Join us on this immersive summer art retreat, spend a week in the unique surroundings of Ireland’s West coast.
Come along as we explore Mulranny’s salt marshes, observe the unique beauty of the bog lands, the wild Atlantic shoreline and the ever changing skies. Our discoveries will be the source for semi-abstract mixed media artworks to be created during the retreat.
Daily Art Making
The Land, Sea & Sky art program has been built around the rugged landscapes of county Mayo and the Atlantic coastline. During the retreat we will go on day trips to various scenic spots to spend time drawing and painting in sketchbooks on location. We’ll then use these drawings as source for expressive, semi-abstract paintings.
Experimentation is encouraged - in fact, it’s at the heart of the art program. You’ll be guided to incorporate mark making and a variety of techniques in combinations of water-based materials.
On this retreat there will be space to dive deep into colour mixing, explore texture and embrace different processes and ideas to enable a more intuitive way of making art that capture the atmosphere and essence of Ireland’s West coast.
There will be live demonstrations and ample studio time so you can explore new ideas for compositions and execution. From playful sketchbook studies to brief collage making sessions and experimenting with mixed media including paint mediums, you will build a body of work that will bring new energy to your creative practice, regardless of previous experience. A selection of supplies will be included on the program.
Be a Part of Something Wonderful
This art retreat has been developed to suit all levels of experience. You will be amazed at what you create over the space of a week, even if you don’t regularly make art. If you are an experienced artist, this retreat is a wonderful opportunity to refresh your practice. During our time together you will get to experience the wonderful energy and joy of being part of a group of creatives, a warm welcome awaits you at Essence of Mulranny.
Feel Rejuvenated & Inspired
You’ll return home with:
New Ideas: Fresh approaches to landscapes, abstract and intuitive painting.
Knowledge: Be more colour confident, have more clarity about techniques and possibilities
A Body of work: A collection of artworks inspired by Ireland’s West coast.
A Renewed Spark: Feel enthused and motivated to continue exploring.
Creative Connections: Lasting friendships and the feeling of being part of a tribe
Who This Retreat Is For
Creatives in search of a dedicated space to create, make art, rest, and connect with others.
Artists of all levels of experience, eager to explore new possibilities for art making.
Those who feel drawn to the magic of Ireland’s West coast, its rich heritage and the sanctuary of an art retreat.
Anyone in need of a nourishing escape to a beautiful place.
About Esté
Esté MacLeod is a curious creative with a maximalist mindset. As well as being a fine artist and designer she is also an educator.
Born in South Africa and living in the UK since 1999, Esté often incorporates plant forms and botanical shapes in her intuitive, layered acrylic and mixed-media work. Drawing on nature, travel, dreams and imagination, her background in textile design is evident in her creations. In her stylised still life paintings, landscapes and abundant floral and bird paintings, colour harmony is balanced with expressive mark making and detailed brushwork techniques. Esté has been teaching online courses since 2015, and art programs on creative retreats around the world for over five years.
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 Esté 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.
July 19th - 26th, 2027
Land, Sea & Sky with Esté MacLeod
US $4,895 for a private bedroom & bathroom
US $4295 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.
Esté MacLeod
$500.00
Nonrefundable deposit of $500. Read the cancellation policy here.
Complete information about the workshop and prices can be found here.