In this retreat, we will attune to the dramatic, coastal landscape of Ireland and to our "wise and well" ancestors. Through daily rituals, short readings, time in nature, and freewriting exercises, we will connect to our ancestral guides and bring more embodiment and inspiration to our lives and projects. We will invoke the presences of Brigid and Maeve, representations of the sacred feminine who reside in Ireland's landscape and inspire us toward more compassion and courage, and we will each meet our own guiding ancestors. This retreat will take place in County Donegal, at Song House, formerly known as Poet's House, where the Nobel-Prize Winning poet Seamus Heaney wrote several of his books. He too will serve as an ancestor of path, for the way he used musical language to describe what it feels like to be a human on the earth, and for the honest, heartfelt way he witnessed political change. Our writing will draw inspiration from the land, from our ancestors, and from these guides to become more embodied, more inspired, more spiritually centered, and more relevant to our changing times. Each day will include guided meditation and ritual, writing exercises, time in nature, sharing circles, and catered meals. Expect to connect deeply with the lansdscape, with yourself, with our community, and with your ancestors as you write not just about them, but with them. 

We will be in Co. Donegal, in the heart of the traditional Gaeltacht area of Donegal, where the Irish/Gaelic language is still spoken, and the old ways are remembered. We will do our rituals and writing within view of Muckish mountain, on the Wild Atlantic Way, where we will see breathtaking stone cliffs, sandy dune beaches, wide expanses of moody skies, and a sea shimmering in the evening light. Donegal has the highest stone cliffs in Europe, miles of coastal trails, ancient forts, and a rich tradition of music and poetry, making it one of the best places to travel according to Lonely Planet and one of the “Wonders of Ireland” according to Conde Nast.

This retreat is limited to 13 participants, so we can foster close community and offer each participant encouragement and support. Fill out this form for more information.

ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTORS

Catherine M. Dunne is a psychotherapist and Ancestral Lineage Healing Practitioner, with more than 30 years experience facilitating personal, family, ancestral, and cultural healing. She was born in the Lenape lands of Queens NY, and has been based in County Kerry, Ireland, for the last 35 years. She offers healing retreats and dance and community ritual workshops under the banner of Sacred Rhythms. She is also an author and a keeper of Brigid’s flame. Read Catherine’s story here.

Rachel Jamison Webster is an award-winning writer and an acclaimed instructor of Creative Writing. Rachel’s students go on to write best-selling books and to participate in creative culture with genius and authenticity. Her teachings combine practical guidance for writers with meditations and energy-clearing rituals. These practices are designed to bring our intellectual, emotional, and spiritual gifts into flow and communication. Participants in Rachel’s retreats learn to trust their intuition, to honor their stories, connect with their wise and well ancestors, and to open to visionary inspiration. Read more about Rachel here. And check out her author site here