I run a regular writing retreat at the magical Ballyvaloo Retreat Centre in Co. Wexford. The next one will run 25th to 29th May 2026.
The retreat is a five-day, four-night 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.”
“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?
I’ll meet with every attendee on Zoom in the run-up to the course. 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. Some workshop reading will also be shared in advance of the week.
Will I get any feedback on my writing?
We will also make time for workshop discussions of every attendee’s 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.
Niamh will also meet one-on-one with every attendee during the course of the week to discuss their writing.
What should I bring?
Notebook, pen, pencils, laptop (if you want), books.
How do I get there?
Ballyvaloo Retreat Centre is situated a 20-minute drive from Wexford town, which is served by train from Dublin Connolly. We can help you get a cab from Wexford to the retreat centre.
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 and peaceful location.
The centre 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 and writing desks.
How much?
The fee for this year is yet to be finalised but will be somewhere in the vicinity of €1400 for accommodation, meals, tuition and feedback session.