Bealtaine
A Writing Intensive in the South of Ireland
April 27 - May 4, 2019
Parknasilla House Hotel, Sneem, Co. Kerry, Ireland
The Bealtaine Retreat was an immersive experience that included original compositions, stunning vistas, ancient myths and legends, solitary time for writing and reflecting, and walks upon the land. This was no ordinary writing event or retreat — because this was Writing in Ireland.
In Their Own Words
“The workshop exceeded my expectations in every possible way—and you can quote me! Fabulous food, faeries, facilitation of breakthroughs personal and professional. I was bathed in your wisdom, cleansed in the fires of Bealtaine, and changed forever in Parknasilla’s magic presence. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart, whose depths have opened deeper than ever before in this life.”
—C. Lafferty Eckl
“For many years, I have desired to see Ireland…and to hone my skills and become more disciplined as a writer. This seemed the perfect opportunity to indulge in both; it absolutely did not fail to deliver. Libby Wagner is an accomplished and published writer and hostess extraordinaire! Her credentials might be intimidating were she not such a beguiling and encouraging Coach. The program was designed to inspire on the deepest levels, feeding and calling upon all of our senses in myriad ways and within the safety of an environment that allowed us to flourish. We were immersed in an abundance of poetry, story, music, divine food, and of course, writing. There were provocative exercises and inspiring excursions. We were treated to guest performances and lively conversations beside a smoldering, peat fire. This carefully curated, exquisite container is made for an unforgettably rich experience. Already I long to return!”
—F. Buchanan
“This positive writing experience has been like no other for me. It has inspired me to have more confidence in my writing ability and new techniques to arouse my inner muse. The love and warmth of the other attendees are both still with me. Thanks to you all, I feel lucky and privileged to have crossed paths with you.”
—J. Larkin
Photo Gallery | Reflections from Bealtaine
Stone cross sculpture among large rocks on green grass, with ocean and hills in the background.
A wooden bench faces a body of water, framed by greenery and trees, with a rocky shoreline and distant trees visible.
A woman with curly red hair and sunglasses wearing a bright yellow jacket, and a man with a cap and dark jacket, stand by a glass railing overlooking a lake and mountains under partly cloudy skies.
A person standing on green grass near a body of water with hills in the background, wearing a hat and jacket, extending an arm outward.
A person with a backpack walking on a wooden boardwalk along a rocky shoreline with trees and shrubs in the background.
Two people sitting on a black leather couch in a sunlit room, holding notebooks, with a large window showing greenery outside.
Two elderly men playing musical instruments indoors. The man on the left is playing a violin, and the man on the right is playing a flute. They are seated on chairs in front of a wooden cabinet with a vase of yellow tulips and a mirror on top. The room has framed artwork on the wall and a mirror reflecting shelves.
A man playing an acoustic guitar while two women sit nearby on a living room couch, with a fireplace and a colorful landscape painting hanging above it.
Group of four women and a man sitting on a sofa by a fireplace, with the man playing an acoustic guitar in a cozy living room.
Owen
Group of people walking towards a white church with a tall steeple and black trim on a cloudy day.
Three smiling people posing together indoors, with a cross and religious icon in the background.
A woman with long blonde hair smiling and looking down, seated at a table with a flower vase with white and yellow flowers in the background.
Man wearing a black shirt standing inside a church near a large window with flowers and wooden decorations in the background.
A woman with blonde hair holding an open book or hymnal, standing inside a church near a stained glass window with a wooden cross-plant topped with green leaves and pink flowers behind her.
Smiling man with wet hair and wearing a black waterproof jacket standing in front of wet rocks and water.
A man playing an electric guitar inside a church with arched windows and stained glass, lit by natural light, with flowers and a candle nearby.
A man with dark hair wearing a black shirt, raising his right hand with one finger pointing up, standing in front of a window with white curtains and flowers behind him.
Two women sitting at a dining table inside a restaurant, enjoying a meal with scenic outdoor views through large glass windows behind them.
Two women sitting at a table with wine glasses and a plate of bread, smiling and enjoying a meal in a bright restaurant with large windows showing a sunny outdoor landscape.
Two women smiling, sitting indoors near a window with a plant and cross in the background.
A cozy desk area near a window with a lamp, open books, and a mug.