I run regular writing retreats at the magical Ballyvaloo Retreat Centre in Co. Wexford. The next ones will run 27st to 31st October 2025; and May 2026

The retreat is a five-day event, starting Monday morning, finishing Friday afternoon. Teaching will be in the mornings; the afternoons are free for writing, walking on the beach and reading. The teaching part is split into three areas:

• Lecture
  Topics covered may include: five-act structure v three-act structure, plotting, mid-points, conflict, dialogue, endings. Topics will vary depending on the group

• Workshop
  Participants submit work and read that of fellow attendees. This process is carefully managed by Niamh so that the reading is not too arduous, and the discussion focused and useful

• Meditation
  Niamh uses meditation techniques inspired by secular mindfulness approaches to help writers bring new energy and dynamism to their work

Comments from attendees

“I was nourished in every way by Niamh’s writing retreat. In one of the morning workshops on story structure, Niamh said, ‘Structure manages the energy. It gives you the opportunity to go places within it … structure creates the safety to go wild.’ This is what the structure of the retreat itself did for me.”

Emma

“The writing retreat at Ballyvaloo was everything I'd hoped for and more. Niamh expertly led us through a range of structured morning sessions, writing meditations and workshops, followed by afternoons spent writing, walking on the beach and even swimming in the Irish Sea. Perfection.”

“I loved the writing retreat in Ballyvaloo. As a new writer, I was nervous, but I found the atmosphere to be relaxed and supportive. Niamh is an expert group leader, allowing space for learning, exploration of topics and constructive feedback. The effort put into planning and location was also evident, with daily yoga, nourishing meals, and the beautiful Curracloe beach beside us. I would strongly recommend this retreat to anyone with an interest in writing, and I would highly recommend Niamh Mulvey as a writing coach. I have come away inspired and energised from this experience!”

“It was a magical and very special week for so many reasons.  The  beautiful location and hospitality - everything was so comfortable and ran so smoothly.  Niamh’s expertise, experience and brilliant teaching made it feel for me like the best kind of writing university.”

FAQs

Who can come to this retreat?

Any adult with a commitment to or interest in creative writing. Please bring an open mind and a courteous attitude towards others.

Do I need to do anything in advance?

Please submit a short statement to Niamh before end of March outlining what you are working on (if anything) and what you’d like to get from the course. This is to help me get to know you all a little in advance, it’s not a way of evaluating you.

I will also issue some short reading to be done before the week starts – this is to give us a shared starting point for discussions about structure, plot, characterisation, etc.

Will I get any feedback on my writing?

You will. Depending on numbers, I may ask you to submit some creative work in advance of the retreat and perhaps discuss on a Zoom call before or after the week itself. Otherwise, with a smaller group, I’ll meet everyone one-to-one during the week. 

We will also make time for workshop discussions of every attendee’s work – depending on numbers, we may do this in the evening as well as the afternoon but we will do our best to keep this work to the afternoons. My aim is for every attendee feel enthused and liberated by the process of the week. Creative work can be difficult and lonely – the point of this week is to make it more enjoyable and to awaken each writer to the power and potential latent in their own work.

On the Monday, I’ll talk a little about ‘workshop etiquette’ – how to make sure that our comments on one another’s work is constructive and enlightening.

What should I bring?

Notebook, pen, pencils, laptop (if you want), books.

How do I get there?

Ballyvaloo Retreat Centre is situated a 30-minute drive from Enniscorthy, which is served by train from Dublin Connolly. We can help you get a cab from Enniscorthy to Ballyvaloo or organise a pick-up if you are arriving this way.

The retreat centre is a 40-minute drive from Rosslare Europort – again, we can help get you from there to here if necessary.

By car, it is about a two-hour drive from Dublin Airport.

What is the retreat centre like?

The retreat centre is located in beautiful gardens just minutes from spectacular Curracloe Beach (made famous when it served as a stand-in for Omaha Beach during the filming of Saving Private Ryan in 1997). It is a very rural location, half an hour to the nearest large town. You will love it.

The building is owned and run by the St John of God Sisters and as such has a quiet, contemplative and spiritual atmosphere. The centre hosts many secular gatherings and retreats throughout the year.

The rooms are all beautifully appointed with en-suite bathrooms.

I run Writing Retreats at the spectacular Ballyvaloo Retreat Centre in Co. Wexford.

The next ones will run in October 2025 (subject to interest) and May 2026.