LAMBAY WRITING RETREAT
2023 Dates: 7-11 September (Thu-Mon)
Reset, Write and Brainstorm with
certified business coach and published author ~ Jonathan Gosling
facilitator and coach ~ Miriam Gosling-Gage
and a special guest writer
(4 days, 3 nights)
€1,000 ~ €1,700
10-12 people only, delicious and healthy meals. All included.
If you would like to be on our waiting list or mailing list for future dates, please email us.
Four days on a peaceful, private island
with designated time to focus on your writing projects.
Enjoy workshops and guidance from published authors and professional editors,
and peer-to-peer feedback and advice from your fellow writers.
THE EXPERIENCE
Imagine taking a boat across the Irish Sea to a small private island with a luxuriously appointed house; with time, space and structure to write your book, article, dissertation, poems or journal. It’s a rare opportunity and mid-winter, after the busyness of Christmas and New Year, is the right time for thoughtful and determined endeavour.
The passage across the sea may be wintry, but the island welcome is warm and joyful, and the house itself is a treasure - designed and furnished by Edwin Lutyens, the architect of New Delhi and the Cenotaph in London. Each room has its own writing desk and there are many other fine places to write alone or with collaborators. Our island chef for the retreat will be cooking delicious meals to sustain and excite the imagination. Those wanting more spiritual inspiration can sip excellent Lambay Irish Whiskey, made with the island's own spring water and aged in cognac casks by the sea.
Writing is what we are here for, though and, as the schedule shows, we will get on with it in a practical and uncomplicated way. There are opportunities for feedback but no pressure to read out work-in-progress. Most people find the workshops surprisingly helpful, and a means to both focus and accelerate their work.
Jonathan will provide advice and feedback on each persons’ writing, and will run workshops each day. Our guest writer (2021: Lauren Foley, 2022: Pam Billinge) will also be on hand throughout for guidance and personal insights and feedback.
DELICIOUS SEASONAL FOOD
Our in-house island chef will provide you with luxurious vegetarian meals throughout your stay.
 |  |  |
|---|---|---|
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
 |  |  |
REGISTRATION & COST
€1,200 to €2,500
(concessions available for room sharing and Lambay Club Patrons)
includes Lambay boat transfers, accommodation, all meals, regular refreshments, workshops and sessions, materials.
Your all-inclusive retreat package includes €50 for the return boat transfer between Ireland and Lambay (departing from Malahide, just north of Dublin airport). The journey takes 20 minutes in a covered RIB, 12 seats and lifejackets are provided.
RATES:
Dubliners and Patrons of the Lambay Club are eligible for discounted rates, please enquire.
Included in rates:
-
Lambay boat transfers at beginning and end of your retreat
-
Writing workshops, group and 1-2-1 advice sessions
-
Luxurious island accommodation for 4 nights / 5 days in the Whitehouse on Lambay
-
All locally sourced, seasonal meals prepared by your private island retreat chef, Lottie Brook: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
-
Morning and afternoon refreshments (tea, coffee, cake, fruit)
-
Optional wild swim and guided wildlife walk (see the seals, puffins, deer and wallabies!)
-
Use of island wi-fi, sitting rooms, library, gardens, and local know-how
-
Tea/coffee, herbal infusions and soft drinks available all day (self-serve)
-
Personal hosting from the resident Baring family throughout your island stay, including an optional private tour of Lambay Castle
Not included:
-
Travel to Ireland and transportation to Malahide Marina from where the Lambay boat departs (boat transfers included)
-
Travel Insurance (highly recommended as there will be no refunds for travel changes)
-
Extras or mainland expenses
COVID-19:
Our hope is that this retreat will be able to go ahead as planned, and we will be taking all possible precautions to protect against COVID-19 throughout the retreat. However, in the event that we are forced to cancel the retreat due to government restrictions or safety guidelines, you will receive a full refund (less any bank transfer fees) or the option to defer your payment to the new retreat dates once confirmed.
Registration & Further Info:
To register, make payment or discuss room sharing options, please write to miriam@pelumbra.com
For any questions about Lambay, the region or local travel, please write to bookings@lambayisland.ie
EXAMPLE SCHEDULE
THURSDAY
-
Writers' Meet & Greet in Malahide
-
Boat Transfer to Lambay from Malahide Marina (if the tides dictate a later transfer, the first workshop will take place in Malahide Castle - optional tour available)
-
Island Welcome on the Pier by the Lambay resident family
-
Time to settle in with a hot drink and refreshments
-
Welcome drinks and dinner in the Whitehouse
FRIDAY
-
Breakfast in the Whitehouse
-
Writing Session 1
-
Light luncheon
-
Writing Session 2
-
Afternoon Tea
-
Optional Feedback Session with the group and Jonathan Gosling
-
Optional Tour of Lutyens Castle with the resident family (additional cost)
-
Drinks & Dinner
SATURDAY
-
Breakfast
-
Writing Session 3
-
Lunch
-
Nature Walk to Summit & Nose of the island - chance to spot wallabies and variety of birdlife and to Walk & Talk
-
Time for a hot soak
-
Drinks & Dinner
SUNDAY
-
Optional early morning coastal walk for seal spotting
-
Late Breakfast
-
Writing Session 4
-
Sunday Lunch
-
Writing Session 5
-
Optional Feedback Session with the group and Jonathan Gosling
-
Light Dinner
MONDAY
-
Breakfast
-
Boat transfer to mainland
-
Farewell lunch in Malahide (optional, additional cost)
-
Final feedback and Q&A
Tea/Coffee is available throughout the day on a self-service basis. Please inform us in good time of any allergies or dietary requirements. Hypo-allergenic bedding is also available on advanced request.
During your stay on Lambay, the Whitehouse will be your home and your writing haven. Built in 1933 for the two daughters of Cecil & Maude Baring, this charming Lutyens guesthouse has 10 beautifully appointed bedrooms with private en suites or adjoining wet rooms, shared one between two rooms with a private entrance hall.
 |  |
|---|---|
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |  |
 |
BOOTS - There is a large number of Wellington boots in a range of sizes, which you are welcome to borrow during your stay.
GETTING HERE
Please make your way to Malahide as soon as you have arrived into Ireland from abroad.
Dublin Airport to Malahide
Malahide is approximately 20 minutes by road from Dublin Airport; a regular size taxi costs approximately €15-20.
Dublin Ferry Port to Malahide
Malahide is approximately 35 minutes by road from Dublin Ferry Port; a regular size taxi costs approximately €30-35.
Directions to Malahide Town Centre
If you wish to stop off in town for supplies, head for Gibney's of Malahide on New Street, a traditional local pub in the centre of Malahide town. This is well placed between all the most useful shops (Boots, SuperValu, Donnybrook Fair) and restaurants/cafés if you have time for a bite to eat. The Marina Centre is a five minute walk from Gibney's and the town centre.
If heading straight for the Marina, tell your taxi driver to drive through the Marina Village (under the arch) and straight to the end where you will see a giant anchor sculpture by the Marina Centre. Our Lambay boat skipper will meet you outside White’s Laundry at the allotted time.
POLITE NOTICE: It is important that you do not enter the Marina Centre at any time unless accompanied by the Skipper, as it is private property.
The boat transfers to/from Lambay adhere to the tides and, as such, must depart promptly at the scheduled time.
For those with flights, we strongly recommend flights that leave a minimum of 4 hours (preferably 6 hours) between your flight arrival/departure times and the scheduled boat transfer time. Please be ready at the Marina 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time.
20kg limit on luggage per person on the boats.
WEATHER
Weather in Ireland in early Spring is chilly, so wrap up warm. Average day time temperature is around 5°C and can get colder at nights.
Days are often bright, cold and sunny but weather on the island changes fast and you must be prepared for rain.
Bring layers and waterproofs to enjoy Lambay outdoors, and cosy slippers or socks for indoors where you can warm up by the cosy fire in the Whitehouse.
Plenty of Wellington boots on the island!
