As part of the Kickstarter campaign to see a street statue of Maud Gonne in Dublin, I offered a creative retreat as one of the rewards. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about this retreat.
What are the dates for the creative retreat?
The retreat will take place from April 12–15, 2025.
Who are the retreat leaders?
I will host this creative retreat with my friend, the ever-fabulous Joanna Penn, of TheCreativePenn.com. You can read my credentials here and Jo's here.
Where is the retreat being held?
Rossnaree House, a historic estate overlooking the River Boyne in County Meath, Ireland, near the ancient site of Newgrange and home of Maud Gonne's granddaughter
What is the focus of the retreat?
This retreat will focus on nurturing creativity through my Go Creative! method and Jo's personal creative practices, which are very powerful. You will learn and explore some core creative principles and practices, including a transformative storytelling technique, along with ways to overcome creative resistance and block and expand to the next level in creating what you most want to create–wherever you find yourself right now.
The weekend is designed to give participants a creative boost through a mix of relaxation, meditation, guided F-r-e-e-writing exercises–and inspiration drawn from the historical surrounds and rich landscape.
Do You have an Itinerary for the Weekend?
The final details are still being worked out but here is an estimated itinerary (all sessions are optional):
Friday:
- Afternoon: Arrival and Check-In
- 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Welcome Dinner in Slane
- 8:00 PM – 9:15 PM: Introduction to the Go Creative! Method, Intention Setting, and Inspiration Meditation
Saturday:
- 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM: Morning Meditation
- 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: Stages of the Creative Process, Go Creative! Planning, F-r-e-e-writing Session: Generative Exercises,
- 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Tea/Coffee Break
- 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM: First stage of the Creative Process: Intention. Intention setting exercise. F-r-e-e-writing Session.
- 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch
- AFTERNOON: Trip to Newgrange Passage Tomb, Memento Mori Exercise.
- 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Dinner
- 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Evening Discussion: Creative Insights, Reflective Journaling, Group Sharing
- 9:00 PM – 9.30 PM: Relaxation and Inspiration Meditation
Sunday:
- 7:30 AM – 8:00 AM: Morning Meditation
- 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Breakfast
- 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM: F-R-E-E-Writing Session: Deepening the Practice.
- 11:00 AM – 12.00 AM: Tea/Coffee Break. Group Sharing and Feedback, Closing Circle and Future Intentions. Checkout.
What is the Difference Between Self-Accommodated and In-House Retreat?
All the sessions will take place at Rosnaree but it's a relatively small space and there are a limited number of places at Rosnaree House itself.
If you've opted for a self-accommodated place, you must make your own accommodation arrangements.
Sorry, we cannot recommend any accommodation nearby, as we have no experience of them, but websites like Trip Advisor and Hotel.com can provide information and ratings.
How can the sessions “be constructed around my needs” within a group of people?
The Go Creative! principles, processes, and practices are adaptable to all needs, abilities, and brain types. You will be issued with a questionnaire in advance and the advice, exercises, and activities will be modified accordingly. You’ll be guided in a process that answers your own questions and processes your particular challenges. A series of expansive talks and exercises will harness your current creative flow, with transformative outcomes, and teach you creative skills you can take away and use forever.
What should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing for indoor workshops and outdoor activities, a notebook or laptop for writing sessions, and any specific materials for creative projects you wish to work on. All other materials will be provided.
Is this retreat only for writers?
While we will use F-R-E-E-writing as one of the practices, and we both naturally have a lot of writers in our follower base, the retreat is open to anyone interested in creating anything.
Will there be opportunities for one-on-one questions?
Yes, both of us will offer one-on-one creative advice and discussion to with specific challenges or projects.
I had booked a slot on the Creative Retreat but can no longer make it. What can I do?
As there are limited seats on this Creative Retreat, we have strict policies around cancellations or substitutions. Please read our refund and cancellation policy to know more.
Tell me more about Rossnaree House
Nestled on the banks of the River Boyne, Rossnaree House and its 200-acre estate is a gem.
Located near Brú na Bóinne, home to the ancient passage tombs of Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth, it's just a 40-minute drive from Dublin.
Its got a long history, stretching back centuries, and is now owned by Aisling Law, who just happens to be Maud Gonne's grandaughter. So it seemed to invite itself as a location for this retreat in aid of a #StatueForMaudGonne.
Library at Rossnaree
Aisling is an artist and sculptor who has taken great pains to give Rossnaree new life as a boutique hotel. Her eye for design and detail can be seen in each of the rooms.
The house boasts five unique bedrooms, each thoughtfully designed to immerse guests in both comfort and creativity. There's a living room with stunning views and a Library where we'll gather for our sessions together.
What's the closest airport? And how do I get from the airport to the hotel?
The closest airport to Rossnaree House is the Dublin Airport. A taxi costs £60 to £75 approx. There are also two bus options, from Finglas Road, near the airport, and Dublin south side (Wilton Terrace), at £8 to £15 approx. See: Rome2rio.com/s/Dublin/Slane for up to date information and pricing
Are meals included? If not, are they provided?
Dining room at Rossnaree
Meals are not included but healthy, delicious food will be provided during retreat time for lunch and breaks by arrangement in advance.
We are currently working the details out with Rosnaree House