LAMBAY WRITING RETREAT
Thursday - Monday
11-15 September 2025
Reset, Write and Brainstorm with
certified business coach and published author ~ Jonathan Gosling
special guest writer ~ Ed Gillespie
(5 days, 4 nights)
€1,800 ~ €2,250
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 and time, space and structure to write your book, article, dissertation, poems or journal. It is a rare opportunity and this is the right time for thoughtful and determined endeavour.
The passage across the sea might be chilly and adventurous, but the welcome will be warm and joyful, and the house itself is a treasure designed and furnished by Sir 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 throughout the house to write alone or alongside collaborators.
Our 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 from the island’s own volcanic spring water and matured in old 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 Gosling and Ed Gillespie will provide advice and feedback on each person's writing, and will run optional workshops each day.
SAMPLE SCHEDULE
THURSDAY
Meet at Gibneys of Malahide - Lunch
Writers' Meet & Greet
Boat Transfer to Lambay from Malahide Marina
Island Welcome on the Pier
Time to settle in, tea/cake/fruit
Introductory Workshop
Welcome drinks and dinner
FRIDAY
Breakfast in the White House
Writing Session 1
Light luncheon
Writing Session 2
Afternoon Tea
Optional Feedback Session with the group and Jonathan
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
Drinks & Dinner
MONDAY
Breakfast
Writing Session 6
Final feedback and Q&A
Boat transfer to mainland
Lunch
Return to Dublin Airport (for those with flights, we strongly recommend flights departing no earlier than 17:00)
REGISTRATION & COST
includes Lambay boat transfers, accommodation, all meals, regular refreshments, workshops and sessions, materials.
Registration & Further Info:
To register and for any questions about the Retreat, write to miriam@pelumbra.com
Questions about Lambay, the region or local travel? Write to Millie Baring at bookings@lambayisland.ie
The fees include:
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Set boat transfers between Malahide and Lambay at the beginning and end of the retreat
-
Writing workshops and advice sessions
-
Accommodation for 4 nights / 5 days
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All your meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners
-
Morning and afternoon refreshments
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Use of wi-fi, sitting rooms, library, gardens, and local know-how
Fees do not include airfare, travel insurance, additional accommodations or personal expenses.
For more detailed information about the accommodation on Lambay, what there is to do and see on the island, and for FAQs regarding how to get to the boats, parking, etc, please return to the main RETREATS page and scroll down.
