TELLER OF TALES RETREAT
A Creative Retreat in Ireland
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October 27th - November 1st 2025
County Meath, 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 quaint 17th-century thatched stone cottage 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.
What we'll get up to...
A mix of creative adventure, connection, and intentional rest:
- Stay in a cozy 17th-century converted Irish cottage for 5 nights
- Daily photography sessions focused on storytelling and emotion
- A visit to An Gobha’s forge to craft your own Iron Age pendant
- Tea, scones & a tour of a traditional thatched Irish cottage with a historically-inspired photoshoot on the cottage grounds
- Portrait sessions featuring Irish wolfhounds + ancient-style jewelry in collaboration shoot with Celtic Isles Silver
- Folklore & mythology talk with storyteller Heather Wildflower
- Creative circles and photography workshops
- Free time for editing, exploring, or simply soaking in the landscape
- Group dinners, music, and cozy fireside evenings
our lodgings....
Connell's
Cottage
A unique thatched cottage awaits us in the heart of Ireland's Ancient East. Nestled amongst the hills & dales of the Boyne Valley, our accommodation lies in the tranquil little village of Duleek with views of the village green & St. Mary's Abbey.
In the mornings, we can enjoy coffee & breakfast in the common room or if the weather is nice, out in the patio garden. Then after spending our days exploring the Boyne Valley & capturing some magical photography moments, we can enjoy cooking together while sharing stories & highlights of the day in the well-appointed kitchen which overlooks the garden & has views of St. Mary’s Abbey.
As the night wears on, we can retire to the parlor & cozy up with cups of tea on a traditional rocking chair by the warm cast iron stove & enjoy each other's company.
Where You'll Be Staying
Connell's Cottage, Duleek
For several generations the Connell family have lived in Connell’s House (hence the name). Mr and Mrs Connell raised their family of eight children in the cottage and two of them still reside in Duleek today. Jim Connell (a bachelor) was the last family member to live here and when he passed away the cottage fell into disrepair, until the restoration began in 2015.
The thatched roof was removed in the 1960’s and covered with corrugated iron, which was common practice throughout Ireland at the time. The original cottage consisted of three rooms, two downstairs and one upstairs, with an open hearth fire place. However, as the family expanded the first floor of the Barn was converted into a bedroom with a connecting doorway. A typical flat roof extension was added in the 1950’s, which housed a bathroom and scullery. This extension was demolished during the restoration and the doorway in to the Barn was bricked up, to create to two holiday homes.
Connell’s House & Barn is only 5 minutes from junction 8 on the M1 motorway, providing easy access to Dublin airport and other motorway routes around the island.
Dublin Airport 30 mins by car
Dublin City 40 mins by car Belfast City 90 minutes by car
Newgrange (Brú na Boinne) 10 mins by car
Battle of the Boyne 10 mins by car Laytown and Bettystown Beach 15 mins car
details about the accommodation
Connell’s House can accommodate up to 10 guests in 4 bedroom with 3 bathrooms.
BEDROOM 1 – Ground floor with king size bed and adjacent bathroom (shower over bath).
BEDROOM 2 – First floor with super king or twin bed arrangement and shared en-suite shower room.
BEDROOM 3 – First floor with super king or twin bed arrangement and shared en-suite shower room.
BEDROOM 4 – First floor with twin beds and en-suite shower room.
Please note guests have the option of superking or twin beds in Bedroom 2 and Bedroom 3.
There are also have 2 foldaway beds suitable for adults that can be placed in Bedroom 1 or alternatively, they can be made up in Bedroom 2. Bedroom 3 and 4 cannot accommodate foldaway beds.
**please note due to accommodation layouts, attendees may be required to share a bed & sleep multiple people to 1 room**
ammenities
Ireland's Ancient East
Connell's Cottage 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
ACTIVITIES
- click on each photo to discover more -
TENTATIVE AGENDA
(subject to change depending on group needs)
Day 1 (Oct 27th) – Arrival
• Airport pick ups & guest arrivals in the afternoon (check in 16:00 or later)
• Settle into rooms, welcome circle, tour of accommodation & evening village walk
• Cozy group dinner & intro to the retreat flow
Day 2 (Oct 28th) – Forge & Folklore
• Slow morning & breakfast chat
• Visit An Gobha’s forge for storytelling & crafting pendants
• Hill of Slane photo opportunity - ghostly, ethereal portraits (candles, cloaks)
• Late afternoon/evening photography opportunity/workshop in Duleek Village (St. Mary's Abbey)
Day 3 (Oct 29th) – Cottagecore & Scones
• Visit to Trohanny Cottage to tour the 18th-century thatched cottage & grounds
• Tea & scones, followed by cottage photoshoot
• Visit to Loughcrew Ancient Cairns & Cailleach's Chair for Irish folklore photo session
• Optional editing session or creative downtime
Day 4 (Oct 30th) – Wolfhounds & Warrior Muses
• Irish wolfhound portrait session styled with ancient-inspired jewelry by Celtic Isles Silver (location TBD)
• Late afternoon/evening sunset photo opportunity at Clogherhead Cliff Walk & Beach
• Dinner & downtime for editing/chatting in evening
Day 5 (Oct 31st) – Storytelling & Samhain
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Morning: Photography & modeling workshop with creative time (posing, light, direction)
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Afternoon: Visit ancient castles and abbey ruins for photo opportunities (Trim Castle & Bective Abbey)
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Evening: Fireside storytelling experience + workshop with Heather Wildflower
Day 6 (Nov 1st) – Creative Reflections & Farewells
• Morning reflections and photo share
• Farewell breakfast & hugs before departure
*Check out of Accommodation prior to 11:00 AM*
photo locations.
INVESTMENT
Investment total: $2,000 USD
* payment plans available *
This retreat is all-inclusive and covers the following:
Included in your fee:
- Transport from the Dublin airport to the lodging
- 5 night stay at a cozy & quaint thatched cottage in County Meath, 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)
~ fee does not include transportation/flights to Ireland ~
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)
Frequently asked questions
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. Applying in no way commits you to this experience so if you change your mind, no worries :)
There are 8 spots available for this retreat, and applications are open now through September 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!