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  LAMBAY WRITING & COACHING RETREAT

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Reset, Write and Brainstorm

A 5-Day Autumn Retreat on Lambay Island

with Jonathan & Ed

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10-14 September 2026

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Certified Business Coach & Published Author ~ Jonathan Gosling
Special Guest Writer ~ Ed Gillespie​
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Packages starting from €1,800 pp
Writing & coaching sessions, stunning accommodation, and delicious meals. All included.

If you would like to be on our waiting list or mailing list for future dates, please email us.

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THE EXPERIENCE

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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.
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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 island welcome is warm and joyful, and the house itself is a treasure designed and furnished by Sir Edwin Lutyens, the renowned 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.

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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.  You can even visit the island's very own micro-distillery.

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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.

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Jonathan Gosling and Ed Gillespie will provide advice and feedback on each person's writing, and will run optional workshops each day. 

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SAMPLE SCHEDULE​

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THURSDAY

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Writers' Meet & Greet & Lunch in Howth or Malahide

Boat Transfer to Lambay

Island Welcome on the Pier

Time to Settle In, Tea/Cake/Fruit 

Introductory Workshop

Welcome Drinks & Dinner in the White House

FRIDAY

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Breakfast 

Writing Session 1

Light luncheon

Writing Session 2

Afternoon Tea

Optional Feedback Session with the group and Jonathan

Drinks & Dinner in the White House

SATURDAY

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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

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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 in the White House

MONDAY​

 

Breakfast

Writing Session 6

Final feedback and Q&A

Boat transfer to mainland

Lunch in Howth or Malahide and Farewells

Return to Dublin Airport or onward travel

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REGISTRATION & COST

includes Lambay boat transfers, accommodation, all meals, regular refreshments, workshops and sessions, materials.

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Registration & Further Info:

To register and for any questions about the Retreat, write to miriam@pelumbra.com

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Questions about Lambay, the region or local travel?  Write to Millie Baring at bookings@lambayisland.ie

 

The fees include:

  • 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

  • All your meals: 4 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners  

  • Morning and afternoon refreshments and self-serve tea/coffee/soft drinks throughout the day

  • Use of island wi-fi, sitting rooms, library, gardens, and local know-how​

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Fees do not include airfares, travel insurance, additional mainland travel or accommodation or personal expenses.

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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.​

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