The Art Spirit Journey
“Unearthing Ireland”

A spectacular 12 day, assemblage journal workshop, exploring myth, magic, and the heroine’s journey.

Whether you come seeking inspiration, healing, or a deeper connection to the unseen realms, this retreat is an invitation to remember: You are part of an ancient story—woven into the land, the myth, and the mystery.

​Ireland’s history and mythology are as rich and dense as Irish bogland. Whether it is the High Kings of Tara, Queen Maeve and the Tain, the Salmon of Knowledge, or the Tuatha de Dananna, these tales remain a vital part of Irish identity.  Traces of the past are alive and intertwine with the language and landscape of Ireland. Goddesses of long ago can still be found in the names of most of Ireland’s rivers; Saint Brigid’s holy wells continue to bless those seeking help; and Neolithic monuments and cairns continue to reveal the secrets of a vibrant civilization that tracked the movement of time and seasons of celebration in the stars. 

Come home to myth. Come home to soul.
Come home to Ireland.

“Unearthing Ireland”

Join us as we dive headfirst down the rabbit hole that is Irish mythology, legend, and lore. The land holds secrets dating back to the Stone Age and we will listen to the whispers of the people and their stories. During this creative retreat, we will learn about the tales associated with place and let the whispers of these stories inspire us as we imagine a world more attuned to the cycles of nature and the land.  We will will experience the well-known monuments of Bru na Boinne and the Hills of Tara and then move to Mulranny where we can explore the more intimate, off-the-beaten-track but no less imporatant Neolithic sites around County Mayo.  This retreat provides an exploration of place and a connection to the landscape that is deeply rooted within the Irish people.

During this 12-day retreat, Kirsten Stingle will guide us to create a sculptural assemblage travel journal to memorialize our journey. Participants will learn to personalize their personal work of art through techniques such as “book arts; paper arts; collage; photo transfer; mark making; stitching; eco dyeing and printing; flora pressing and more”.

Archeological places we will visit include:

• The Hills of Tara: Home of the High Kings of Ireland

• New Grange and Knowth: Neolithic passage tombs that predate Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids.

• Uisneach: The heart soul and belly of Ireland ,where we will celebrate Lughnasa (the Gaelic festival celebrating the beginning of the harvest).is an annual festival that the sun-god. The story of Uisneach is the story of Ireland. From our earliest ancestors to the medieval high kings; from the saints and scholars of early Christianity to the freedom fighters and political leaders of the modern era: All have left their mark on the Hill of Uisneach.

• Knocknashee, or 'Cnoc na Sí which translates to 'hill of the fairies (sidhe)' 'Hill of the Fairies' is one of Ireland's largest Bronze Age fortified hilltop forts stretching 700x320 meters across this table-top mountain plateau. Being one of Ireland's seven most sacred hills,

• Granuille’s castle (Pirate Queen of Ireland), Just down the road from us, this was Grainne’s last residence and legend has it that she moored her ship just outside in the bay and she tied a rope from the ship to her toe as she slept so she could keep the vessel safe!

• Ceide Fields ancient neolitic archaeological site is the oldest known stone-walled fields in the world, dating back nearly 6,000 years. It is a remarkable archaeological discovery and a stunning natural landscape on the Wild Atlantic Way in Ireland.

• Rathcrogan: The legendary dwelling of Queen Medb and the focal point of the epic Tain.

• Owenyghat: The legendary dwelling place of the Battle Goddess Morrigan.

Meet Kirsten Stingle

“I have never had an art teacher quite like Kirsten. She taught with such an infectious joy and a comfortable patience that inspired me to really push myself beyond what I thought I was capable of and just... create! Furthermore, the connections I made and the inspiration I drew from the other students was absolutely priceless. Truly an unforgettable experience!”

—Lauren McCowen, Creative

“If you are looking for an art experience that will both teach and inform but also combine joy, personal creativity and and the incorporation of the environment around you, sign up immediately for a workshop with Kirsten Stingle.”

“Her personalized approach to teaching is broken down into easy to grasp steps for beginners yet also enhances the way experienced artists approach their own art. Weaving the surrounding environment with the creative process makes each experience unique and inspirational.

Her energy, and her commitment to her own work and to guiding you through creating yours is joyful to be apart of. Don’t miss out!”

— Debra Camitta, Professional Floral Designer and Creative Traveler

From all of us here at EOM.

Dream about the history of past times, evident in every field with old stone walls, every stoic castle and each abandoned cottage.

You are warmly invited to stay a while.

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.