“This is not just an art retreat.”
It is a journey through Ireland’s landscape, language, and mythology—designed for people who want to slow down, create meaningful work, and experience place in a deeper way.
We begin in Dublin, travel through ancient ceremonial sites including Newgrange, Tara, and Uisneach, and arrive on the Atlantic coast in Mulranny—where the real work begins.
This is a thoughtful, creative retreat, but it’s also great fun.
You will then step into the rhythm of the west of Ireland.
Set between mountain and sea in Mulranny, overlooking Clew Bay, this immersive 8-day retreat invites artists, writers, and curious minds to slow down, create, and connect with Irish culture in a meaningful way.
This is not a classroom experience — it’s a lived one.
What You’ll Experience:
Stay in the gorgeous facilities of Mulranny Arts with stunning views of the sea and access to walking trails, beaches, and quiet spaces for reflection including our Sky Labyrinth.
From the Ancient East to the Wild Atlantic West:
Begin in Dublin
Travel through Newgrange, Tara, and Uisneach
Lunch in Ireland’s oldest pub
Arrive in Mulranny overlooking Clew Bay
Spend five days creating, listening, and exploring
Dawn or dusk silent walks
Seaweed / natural pigment workshop
Daily guided art sessions inspired by landscape and myth
Gentle introduction to the Irish language through sound, poetry, and place
Traditional music sessions with local musicians in itraditional settings.
Storytelling circles rooted in Irish oral tradition
Day trip visits to sacred and mythological sites including Newgrange and Oweynagat
Time and space to create your own work
Visit to Achill Island for an extra half-day
Who This Is For
Artists (all levels welcome)
Writers, poets, musicians
Creatives seeking inspiration
Anyone interested in Irish culture and language
This retreat is about immersion, not instruction.
You won’t leave fluent in Irish—but you will leave with a felt sense of its sound, rhythm, and connection to place.
Paint or sketch along the Atlantic coast
Hear stories of the Tuatha Dé Danann and the Otherworld
Sit inside a 5,000-year-old passage tomb
Experience live traditional Irish music in a 250 year old stone cottage. (A Sean Ti)
Learn simple Irish phrases connected to land and creativity
On the final evening, participants share their work in an informal exhibition accompanied by music, storytelling, and celebration.
Meet Miriam
A scientist by training and an artist at heart, I bring a lifelong passion for the Irish language and culture into everything I do.
Having studied both Irish and art, I’m especially drawn to the creative energy that emerges when language, landscape, and expression meet. My work is rooted in a deep love of Gaeilge and all things Irish—from story and song to place and tradition. At this retreat, I’m excited to guide beginners in exploring the Irish language in a relaxed, inspiring, and accessible way
An experience full of warmth, great fun, and plenty of laughter… the real craic!
Meet Lora
At this retreat, Lora guides participants through a creative journey that brings together art-making, landscape, and the cultural memory of Ireland.
Moving from ancient sites such as Newgrange, Tara, and Uisneach to the Atlantic coast in Mulranny, the experience invites a slower, more attentive way of seeing and making.
With Lora’s guidance, you will explore not only new artistic approaches, but also a deeper connection to place, through story, symbol, language, and time.
Lora is an Irish artist whose work moves between the visible and the imagined, drawing on the textures, light, and mythology of the Irish landscape. Working primarily in encaustic, she creates layered, luminous pieces that evoke a sense of depth, memory, and quiet presence.
Her teaching reflects the same sensibility. Rather than focusing on rigid technique, Lora creates a space where each participant can develop their own visual language supported, encouraged, and gently challenged.
Over the years, she has guided artists of all levels, and is known for her ability to hold a thoughtful, grounded creative space. She teaches with clarity and care, meeting people where they are, and helping them move their work forward with confidence.
On this retreat, Lora invites you to experience Ireland not just as a backdrop, but as an active part of the creative process. The land, the stories, and the atmosphere all become part of the work—something to respond to, rather than simply observe.
From all of us here at EOM
You are warmly invited to stay a while.
Alongside the creative and cultural depth, there is a strong sense of enjoyment at the heart of the retreat—good company, music, shared meals, and the kind of easy laughter that comes from being together in a beautiful place.
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.
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 Lora and Miriam 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 Mulranny Arts Retreat center. 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.
We begin in Dublin… then travel through ancient Ireland—Newgrange, Tara, Uisneach— before arriving on the Atlantic coast to create, listen, and slow down.
Daily Rhythm Template
Morning (9:30–12:30) — Creative work (art / writing)
Afternoon (2:00–4:00) — Cultural/language session OR free time
Evening (7:00–9:00) — Music / storytelling / sharing
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🌆 Day 1 – Arrival in Dublin
Arrival + check-in to our lovely hotel in Central Dublin (you can take a taxi from the airport)
Gentle walking orientation (optional)
Welcome dinner at 6.30 pm
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Morning: Newgrange
Midday: Hill of Tara
Afternoon: Hill of Uisneach
Lunch: Sean’s Bar
Early departure from Dublin
Myth + archaeology + landscape thread
Cultural storytelling woven throughout
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Morning: Rest + slow start
Late morning: Coastal walk + sketching
Afternoon: Irish language (nature words)
Evening: Poetry reading + journaling
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Morning: Guided expressive plein air painting
Afternoon: Free creative time or dancing lesson
Evening: Traditional music session
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Morning: Myth-inspired art workshop
Afternoon: Irish language (storytelling phrases)
Evening: Fireside storytelling circle
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Travel + guided mythology
Sketching / writing on-site
Evening:
Light discussion: thresholds, darkness, creativity
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Open studio day
Optional 1:1 guidance
Final Irish language session
Evening:
Sharing circle / mini exhibition
Music + celebration
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Day 8 – Closing
Breakfast Reflection circle
DeparturesThe 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 may house students in the village, in apartments with spectacular views.
April 22nd to 29th, 2027
Answering the Call of Your Wild Atlantic Soul
with Lora Murphy and Miriam Byrne
US $4,895 for a private bedroom & bathroom
US $4,295 for a private bedroom/shared bathroom
Included in your retreat:
Workshop instruction
Most supplies (will be specified closer to trip)
8 nights lodging including a night in Dublin (arrival night)
Transportation from Dublin through the ancient heart of Ireland to Mayo.
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 and transport from Westport back to Dublin
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.
Nonrefundable deposit of $500. Read the cancellation policy here.
Complete information about the workshop and prices can be found here.