Writing Workshops Dublin 2025
Writing Workshops Dublin with Christine Pride, Tawny Lara, and Alyssa Songsiridej brings together fiction and nonfiction writers for an intensive week of workshops, craft seminars, one-on-one conferences, and in-depth discussions on the craft and business of writing. Our program is intentionally small and will take place in the heart of literary Dublin.
Each fiction and nonfiction workshop will have no more than 10 participants each. All writers will submit two completed pieces of writing. One submission will be workshopped by your cohort and instructor and a second piece will be submitted for your one-on-one meeting with your workshop leader. Daily craft talks are open to all participants and led by program staff or faculty.
Our workshops are open to writers who want to strengthen their voice, develop a greater understanding of craft, and forge a path to publication along the way. We take your writing seriously and place the highest importance on teaching the craft of writing so that students can produce meaningful and memorable work that has the opportunity to find a readership beyond the workshop.
Since 2016, our mission has been to bring your writing out of the wilderness and into community, and for a week every May we think there is no better place for our workshop retreat than on Ireland’s east coast at the mouth of the River Liffey. Scroll down for more details!
Fáilte! Applications for our May 2025 Dublin workshops are now open and will close October 1st, 2024.
2025 Workshop Dates:
May 4th - May 9th, 2025
Though our admissions process is competitive and the quality of writing high, all interested writers are encouraged to apply.
2025 Dublin Workshop Faculty:
Lodging at Iveagh Garden Hotel
Immerse yourself in both comfort and inspiration for 6 days, 5 nights at Iveagh Garden Hotel. This 4-star hotel is an urban oasis just steps from Grafton Street and Iveagh Gardens. Opened in February 2018, it is one of the lowest carbon footprints of any Irish Hotel and is Europe's first fully sustainable hotel. Located in the heart of this vibrant city, the Iveagh Garden Hotel is one of the best Dublin hotels near all major attractions. Your own room and breakfast are included in your workshop tuition.
Class Size
Each fiction and nonfiction workshops will have no more than 10 participants each. All writers will submit two completed pieces of writing. One submission will be workshopped by your cohort and instructor and a second piece will be submitted for your one-on-one meeting with your workshop leader. Daily craft talks are open to all participants and led by program staff or faculty.
Workshop Schedule Overview
Sunday, May 4th, 2025
3:00PM: Hotel check-in begins.
5:00PM: Meet & Greet Happy Hour
6:00PM: Dinner
Monday, May 5th - Thursday, May 8th, 2025
Mornings: Breakfast served. Workshops and one-on-one instructor meetings.
Afternoons/Evenings: Optional craft seminar, led by faculty or staff. Optional mid-afternoon activity followed by dinner.
Friday, May 9th, 2025
8:00AM-9:00AM: Goodbye breakfast.
11:00AM: Final check-out at Iveagh Garden Hotel
Optional Afternoon Activities will be included throughout the week. Full schedule detailed below.
Workshop Schedule Detail, May 4th - May 9th, 2025
Included Optional Evening Activities
LITERARY PUB CRAWL (MONDAY)
Get a taste of literary Dublin by touring its pubs! The literary pub crawl will take us to many of Dublin’s most historic and famous pubs that were frequented by some of Ireland's most celebrated writers and literary figures, such as Joyce, Wilde, Behan and many more. During the tour, professional actors will share stories and anecdotes about the writers and their connection to the pubs, as well as the rich history of Dublin and Ireland. You'll also get to taste some of the city's famous beers and whiskies and perhaps even hear a bit of live Irish music. Dinner will take place beforehand at The Duke Pub, which is also the first stop on our pub crawl.
HISTORICAL WALKING TOUR (TUESDAY)
See the sites of Dublin with Historical Walking Tours of Dublin, the city’s longest-established walking tour. This two-hour walk will take you past all the major sites in Central Dublin, presented by a witty and entertaining guide. The walk will go rain or shine, so have an umbrella ready just in case…this is Ireland after all. After the walking tour we will head straight to dinner. Each cohort will go out to dinner separately.
VISIT TO HOWTH (WEDNESDAY)
Howth, a picturesque coastal village, captivates visitors with its stunning landscapes, rugged cliffs, and a bustling harbor. Steeped in literary history, Howth served as a muse for esteemed writers like W.B. Yeats and James Joyce, who found inspiration in its enchanting scenery and incorporated the village into their works, adding a touch of literary magic to this charming destination. A shuttle will pick us up from the hotel. When we arrive in Howth, you will have the option to either take a boat tour, or go for a hike. Both activities will proceed rain or shine. We will then reconvene as a group for dinner at Beshoffs Sea Grill, before heading back to Dublin.
ONE PAGE SALON (THURSDAY)
On our final night together we will gather in the Black Door Bar inside the Harcourt Hotel for a reading and toast starting at 3:45 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to read a one-page sample of their work, and it does not have to be something you workshopped. After the reading we will head across the street for one final dinner at Sophie’s Rooftop Restaurant.
Workshop Tuition
Workshop Tuition for the dates of May 4th - May 9th, 2025, is $3,495 and includes the following:
- Lodging in your own room at Iveagh Garden Hotel for 6 days, 5 nights
- Daily free Breakfast
- 4-day writing workshops in small groups of no more than 10 writers
- Critical feedback on two writing submissions
- Several craft of writing and/or business of writing seminars
- One-on-one conference with faculty
- Optional afternoon activities
- The time of your life
- Please Note: lunch and dinner are not included in the price of tuition.
- Payment Plans: accepted writers will have the option to pay their tuition in full or opt for a payment plan divided into equal monthly payments by selecting Affirm (for U.S. & Canadian residents) at checkout.
- FAQ at the bottom of this page.
3-Day Southwest Ireland Add-On, May 9 - 12, 2025
3-Day Southwest Ireland Add-On Activities, May 9 - 12, 2025
- Breakfast starts at the hotel at 7:00 a.m.
- Depart from the hotel at 8:30 a.m.
- Lunch in the town of Adare.
- Arrive at Dunloe Hotel & Gardens at approximately 2:00 p.m.
- Explore the 64-acre grounds of Dunloe, including Dunloe Castle, Dunloe Gardens, and optional activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, boating, fishing, swimming, and spa treatments.
- Breakfast starts at the hotel at 7:00 a.m.
- Depart from the hotel at 9:00 a.m. for a half-day tour of the Gap of Dunloe.
- The tour will include visits to Ross Castle, Lord Brandon’s Cottage, Kate Kearney’s Cottage, a boat ride across Lough Leane, and a horse and cart ride through the Gap of Dunloe.
- Return to the hotel around 1:30 for relaxation and continued exploration of the expansive grounds at Dunloe Hotel & Gardens.
- Dinner in the nearby town of Killarney.
- Breakfast starts at the hotel at 7:00 a.m.
- Depart from the hotel at 8:45 a.m. for a full-day tour of The Ring of Kerry.
- Our morning will include visits to: Killorglin, Dingle Bay, Caherciveen, Cahergal Ring Fort, Ballycarbery Castle and Valentia Island.
- Lunch in the fishing village of Portmagee.
- After lunch we will visit Kerry Cliffs, the Skellig Rock, Skelligs Chocolate Factory, McCarthy's Castle, and Waterville. On the ride home we will see Atlantic and Kenmare Bay views, Derrynane Harbour, Sneem village, Molls Gap, and the Lakes of Killarney.
- We will return to Dunloe Hotel & Gardens for dinner at the hotel.
- Breakfast starts at the hotel at 7:00 a.m.
- Depart from the hotel at 8:30 a.m. heading back to Dublin.
- Dropoff either at the airport or back in Central Dublin. We don’t recommend any flights that depart before 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.
Testimonials For Our Dublin Retreats
"Hands down the best workshop feedback I’ve ever received. I felt so lucky to be a part of this workshop and really enjoy the friendships I forged." - Ben H.
"For me, as a yet-unpublished writer, it was a great introduction to the world of workshopping. I felt comfortable sharing my stories with this helpful, diverse and dedicated group. And even though I'm daunted by the amount of work I have ahead of me, I'm inspired to start combining my stories into a memoir--something I hadn't considered before." -Sue P.
"This workshop exceeded my expectations. The classroom critiques and instructor one-on-ones were extremely helpful, the people were wonderful, and the atmosphere was inviting. It was an experience I'm so glad I didn't miss." - Carissa C.
Trip Leaders & Program Staff
Application & General FAQ
What is the application deadline?
Applications for our May 2025 Dublin Workshops are open and will close on October 1st, 2024. Early applications are encouraged.
What will my application include?
- Brief bio informing us of your involvement in the writing and literary community, as well as any prior or forthcoming publications. (250 words max)
- Purpose statement explaining why you would like to participate in Writing Workshops Dublin. You can also discuss current manuscripts or writing projects that you might choose to workshop. (500 words max.)
- Writing sample excerpt in fiction or nonfiction. This does not have to be published work, though that is acceptable, nor does it have to be a piece you plan to workshop. Complete works under the word count are not required; excerpts are acceptable. (Fiction/nonfiction: 5K words max).
- Applications are open. Click here to apply now.
When will I know if I've been accepted to the workshop?
We cap our workshop participation at 10 writers in each genre cohort (fiction and nonfiction) for the week. Our goal is to provide an intimate, rigorous workshop environment so that participants can come to Dublin and find meaningful connections and excellent feedback on their work. We will accept applicants on a rolling basis until each cohort is full and then begin waitlists. Due to the volume of applications and competitive acceptance, writers are encouraged to apply early. We employ a reading committee of professional writers and editors, and applicants will be notified after the application window closes.
How much does it cost?
Workshop Tuition for the dates of May 4th - May 9th, 2025, is $3,495. The cost of the 3-Day Southwest Ireland Add-On Activities from May 9 - 12, 2025, is an additional $2,295.
Are Payment Plans Available?
Yes. Accepted writers will have the option to pay their tuition in full or opt for a payment plan divided into equal monthly payments by selecting Affirm (for U.S. & Canadian residents) or Lay-Buy (for applicants inside or outside of North America) at checkout.
Are Scholarships Available?
Unfortunately, we do not have the ability to offer scholarships for this workshop. However, we do have payment plans available.
What does workshop tuition include for the dates of May 4th - May 9th, 2025?
- Lodging in your own room at Iveagh Garden Hotel for 6 days, 5 nights
- Free Breakfast
- 4-day writing workshops in small groups of no more than 10 writers, led by workshop faculty.
- Critical feedback on two writing submissions
- Several craft of writing and/or business of writing seminars
- One-on-one conference with faculty
- Optional afternoon activities
- The time of your life
- Please Note: lunch and dinner are not included in the price of tuition.
- Note: accepted writers will have the option to pay their tuition in full or opt for a payment plan divided into equal monthly payments by selecting Affirm (for U.S. & Canadian residents) at checkout.
What is your refund policy for the workshop in Dublin?
Given the intimate nature of our destination workshops and our own, non-refundable deposit schedule as organizers, our refund policy is as follows:
90+ days before your trip, tuition payment minus a $900 deposit is fully refundable.
60+ days before your trip: 50% of your tuition is refundable.
30+ days before your: 25% of your tuition is refundable.
Less than 30 days before your trip: no refunds can be offered.
Where is the hotel and workshop venue?
Immerse yourself in both comfort and inspiration for 6 days, 5 nights at Iveagh Garden Hotel. This 4-star hotel is an urban oasis just steps from Grafton Street and Iveagh Gardens. Opened in February 2018, it is one of the lowest carbon footprints of any Irish Hotel and is Europe's first fully sustainable hotel. Located in the heart of this vibrant city, the Iveagh Garden Hotel is one of the best Dublin hotels near all major attractions. Your own room and breakfast are included in your workshop tuition.
Optional Three-Day Add-On FAQ
Can I bring someone else along on the add-on trip?
Yes, the add-on is open to friends/partners of anyone attending the Writing Workshop.
If I bring a second person along on the add-on trip and we share a room, can we get a discount?
Yes, please let us know if you are interested in doing this and we can provide price and room details.
Can I bring my entire family along on the add-on trip?
Yes. Please let us know if you are interested in doing this and we can provide price and room details.
How much does the Optional 3-Day Dublin Trip Extension Cost for the dates of May 9 - 12, 2025 ?
**The cost of the 3-day add-on is an additional $2,295,which includes lodging for three nights at Dunloe Hotel & Gardens, aswell as transportation to the hotel and back to the airport at the end of the trip. Breakfast at Dunloe Hotel & Gardens is included in the price of the trip extension. However, the cost of lunch and dinner are not included.
Can I attend the add-on even if I don't attend the Writing Workshop?
No, the add-on is only open to attendees of the Writing Workshop and their guests.
What will you do with my email?
We respect your privacy. We will only use your email to send you information about Writing Workshops. We won't sell or rent your email to other organizations.
I have a question not answered here.
Please contact us and we’ll reply promptly. You can also Chat with us (lower left of your screen).
Terms & Conditions
WritingWorkshops.com reserves the right, at its discretion, to take appropriate action against any individual(s) or group(s) it believes do not meet the standards set forth in this Code of Conduct, including, without limitation, revoking the violating parties' admission without refund. During in-person sessions, WritingWorkshops.com expects all attendees to adhere to public health guidelines relevant to safety, hygiene, and any identified pandemic-level communicable illnesses (including COVID-19), such as social distancing, hand washing, staying home if feeling unwell, and other disease prevention measures. Should you observe or experience a violation of this Code of Conduct, please contact WritingWorkshops.com. WritingWorkshops.com is committed to assessing the situation and responding promptly. Notifying WritingWorkshops.com does not substitute for notifying local law enforcement of suspected violations of the law. All such suspicions should be reported to local authorities. For emergencies, dial the local emergency number immediately. For non-emergencies, local law enforcement contact details will be provided in the workshop materials. By registering for the workshop, participants agree to abide by these terms and contribute to a welcoming and productive environment for all.
By participating in the WritingWorkshops.com May 2025 In-Person Writing Workshop in Ireland for fiction and nonfiction writers, you waive all rights you may have to any claims for payment or royalties in connection with any use, exhibition, streaming, webcasting, televising, or other publication of these materials, regardless of the purpose or sponsoring of such use, exhibiting, broadcasting, webcasting, or other publication, irrespective of whether a fee for admission or sponsorship is charged. You also waive any right to inspect or approve any photo, video, or audio recording taken by WritingWorkshops.com or the person or entity designated to do so by WritingWorkshops.com. You have been fully informed of your consent, waiver of liability, and release before participating in the WritingWorkshops.com May 2025 In-Person Writing Workshop in Ireland. By registering for this workshop, you agree to these terms.