Writing Workshops & Retreats
Every workshop and retreat begins the same way — with a simple prompt, a pen, and a circle of people ready to explore what stories are waiting to be told.
These gatherings are for anyone who wants to write, whether you’re starting a memoir, finding your creative spark again, or simply curious about the stories you carry. Together, we write to prompts, listen to one another, and share encouragement in a kind and supportive space.
Our writing workshops and retreats take place in atmospheric venues that inspire creativity — from cozy kitchens by the sea and yoga centers under the Spanish sun, to quiet studios on islands off the coast of Maine or Martha’s Vineyard. Each location has its own magic, but the spirit is always the same: community, creativity, and the power of the prompt.
Join in.
If you’d like to hear about upcoming workshops, retreats, and creative gatherings, subscribe at the bottom of the page, or email Lara to chat.
UPCOMING
Workshops, retreats, and gatherings that celebrate creativity, community, and the written word.
Hooks & Reels – A Night with Anne Chambers
October 30th, 2025
Hooks & Reels - Samhain edition
This special Samhain edition of Hooks & Reels brings the spirit of Grace O’Malley back to Howth, featuring Anne Chambers and an evening of live music and true stories from local writers.
Part performance, part celebration — this beloved community night always sells out fast.
Howth Writing Retreat
October 27th – 30th, 2025
Be part of the Howth Samhain Festival and the magic of Hooks & Reels. Spend four mornings immersed in focused writing within a beautiful, historic coastal venue. Afternoons are yours to wander the pier, explore castle trails, or share stories over coffee with fellow writers.
After four days of writing and discovery, enjoy a special Hooks & Reels evening of story and song at the Abbey Tavern, Howth — a celebration of creativity and community to close the retreat.
Howth Writing Workshops
October 3rd – December 5th, 2025
Join a small, supportive group of writers around the table each week in the heart of Howth. Over ten weeks, you’ll explore prompts, develop your voice, and build creative confidence in a nurturing, laughter-filled setting overlooking the sea.
€400.
FULL – Waitlist open
Wellness Through Creative Writing
Sunday, November 9th, 2025
Dāha Wellness, Sutton Cross
A 3-hour workshop with Lara O’Brien, Founder of Howth Writing Workshops.
Discover the power of writing as a tool for self-expression, clarity, and wellbeing in this unique session. Lara will guide participants through:
• Gentle breathwork to ground and open creativity
• Encouraging prompts to explore your life story
• A supportive community space to share and connect
• Feedback that empowers and uplifts
€55 – no previous experience required.
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Writing & Yoga Retreat – Suryalila, Spain
March 28th – April 4th, 2026
A week of writing, yoga, and connection in Europe’s number one yoga retreat centre, nestled in the rolling hills of Cádiz. Each day combines gentle yoga and meditation with creative writing workshops led by Lara, designed to help you write your life story and reconnect with your creative self. Evenings bring nourishing meals, optional flamenco, cacao ceremonies, and the warmth of shared stories.
Now accepting deposits
Testimonials & Kind Words
“I am one of the many Katherines who attended your Women's writing workshop last Saturday - the one who lost her husband seven months ago - and I wanted to thank you for offering such an excellent workshop.
I found the Irish cultural center workshop more healing and encouraging than many of the therapy sessions I've been to in recent years and weeks, so thanks for providing such a warm and nurturing space.
I especially appreciated your excellent feedback on our writings - you really have a knack for picking out the best in everyone's work, and for encouraging folks to keep writing.” — Katherine Roth
“Lara, the whole process of your writing workshop has been a gift. In addition to finding freedom with words and expressions, developing community with stimulating discussion is always invaluable. Getting a broader perspective of life benefits all of us.
I appreciate how well you listen and analyze our writing. My writing and story are stronger from the workshops, thank you.” — Mark Davis
Lara is an integral part of the Martha’s Vineyard writing community. An enchanting writer herself, she generously devotes her time to supporting island non-profits with innovative writing based-programming. She’s a valued mentor to island students, both in school and out, and runs highly regarded workshops on memoir and personal essay-writing.
I know from my own happy experience as a workshop facilitator that Lara draws a group together and elicits their best work. Her warm, vibrant and joyful personality and her ability to forge immediate connections is a true asset to any group.” — Geraldine Brooks, Pulitzer Prize winner for fiction