WOW Ireland
International Writing Retreat & Culture Immersion
Rathvilly, Ireland
November 12-19, 2018
Mythic Harvest
Hospitality served up with delectable brown bread and fresh brew warmed our Celtic Walk in historic Old Dublin, over the Liffey River, and around the watery gardens of Carlow; invoking the beautiful resilience of an Irish spirit that inspired the likes of Yeats, Joyce and Wilde, and our WoW participants. To the luxury of our 17th century manor and open views of magnificent woodlands we gladly surrendered our weary traveling selves. Around a glowing fire we shared our stories, animated by the art and histories that line centuries’-old walls; at Kilkenny Castle and Trinity’s Book of Kells; exhilarated by treks through lush pastures and forests thick of chestnut and beech; and sweetened by a turn at the tree-swing; a cuppa, cake and ancient myths; and poetry from Guest Artist, Kavita A. Jindal. With eager anticipation every 5 o’clock exactly, we looked up to a murder of crows swoop across the dimming skies. To our newfound community—Sin a bhfuil!
“What we plant in the soil of contemplation, we shall reap in the harvest of action.”
-Meister Eckhart
Your WOW Ireland Retreat included:
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Historical Housing
7-night accommodations at an exquisite 17th century country estate with classic 1850's garden
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Daily Meals
Delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner — healthy and locally sourced selections — as well as afternoon teas and cakes by a peat fire.
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Movement & Meditation
Guided exercise and stillness rituals, both indoors and outdoors.
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Writing & Storytelling
Inspiring creative writing workshops & salons to help release your story.
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Guided Old Dublin Tour*
A full day guided tour around Old Dublin, before we stumble on to the Literary Pub Crawl.
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Local Explorations*
Half-day excursions of local points of interest: Duckett's Grove Walled Garden and Castle, as well as Delta Sensory Gardens.
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Free Space & Time
Write, explore, or relax with “me” time to savor Ireland on your own.
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Split Transfers*
Enjoy complimentary arrival and departure transfers to/from Carlow and Dublin.
*includes transportation and fees.
The Location
Lisnavagh House & Gardens
This exquisite 17th century country estate is nestled in 600 acres of beautiful grounds, including a classic 1850's garden. Lisnavagh House offers the ultimate mix of homeliness and grandeur, making it a most appealing destination for those seeking somewhere unique.
Meet Your WOW Sojourn Experience Facilitators
Ireland Lead Facilitator
Rose Marie Sabangan is WOW’s Creative Director and the smiling face you’ll greet upon arrival in Ireland.
Rose migrated to the United States from the Philippines in 1972 but spent her early childhood years schooled under the British in North Borneo.
A graduate of Sarah Lawrence College and Goddard College (MFA, Creative Writing), Rose launched Writing On Water (WOW) in 2016 to indulge her passion for storytelling, travel, and community.
Growing a team of international professional creatives, Rose is thrilled to bring you opportunities to explore creative cultural sojourns in stunning spaces.
Guest Teaching Artist
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Kavita A. Jindal
Prize-Winning Writer
Other local creatives also led the sojourn’s workshops and rituals.
Treat Yourself to the WOW Sojourn Cultural Experience
Traveling with WOW, we realize we belong to a way of life larger than we have been accustomed.
We learn and absorb stories outside of our own, ancient and new.
We grow our own stories.
We look after all the details so you can recharge. The retreat schedule allows plenty of spaciousness to slow down — to nap, to read, to have a stretch, shop, enjoy nature, and to make new life-long friends. Harvest your creative bounty, and at seven days’ end re-enter your world relaxed and recharged.
Sojourn with us and set your creative spirit free. Return to your world, rejuvenated.
WOW Ireland Experience Investment
Reservations have closed.
“I ate Wiener Schnitzel, real Wiener Schnitzel, and potato salad. It was a little too cool. I spent time on the river, walked along the remnants of the Berlin Wall and the East Side Gallery, climbed halfway up the Victory Tower, and found a badass goddess to take a photo with. And I met a great author, Martin Jankowski. And I'm with my new friends. Yes indeed… thank you very much!”
—MaryBeth Jarvis Clarke, Salt Lake City, Utah