What happens when you step away from the demands of daily life and immerse yourself in a landscape that stirs the soul?
Join internationally acclaimed artist Joan Fullerton for a week of creative exploration, personal discovery, and artistic freedom on Ireland's breathtaking Wild Atlantic coast.
Set in the spectacular surroundings of Mulranny, County Mayo, this retreat invites artists to slow down, reconnect with their creative instincts, and discover new possibilities in their work. Surrounded by sweeping sea views, rugged mountains, ancient landscapes, and ever-changing Atlantic light, participants will find endless inspiration both in nature and within themselves.
Joan's teaching encourages artists to move beyond self-imposed limitations and approach painting with greater confidence, curiosity, and joy. Through guided exercises, demonstrations, and individual support, students will explore expressive approaches to painting while developing a stronger connection to their own unique artistic voice.
This retreat is about more than technique. It is an opportunity to let go of expectations, embrace experimentation, and experience the freedom that comes when creativity is allowed to unfold naturally.
Throughout the week, guests will enjoy:
Daily painting sessions and creative exploration with Joan
Inspiration drawn from Ireland's dramatic coastline, skies, and landscapes
Time to experiment, play, and develop personal work
Visits to local sites of natural beauty and cultural interest
Opportunities to connect with fellow artists in a supportive community
Quiet moments for reflection, walking, journaling, and creative renewal
The warmth, humour, and hospitality for which the west of Ireland is renowned
Having taught previously at Essence of Mulranny, Joan has fallen in love with the magic of County Mayo and is delighted to return once again.
"I've been to County Mayo with Essence of Mulranny twice before and can never get enough of the genuine people, the pristine location, and the great hospitality." — Joan Fullerton
Whether you are looking to reinvigorate your creative practice, discover new directions in your work, or simply spend a week painting in one of the most inspiring locations in the world, Paint Yourself Free in Ireland offers the perfect opportunity to reconnect with your creativity and yourself.
Come breathe the Atlantic air, experience the wild beauty of Ireland, and paint yourself free.
About Joan
Joan Fullerton is an acclaimed international Artist Educator devoted to uplifting others through Art.
She is also an expert creativity coach who inspires uninhibited humor, trust in one's impulses, and play like a child. Her nonjudgmental approach to artmaking builds students' confidence, enabling them to create genuine, expressive paintings. Her 50+-year fine-art career has produced hundreds of poetic images, many of which are now hanging in museums and private collections worldwide.
Fullerton utilized her MFA in painting to become an award-winning college art instructor. After 13 years of classroom teaching experience, she lived, painted, and exhibited full-time in Taos, NM. In 2010, Fullerton evolved her unique teaching methods to a workshop format and moved to Denver. As her reputation grew, she widened her reach well beyond the studio. Now, Fullerton inspires audiences internationally.
Featured in several television interviews, painting blogs, magazine articles, and books, including the #1 bestseller Radical Self Love: How to Ignite Your Light Through Creativity. Fullerton is also the author of "Paint Yourself Free," an online art experience.
Reviews
From Our Host Lora
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 Joan
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 artist, Lora Murphy. 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.
September 16th - 23rd, 2027
Paint Yourself Free in Ireland
with Joan Fullerton
US $4,895 for a private bedroom & bathroom
US $4,295 for a private bedroom/shared bathroom
Included in your retreat:
Workshop days
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.
Joan Fullerton
$500.00
Nonrefundable deposit of $500. Read the cancellation policy here.
Complete information about the workshop and prices can be found here.