Seeing — Develop the ability to create images that reflect what you feel rather than only what you see. Through guided exercises, you’ll learn to bring presence, emotion, and curiosity into every image.
Close-Up & Intuitive Photography — Discover the magic of photographing small details—textures, patterns, light, shadow, and the simple wonders of the Irish landscape—that invite you into a world of wonder and subtle beauty.
Reflective Focus Practices — Strengthen your image-making skills through gentle practices that attune your eye to metaphor, symbolism, and intuitive composition. These sessions help you cultivate what Catherine calls “seeing through quiet eyes.”
Creative Image Transformation — Explore easy-to-use photo apps on your iPhone, iPad, or Android device that allow you to enhance and transform your photographs into expressive works of art.
Studio Sessions & Creative Bookmaking — During studio time, you’ll curate and refine your favorite images. You’ll also learn two beautiful handmade book forms—each designed to hold your photographs as reminders of your journey. All supplies are included.
Your Pilgrimage Journal — Each participant will receive a unique, custom-made pilgrimage journal designed by Catherine for this retreat, filled with contemplative photography prompts, labyrinth reflections, and creative practices.
Why Ireland? Why the Labyrinth?
Ireland is a land where the veil is thin—where the ancient stones, the soft rain, and the green heart of the landscape seem to whisper stories. The labyrinth at Essence of Mulranny, made of local stone and overlooking the water, becomes a powerful companion for your creative process.
Walking the labyrinth helps you shift from striving to receiving. Photography helps you translate that inner shift into visual language. Together, they offer a way of seeing the world—and your life—with renewed clarity, reverence, and imagination.
Who is this retreat for?
This retreat welcomes all creative spirits—whether you use an iPhone, a DSLR, or anything in between. No technical expertise is required. We will focus on photography as a meditative, soulful, creative practice rather than on settings or gear.
About Catherine
Catherine Anderson is the author of The Creative Photographer, winner of a Silver Nautilus Book Award, and is currently writing The Contemplative Photographer.
She is known for weaving photography, labyrinth practice, creativity, and soulful reflection into experiences that help people reclaim wonder and see the world with renewed presence. Catherine has taught labyrinth and photography workshops worldwide, including “Walking the World in Wonder” at Ghost Ranch.
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 the constantly shifting Atlantic skies, reflecting an ever-changing light show on the bay. The wildness and grandeur of this spectacular area belie the peace and connection you will feel to Ireland and to this very special place.
Lie 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. Feel yourself letting go of the stress of everyday life as the mystery and beauty of this land awaken your senses.
This unspoiled landscape provides a haven of inspiration and experimentation, a place to stretch your skills in whatever medium you are working with, all within an amazing, state of the art studio.
Join us in Mulranny, Ireland.
Set in the heart of the Wild Atlantic Way, Essence of Mulranny Studios provides a sanctuary for creativity—where the rugged beauty of Ireland’s west coast becomes both backdrop and inspiration. Surrounded by stone walls, sea air, and the deep-rooted myths of the land, you’ll find the perfect setting to truly immerse yourself in your work and your growth.
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 Catherine 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 will collect you all at Westport Train station at 4pm and whisk you away to Mulranny, about 30 mins drive. After a champagne reception, we will gather for dinner and sharing and get you settled in to your rooms at EOM or DeBrun house.
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The MAC studio will be open from 9am to 8pm and is a short walk from the residence areas Class will be from 9:30am to 4pm.
We will serve lunch at 1pm each studio day at the MAC.
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This day is an all day trip to Achill Island. Lunch will be at a lovely little restaurant (your expense)
Dinner will be served back at EOM.
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Class will be from 9:30am to 4pm.and dinner will be at a lovely little pub in the Village (included)
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We often have a special entertainment on this evening but it depends on availability. We will let you know.
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1⁄2 Studio day and a trip to local attractions including Westport and the Old Irish Goat center. Dinner will be at the Famous Nevins restaurant (your expense).
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1/2 Studio day and finishing up work. Delicious dinner with wine and sharing.
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The bus will take you to Westport train station for a 9:45 departure to Dublin or the Galway bus.
Your home for the week.
This beautiful learning center is complete with well equipped mixed media/encaustic art studio, private bedrooms, a cozy gathering room with fireplace and group kitchen for those midnight snacks!
All meals will be included and prepared by an on-site private chef and will focus on delicious, healthy cuisine. For larger groups we house students in the village, in apartments with spectacular views.
May 4th - 11th, 2027
The Luminous Path in Ireland:
Photography, Presence and the Labyrinth
US $4,295 for a private bedroom & bathroom
US $3,995 for a private bedroom/shared bathroom
Included in your retreat:
Workshop instruction
Some supplies (will be specified closer to trip)
7 nights lodging
Transportation from Westport to the Studio (it is recommended to fly into Dublin airport and get a train to Westport where we will meet you to take you to Mulranny).
All meals except - 1 lunches & 1 dinner
All tour & excursion fees
New friends and an 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.
$500.00