Capture the Castle
A Magical Adventure in Ireland
August 16th – 23rd, 2024
Join us on a magical adventure as we capture our very own castle in the heart of the Irish Countryside! Known for its lush green landscapes, quaint seaside villages and stunning scenery we can’t think of a better place to get inspired!
Explore coastal towns and charming villages, shop bustling historic markets and experience the wild Atlantic way with towering cliffs, spellbinding bays and mystical islands.
Along the way, we’ll lead you through creative prompts as we take time to gather inspiration from the beautiful places we visit. Our talented guest artist Cathy Nichols has designed custom workshops just for us from Woodland Magic Mixed Media Collages to her gorgeous signature Florals with a Celtic twist!
This journey is for anyone looking to explore their creative side and all of our activities and workshops are for beginners and seasoned artists alike! No Art experience necessary!
Our adventure begins in the heart of the countryside, set amongst rolling green hills and backdrop to castles, idyllic towns and farmsteads, not to mention a fairy ring or two!
Step into history as we settle into our very own 13th-century Castle nestled on our own private oasis with over 200 hundred wooded acres. Our charming hosts will give us a private tour of this magnificent estate, from medieval towers to ancient relics, secret stone courtyards to the surrounding forest, there is something to explore around every corner!
Our journey continues to vibrant coastal cities like Cork, where we’ll explore the historic English Market awash with colorful vendors, the picturesque seaside town of Kinsale with its colorful buildings and delectable food scene, to the eclectic village of Dingle famous for its local artisans!
No journey to Ireland would be complete without a visit to the stunning Wild Atlantic way! Behind every bend on this magical coastal road, a new delight awaits. Enchanting villages dot its dramatic coastline, and we’ll journey the Slea Head, one of Ireland’s most scenic roads, featuring the dramatic cliffs, beaches, and bays Ireland is known for!
If you’ve been looking to take some time for yourself to reconnect and explore your creative side with an awesome group of women, consider this your invitation!
Why should you join us?
Umm..when are you going to get the chance to stay at your very own Castle?!
This is truly the adventure of a lifetime, and with all the hustle and bustle of everyday life (not to mention these uber-stressful times we’re living in), you deserve to take some space for yourself. That’s right! Not the kids, family or your job, but something just for you!
So buckle up buttercup cause we’re offering an adventure to reset and explore your best self.. It’s more than a retreat, it’s an experience, so let’s loosen up, get inspired, and above all have fun!
Come Wander with us!
A peek into our adventure!
Where we’ll be staying
We went all out and booked our very own Castle!
Nestled on an enchanting 200 acres, surrounded by lush gardens and serene landscapes, the castle provides the perfect setting to unwind and recharge!
Steeped in history and dating back to the year 1280 with over 700 years of family history, this property has long been a draw for poets and artists, including the famed Fitzgeralds!
“One of the delights of staying at Springfield Castle grounds is the seclusion and tranquility offered by the surrounding forest. Fields of quietly grazing deer and acres of woodland walks tempting you to explore. When you drive in through the gates, and up the three-quarter mile-long tree-lined avenue, you will feel the magic of entering a different world”
Featuring walled gardens, farm-to-fork meals harvested from the estate itself, along with a sauna and spa, this is the perfect place to relax and soak it all in!
Make sure to check out the slideshow below for more pictures of this beautiful venue!
Let’s Talk Food
“Our food philosophy at Springfield is simple, we only use fresh, local seasonal produce. We use the seasons as our guide for the dishes we create.”
In a region known for its local produce and farms, we’ll truly get a taste of the countryside with a menu that showcases the finest local produce and traditional recipes passed down through generations.
Enjoy classic Irish dishes, fresh seasonal salads harvested from the castle gardens, homemade pies & desserts, all topped off with an Irish coffee, yes please!
Meet our Guest Artist
Meet Cathy Nichols!
Cathy is known for her dreamy mixed media pieces featuring layers of pattern, color, and beautiful imagery. Published author, oracle deck creator, and founder of the Joy of Painting Club, Cathy is the queen of creative pursuits!
Cathy has created some really special classes just for us from her signature florals to mixed media pieces inspired by the castle and its surrounding woodlands!
A lifelong teacher, Cathy can’t wait to share her creative magic with a new group of ladies!
Meet our Featured Local Artist
Meet Emily Thompson! An award-winning textile artist who specializes in needle felting, Emily’s work features the breathtaking landscapes, flora, and fauna of her native Ireland.
“The process of felting is one of the oldest forms of textile art, which involves the matting together of woolen fibers in order to create a cloth. Having studied as a painter, I employ the techniques and theories of painting while creating what I call ‘wool paintings.’ My wool is locally sourced, washed, dyed, and carded by myself and transformed into works of art.”
A Word From Your Host
Hi Everyone! Cassie here, founder of Wandering Women Retreats and art and travel lover!
I can’t tell you how excited I am to share Ireland with an awesome group of gals! With over a decade of experience in the travel industry and as a professional artist, it’s been a long-time dream to merge the two and offer unforgettable journeys that both nurture your creative side and immerse you in local culture.
I’ve cooked up a seriously dreamy itinerary that has a taste of it all! We’ll not only be visiting different towns and villages throughout the Emerald Isle but with creative workshops, amazing day trips, and a culture steeped in history this retreat is chock full of inspiration!
So join me on a magical adventure in Ireland!
Our Itinerary
Day 1: Friday, August 16th – Arrival, Opening Celebration & Welcome Dinner
Arrival in Ireland. Group transportation from the airport to the Castle will be provided. Settle in, get refreshed and in the evening, meet us for a special opening celebration and candle-lit welcome dinner.
Day 2: Saturday, August 17th – Nature Walk, Woodland Magic Workshop, Forest Picnic, A Night of traditional Irish Music & Dancing
After a delicious homemade breakfast, we’ll head out into the surrounding forest to gather inspiration. Explore among 400-year-old trees, winding paths, and trails. After gathering our forest finds we’ll settle into our first creative workshop!
Mushrooms, Fairies, and woodland creatures oh my! The possibilities are endless and Cathy will go over all the basics of creating mixed media pieces, from collage elements, to mark-making, layers, patterns, and more as we create pieces that celebrate woodland magic!
We’ll break for a picnic lunch among the trees, after we’ll continue working on our forest masterpieces. In the evening join us for a special night of traditional Irish music and dancing!
Hosted inside the estate’s Medieval tower this fun night will feature traditional Irish trad dancers and musicians for a truly unforgettable night . Learn a few steps of your own, enjoy the Guinness on tap, and dance the night away!
Day 3: Sunday, August 18th – Day trip to Dingle, Art Gallery Visit, Artisan Shops, Slea Head Scenic Drive, Coumeenoole Beach, Louis Mulcahy Pottery
After another scrumptious breakfast, we’ll head off on a journey to the quaint seaside village of Dingle. Set upon the rugged coast and home to eclectic artisan shops, this area has a long history of talented artisans, not to mention stunning scenery!
We’ll stop into Dingle Artworks featuring colorful paintings by local artist June McIntyre, before setting you loose to explore!
Enjoy free time in this enchanting town, shop local handcrafted goods, and grab a bite to eat at one of the many pubs & fun seaside lunch spots! After Lunch, our adventure continues along the famed Slea Head drive, known for its rugged coast and dramatic cliffs. We’ll stop in at one of its most scenic beaches for a chance to soak it all in.
Our journey continues to the studio and shop of famed pottery artist Louis Muculhay. Described as “the godfather of craft” his work features handmade glazes, high-quality stoneware, and porcelain designs. Distinctively Irish, his work reflects the magnificent scale and wonderful colors of the surrounding landscapes and countryside.
Day 4: Monday, August 19th – Celtic Florals Workshop, Garden Tour and Foraging, Cooking Demo, Irish Storytelling Night
After breakfast, we’ll dive into another creative workshop. Taking inspiration from the beautiful florals of this region, Cathy will go over techniques for creating her signature florals with a Celtic twist!
After creating, we’ll weave our way through the garden with a tour and help from the on-site chef as we forage for ingredients! Enjoy a cooking demo featuring our garden ingredients followed by lunch as we enjoy the fruits of our labor.
In the evening, join us for another scrumptious chef-prepared dinner. After our meal, we have a special treat with a visit from a local Irish storyteller. Circle around the fireside for some delicious desserts and cocktails as we listen to ancient mystic tales!
Day 5: Tuesday, August 20th – Day trip to Cork, English Historic Market, Kinsale Village Visit, Walking & Artisan Food Tour
Join us for a day of culinary delights as we celebrate this region’s local makers and producers with a visit to both Cork and Kinsale. Our adventure begins in the vibrant city of Cork with a visit to the historic English Market.
We’ll weave our way through the market, enjoying the different vendors with free time to explore all this wonderful market has to offer. Our Journey continues to the picturesque town of Kinsale, a coastal medieval town known for its whimsical colorful buildings and amazing food scene!
Savor the cuisine of Ireland with a private custom food and a walking tour by Kinsale Food Tours. Featured in publications from National Geographic to the Irish Times, we are in good hands!
Our food tour will feature four tantalizing stops, each highlighting a different local producer. Traverse your way from appetizers to a delectable main course to dessert and even tasty cocktails as we enjoy a four-course traveling meal. Meet local makers and go behind the scenes for a one-of-a-kind taste of it all!
Day 6: Wednesday, August 21st – Local Artist Visit and Demo, Archery & Games, Food Truck Night, PJ Art Party
After another delicious breakfast, we’ll have a special visit and demo from local artist Emily Thompson. An award-winning textile artist who specializes in needle felting, Emily will share the process of how she creates her pieces, from sourcing and dyeing her own wool to creating beautiful compositions that celebrate her Irish Heritage. Following her artist talk and demo, we’ll have the opportunity to shop her private collection and take home a one-of-a-kind piece.
We’ll break for a scrumptious lunch, and after, it’s game time! Let your inner Katniss/Irish Warrior out with different games the estate is known for from archery to badminton or boules, it’s bound to be a rip-roaring good time!
Join us at the golden hour for a fun dinner food truck style. Enjoy fresh veggie skewers, lamb asada, and more with a fun menu served from our very own private food truck!
In the evening, it’s time to put on your cutest PJs cause it’s art meets slumber party up in here! Enjoy fun art games, sip hot cocoa, and enjoy the artsy shenanigans in our gothic parlor and lounge!
Day 7: Thursday, August 22nd – Mixed Media Castle Workshop, Free Time, Queen of the Castle Photoshoot, Medieval Banquet & Costume Night, Closing Celebration & Dinner
We’ll start our day on a colorful note with our last creative session. Create whimsical mixed-media castles for the perfect keepsakes of our journey. We’ll be creating on wood panels and everyone will leave with a masterpiece ready to hang!
Enjoy free time to wander the estate and soak it all in one more time. Explore the forest, go for a dip in the hot tub, or cozy up in one of the many drawing rooms and salons.
At the golden hour, it’s dress-up time with a special Queen of the Castle photoshoot! Bring out your inner medieval queen, with the beautiful castle as the backdrop these photos are sure to be epic! We’ll have both individual portraits and fun group shots for memories that will last a lifetime.
In the evening, join us for a special closing celebration followed by a Medieval Banquet and Costume night! Enjoy a feast like the queens and kings of yesteryear and learn about the period costumes of this time as we dress up for another one-of-a-kind meal!
Day 8: Friday, August 23rd – Breakfast & Departure
We’ll share one last opening circle and breakfast together before departing for the airport. Remember to stay in touch with your new creative besties, and we hope you Wander with Us on our next adventure!
PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS OUR PROSPECTIVE ITINERARY. SMALL CHANGES MAY BE MADE DUE TO WEATHER, DESIRES OF THE GROUP, AND UNEXPECTED OPPORTUNITIES
(such as spontaneous adventures, can we say heck ya?!)
Spots are limited! Our retreats aren’t just about the wonderful things we’ll see and do but about building relationships, that’s why we like to keep our groups small and intimate. This enables us to travel like a local and have an inside look at all the region has to offer! This retreat is limited to 12 guests.
THIS ALL-INCLUSIVE EXPERIENCE INCLUDES:
- 8 days & 7 nights accommodations at a private Castle
- One Group Airport Transfer to and from Shannon Airport on arrival & departure day
- Private transportation to and from all destinations/activities
- Intimate group limited to 8-14 women
- Tips for our guides, drivers
- All inclusive meal plan featuring daily chef-prepared farm to fork meals ( Full Irish breakfasts, Lunches, and Dinners)
- Castle Tour and Nature Walk
- Forest Picnic
- Day Trip to Dingle
- Art Gallery Visit
- Scenic Slea Head Drive with stops and visit to Coumeenoole Beach
- Louis Mulcahy Pottery Studio Visit and Shopping
- Garden Foraging and Cooking Class
- Day Trip to Cork
- Visit to the historic English Market
- Visit to Kinsale
- Walking and four-course Artisan Food Tour
- Local Artist Visit with Wool Felting Demo
- Irish Storytelling Night with cocktails and dessert
- Traditional Irish Music and Dancing Night
- Medieval Banquet and Costume Night
- Food Truck Night
- PJ Slumber Art Party
- Private Photographer, Queen of the Castle Photo Shoot including group shots and individual portraits and Album
- Three Creative Workshops! Woodland Magic, Celtic Florals, and Mixed Media Castles with guest artist Cathy Nichols
- Daily Art Exercises and journaling prompts to get your creative juices flowing!
Sweet Extras
A private Facebook Group so you can get to know your fellow 
A curated bag of goodies, aka the most amazing swag bag ever, including art and local finds!
A Dedicated on-site host to make sure you have the most amazing time ever!
This is a Wandering Women Luxe Retreat!
* This is a Wandering Women all-inclusive LUXE retreat! Luxury accommodations, daily chef-prepared meals, along with a private photographer and professional photo album are included in addition to our amazing itinerary and day trips!
This Castle Has a Variety of Room Categories to Choose From
Luxury Suite with Private Bathroom $5925
Deluxe Room with Private Bathroom $5725
Deluxe Room with Shared Bathroom $5525
Classic Twin Shared Room with Shared Bathroom $5325
(Airfare not included)
A $1000 Non-Refundable deposit is required to hold your spot balance due by March 1st, 2024
What our retreaters are saying
Say What?! Testimonials from our fellow Wandering Women
Something I will remember for the rest of my life!
“What a spectacular trip! I knew it sounded good on paper, but the real-life version was more than I could have ever imagined. Thank you for all the hard work you put into making this retreat something I will remember for the rest of my life”
Jocelyn K
The trip of a lifetime!
“ Wandering Women put together a fabulous venue, a great mixture of workshops, tours & amazing food. The friendships I made only sweetened the whole experience. If you’re on the fence, don’t be! Treat yourself – we’re all so worth it! “
Jill V.
Unique & Unforgettable!
“This retreat was the perfect blend of adventure, rest, and creativity. The luxe experience with activities that were off the beaten path made it unique and unforgettable.”
Molly D.
WHAT ISN’T COVERED IN THE COST?
- Airfare from your hometown to Ireland
- Travelers Insurance (required for this retreat)
- Any extra tours, meals, or excursions that you choose during your free time if you choose to go.
- Alcohol and specialty drinks outside of those provided in the retreat package.
- Transportation & lodging outside of the retreat dates, should you choose to arrive early or stay later in Ireland
- Anything you buy in the markets or on various outings.
Faq’s
Book with Confidence – A note about Covid 19
We have a great team in place that is monitoring the global pandemic and travel advisories on a daily basis. In the event we need to cancel the retreat due to Covid 19, retreat participants will be offered the option of moving funds to a rescheduled departure date . We are also requiring all participants to get a travel insurance policy.We want you to feel fully comfortable and confident when booking that you are covered!
* Please note that we will NOT be refunding cancellations for any reason, including if you yourself contract COVID before the retreat and can not attend. Due to the planning, logistics & upfront costs of these events, we have a strict no-refund policy regardless of circumstance. We are requiring retreaters to get trip insurance for this very reason, trust us the peace of mind alone is worth it!
View our Terms and Conditions here.
Absolutely! All of our workshops and activities are for beginners and experienced artists alike!! We’ll provide you with creative prompts, but you will be at your own pace, and it’s completely up to you how you’d like to use your art journal and creative time.
The remaining balance after deposit is due on or before March 1st, 2024. We will send a payment link the month before so you can complete payment.
Yes, a travel insurance policy is required in order for you to attend the retreat. Trust us, it’s worth it! Stumped on what policy to choose? Don’t worry we got you, our welcome packet has info on trip insurance and more!
That is completely up to you and depends on how much shopping you plan to do. ATMs are available to you and credit cards are taken at most major retailers.
This retreat has a mix of single private rooms and shared rooms which will be given out on a first come, first served basis. In the event you are traveling solo and book a shared room, we will do our best to pair you up with someone we think you’ll match well with. Cute Story: I met one of my besties on an art retreat where we shared a room! Little did we know we only lived 20 minutes apart, and we have been inseparable ever since!
Ireland is famous for its farm-to-fork fresh cuisine, local meat, produce, and excellent farm cheeses. We will be having a variety of meals all featuring the best local ingredients.
We really want to give you a taste of the country through its food, in most cases we will have vegetarian options but unfortunately severely restrictive diets and other food sensitivities can not be accommodated.
We have arranged group transportation to and from Shannon International Airport on arrival and departure day.
When booking your flight, please fly into Shannon International Airport (SNN). We recommend booking your flights at least 90 days before the beginning of the retreat.
Weather in Ireland will be pleasantly crisp during the days, with temperatures ranging in the low 70s and high 60s. Evenings can cool down, and we’d recommend packing layers and a light jacket or cardigan. Ireland is lush and green, and that means rain, so be prepared for the occasional sprinkle with a light rain jacket and small umbrella!
Ireland is best explored on foot. There will be lots of cobblestone streets, so opt for comfortable shoes, sneakers, or sandals. For our day trips, we’ll spend most of the day outdoors. Plan outfits that will work for exploring but also some fun outfits for our evening dinners. Layers are always a great idea!
The last thing we want is you having to lug a ton of supplies around, so we’ll send a minimal list of art supplies such as your favorite brushes, art journal and watercolor set! We’ll also include a simple packing list and tips a couple of months before the retreat.
We also recommend that you bring an extra bag (a collapsible duffel or tote works great) to bring home your goodies you have collected on our shopping trips. This region is known for its artisans, so trust us, you’ll want the extra room to take back your one-of-a-kind finds! The temperatures will vary, so don’t forget layers, pack a bathing suit, sweater, and a light jacket!
It is your responsibility to be up to date on what the visa requirements are for entering the country.
Due to liability and that occasionally alcohol is served at our venues or during our activities participants must be 21 or older.
One of our main goals is to lift up our fellow female creatives! When we set out to create Wandering Women Retreats we thought about all the wonderful female artisans around the world. What’s going on in their studio, what inspires them and how can we be inspired in return? Each of our retreats highlight a different woman artist with visits to her workspace and talks about her journey and creative process.
From floral foragers to textile designers to mixed media painters we strive to spotlight a diverse group of female artisans. On each of our retreat pages, you’ll find a bio for our featured female artist for that particular trip.
Still have questions? We got you! Visit our FAQ page.
Interested in a custom retreat for you and your tribe? We can create custom private retreats for your group that are tailored to your interests. Unique experiences, boutique accommodations and off the beaten path locations are our speciality! Reach out through our contact page for more info!
Come Wander with Us!
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