TELLER OF TALES RETREAT
A Creative Retreat in Ireland
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October 27th - November 1st 2025
County Louth, Republic of Ireland
"Let us go forth, the teller of tales...
and seize whatever prey the heart long for, and have no fear. Everything exists, everything is true, and the earth is only a little dust under our feet.”
STORYTELLING
THROUGH THE LENS
an invitation to reconnect
with the storyteller inside you.
Who is this retreat for?
This retreat is designed for photographers, muses, and visual creatives who feel drawn to storytelling, those curious minds who want to dive deeper not just through words, but through the power of imagery, atmosphere and emotion. This is an invitation
Why Ireland?
Ireland has always been a land of storytellers — where tales are carried in song, poetry, craft, and tradition. Here, stories aren’t just told — they’re lived, felt, and passed down through generations in ways that are deeply human and unforgettable.
What can you expect?
For five magical nights, we’ll gather in a beautiful 17th-century castle tucked away in the heart of the Irish countryside to explore what it truly means to tell a story with your camera. We’ll explore the art of visual storytelling — how we communicate, connect, and create meaning through image, symbol, and atmosphere. Each carefully designed experience is crafted to awaken your perspective and inspire your work on a soul level. From thoughtfully led workshops, photoshoot opportunities & devoted time to explore your craft, to hands-on experiences in historic and culturally rich settings, everything is intended to help you see with fresh eyes and create with intention.
Whether you’re looking to find your creative voice, reconnect with your “why,” or simply step outside the noise of everyday life, this retreat offers space to slow down, refocus, and be inspired by the world around you.
our lodgings....
Barmeath Castle
Barmeath Castle stands proudly on the sheltered slopes of a wooded hillside in County Louth, looking out over the park to the mountains of the Cooley Peninsula and a wide panorama of the Irish sea.
The Bellew family was banished to Connacht by Cromwell but acquired the Barmeath estate in settlement of an unpaid bill. The medieval tower house was twice remodelled and extended, and was subsequently crenellated in the neo-Norman style. The extensive rococo pleasure grounds were designed by the visionary architect, Thomas Wright of Durham, and include an ornamental lake, a rustic bridge, an archery ground and an unusually large walled garden.
Reputedly Queen Maeve established a camp at Barmeath before her legendary cattle raid, which culminated in the capture the Brown Bull of Cooley, as recounted in the famous epic poem, The Tain. Indeed the name Barmeath is said to derive from the Gaelic Bearna Mheabh or Maeve’s Pass.
Where You'll Be Staying
Barmeath Castle Guest House
Set in Dunleer and only 10 km from Monasterboice, Barmeath Castle Guest House offers accommodation with mountain views, free WiFi and free private parking. With lake views, this accommodation provides a patio. The property is non-smoking and is located 16 km from Jumping Church of Kildemock. The spacious holiday home with a terrace and sea views as well as accesst to castle grounds, lake, nature walks. The lodging has 5 bedrooms, 2 living rooms, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, and 4 bathrooms with a bath. Towels and bed linen are offered in the holiday home. The property has an outdoor dining area.
Ireland's Ancient East
Barmeath Castle lies within the borders of the ancient Boyne Valley. The Boyne Valley, Birthplace of Ireland’s Ancient East, is a place steeped in history. Combined with its lush green landscape and magnificent waterways, fantastic food and drink, outdoor adventures and cultural gems, this wealth of heritage makes it a really special destination. The Boyne Valley is located in the North East of Ireland just 20 minutes north of Dublin International airport. It extends across all of Co Meath and the southern region of Co Louth
details about the accommodation
2700 sqft.
1 room with a large King bed with ensuite
1 room with 2 ensuitebeds
3 rooms with double beds, 1 unsuite
2 bathrooms
1 bunk bed room suitable for children
Main hall with dining room and Sofas
Mezzanine morning room.
Mezzanine Library
Private Outdoor space, with seating for 12 at back of the house.
Luggage room/storage roomLaundry room
Front mini-court yard which is private to guests
**please note due to accommodation layouts, some attendees may be required to share a bed**
ACTIVITIES
- click on each photo to discover more -
INVESTMENT
Investment total: $3,000 USD
This retreat is all-inclusive and covers the following:
Included in your fee:
- Transport from the Dublin airport to the castle
- 5 night stay at beautiful Barmeath Castle in County Louth, Ireland
- Transportation throughout the event
- 3 Meals a day
- Tour & history talk of Trohanny Cottage: an 18th century traditional Irish thatched cottage with photo session opportunity
- A 2 hour An Gobha Forge & Ironworks Experience
- Photo session opportunity with Irish wolfhound, Eire, & adornments from Celtic Isles Silver
- An Irish folklore & mythology workshop/talk given by Heather Wildflower (@heather.wildflower)
Meet Your Co-Host
HEATHER FOX - CO HOST + PHOTOGRAPHER
(@FOXINTHEFELLS)
Hello!
My name is Heather and I’m a photographer and illustrator who loves tucking myself away in all the quiet, beautiful corners of this world.
One of my favorite things about being a self portrait photographer is the opportunity it allows for me to disconnect from the busy world and reconnect with nature. Sitting in the warmth of the sunshine, listening to the birds chirp and rustle in the trees, twirling through wildflowers as the bees buzz lazily- it’s in this stillness that I often find clarity, inspiration, and a deeper connection to the world.
Co-hosting a photography retreat with Courtney in Ireland is an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in the country’s stunning landscapes while capturing its natural beauty through the lens. Together, we’ll guide you through creative sessions, offering space for inspiration, discovery, and quiet reflection in the heart of Ireland’s serene countryside. I cannot wait to share this magical experience with you all!
Meet Your Host
COURTNEY FOX - HOST + PHOTOGRAPHER
(@THEFOXANDTHEIVY)
Hi, I’m Courtney! — a photographer and visual storyteller with a love for all things nostalgic, cinematic, and a little bit magical.
I’m drawn to images that feel like they belong to another time — soft light, real emotions immersed in the wild & wonderful nature around us, and moments that tell a story without saying a word. Over the years, I’ve worked with fellow creatives, dreamers, and artists to capture not just how something looks, but how it feels.
Hosting this retreat in Ireland feels like bringing everything I love into one space: creativity, connection, folklore, and storytelling — all in a place that feels wildly inspiring. My hope is that you leave this experience not just with beautiful photos, but with a deeper sense of purpose and possibility in your work.
Along with Heather, we can't wait to have memorable adventures, quiet moments, to create something unforgettable together.
PACKING LIST
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Lots of layers - layering up will help you stay cool and/or warm when you need it so ensure you have things you can put on & take off easily!
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A waterproof rain jacket - you never know what the weather in Ireland is going to bring
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Warm wool layer - it can get very damp (the kind that sticks to your bones) in Ireland so definitely bring nice warm layer
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Hiking boots - we may be hiking in lots of muddy, slippy, rocky locations so a good pair of boots is essential!
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Universal travel adapter - this is essential, especially if you're traveling from North America. This will allow you to plug in your various chargers & tech gear. I have one linked here but there are loads to choose from!
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Gear - Camera, camera batteries, battery chargers, SD cards and lenses, hard drives (for image storage) & your laptop
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Camera bag and/or duffel bag - you'll definitely want a secure bag for your camera & lenses, you may also want to bring a foldable duffel bag to carry wardrobe/outfit changes
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Personal care essentials - water bottle, pain medications, sun cream
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Euros - feel bring to bring some euros with you as there will be several pop up shops at our excursion where you will have opportunities to buy artisan items (you may need to exchange your country of origin's currency at the airport)
Application Process
If this experience speaks to you & you'd like to attend, we would love to hear from you! Just fill out the short application form below — this helps us get to know you, your creative background, and what you're hoping to get out of the retreat.
There are 8 spots available for this retreat, and applications are open now through August 1st 2025.
Once you submit, you can expect to hear back within 1–2 weeks. If you're accepted, you’ll receive a contract and invoice, and once those are completed, your spot will officially be reserved.
Can’t wait to learn more about you and your work!