Ireland Writing Retreat participants enjoy a special Celtic legend coastal walk with guide, Seamus Doohan.
Not that such an idea hadn’t been done before. Poet partners, Janice Fitzpatrick Simmons and her late departed husband, James, had done so many years previous, setting up a ‘Poet’s House’ in a refurbished cottage at Clonbarra, outside Falcarragh.
Rose Sweeney teaches future members of the ‘Riverdance’ cast the basic ‘sevens’ of Irish ceilidhe dancing.
County Librarian and Divisional Manager of Cultural Services, Eileen Burgess, a keen supporter of our idea, issued warnings: “It’s a wonderful project but there’s simply no money in the kitty. You’d pretty much be on your own.”
Washington-based triple book author and former CNN editor, John DeDakis, enjoys a leisurely trip on ‘The Cricket’ to Gola Island with other writing retreat participants.
Of course, wisdom told us to delay until better economic times were upon us. But passion drove us forward, screaming, ‘tempus fugit.’ We swayed for a while between the two.
Guest speakers at the Ireland Writing Retreat held at Teac Jack, Gaoth Dobhair. (l to r) Singer-songwriter-guitarist, Ian Smith; Mark Gregory, forensic editor; actor/director Murray Learmont.
Imagine where it could go with a bit of financial support – but perhaps only if it’s located in one of the aforementioned counties.
Plot, character, suspense – (l to r) Authors John DeDakis and Anthony Quinn discuss the challenging task of writing novels.
But committed locals also loaned their weight enthusiastically to the endeavor – actor and drama group director, Murray Learmont, guided participants on improving their public reading skills; singer-songwriter-guitarist, Ian Smith granted insights into the challenging task of lyric writing; Rose Sweeney taught participants their ‘sevens’ in preparation for a ceilidhe in the backroom of the popular Glassagh venue; Pól Ó Muireasáin gave an enlightening tour of Gola Island; and Seamus Doohan led participants on a Celtic legend coastal walk – all of which was grist to the mill for writers’ creativity.
Eddie, the uncrowned King of Gola Island (in blue) with walking guide, Pol O’Muiresean, (r) talk about life on the west Donegal island many years ago.
Sean Hillen 
This is refreshing. I’m delighted to hear of the success of your writing retreat. In my opinion public funding breeds dependency and laziness. It creates a mindset of lack and lack prevents growth.
I’m traveling back from the states right now, having spent the last week among the worlds leading business coaches, public speakers, writers and entrepreneurs. Literally loading myself with all the skills, knowledge and expertise to build my business independently, and to make a difference in my world, your world, our world.
Dinner at mine soon. I’d love to discuss how I can help to spread the word for future retreats.
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Hi there, I just wanted to mention I love reading your blogs. I have relations from generations past who come from the area and am interested to find out anout my greatgrandmother’s twin sister, killed as achild in a fall from a cliff on Gola. Records are no longer available ans wondered if Eddie, the king of Gola may have some information on this. I have put together a semi fictional story on the event. Since I heard the story from an aunt many years ago it has haunted me. I am happy to share it if you are interested.Thanks once more for the great writings and information you share that helps me feel linked to my history. Marcia r
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