Your story deserves the perfect setting
Discover connection, creativity, community, and your own voice.
At A Novel Idea, we craft experiences that inspire, heal, and help bring your stories to life. And when we become WordTravelers, we find stories everywhere. With the enthusiasm of a beginner’s mind and master-level craft instruction, ANI has perfected the art of finding the person who will finally tell your story: you.
Join us. Let’s tell your story.
Clifden, Ireland
October 19-24, 2025
$4,890*
* 10% Early Registration discount
Includes:
- 5 nights at Abbeyglen Castle Hotel
- Breakfast each morning
- 5 Course dinner each evening
- Champagne welcome
- WordTravels Curriculum, author visits, activities, snacks, and incredible surprises!
- Prepare to be delighted
- Excludes flights, transfer
- We are able to assist with transfer from major airports or train stations. Reach out to Kristen for coordination.
Optional 2-night add-on to West Cork
- Bioluminescent Kayak trip on Lough Hyne
- Secret Cinema in Bantry
-Travel down Wild Atlantic Way
- Stop to visit the famous Donkeys and Match-Maker of Lisdoonvarna
- Travel by car with Kristen or Joe Murphy. Spaces limited to 3 per car
Join us for a truly transformative experience at Abbeyglen Castle Hotel in Clifden, Connemara, Ireland.
Bring a piece of writing you’re already working on, or just bring your heart. But don’t come hoping to land a big publishing deal or an agent. ANI’s WordTravels ain’t that kind of writing retreat. We are a group of thinkers, seekers, and heart-led creatives who may write 5,000 words a day, or not one single letter. We might just as soon paint or draw today, ortake a walk in the breathing, living, waking world, as write. We know that living a life worth writing about is just as important as putting words on the page. And we also know our days are precious, our time is prioritized, and our communities are our very lifeblood.
WordTravels in the Castle: Sample Schedule
Morning
7:30 - 8:30 (Optional) Morning Wellness Activity
Wake up with warm tea and a gentle morning tai-chi practice. Salute the sun and greet the morning
8:30 - 9:30 Breakfast
Enjoy a warm scone, beautiful jams, seasonal fruits, local cheeses, or a bowl of homemade granola and yogurt. You may also choose a hot breakfast, if you’d prefer. Fresh teas and coffee as well as juices.
9:30 AM – 12:00 PM | Morning Workshop: Writing and Craft
Topic: Story Shapes
Led by one of ANI’s expert guides, this session dives deep into creating complex, believable characters working within a story framework. Interactive discussions and exercises focus on fleshing out motivations, desires, and conflicts.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM | Group Lunch
A communal meal, with a warm soup or stew, freshly baked bread, and salad, served in the dining room. Enjoy nourishing food and stimulating conversations with fellow writers.
1:00 PM – 3:30 PM | Solo Writing Time / Optional Mentoring
Retreat to a quiet space within the house, or find a serene outdoor spot to continue working on your project ANI guides are available for one-on-one mentoring sessions during this time to provide feedback or answer questions.
3:30 PM – 4:30 PM | Afternoon Tea with Local Author Visit
Enjoy a delightful tea service with light snacks, including shortbread biscuits, fruit, and tea or coffee. During this time, a local author visits to discuss their work, the creative process, and how the rich culture and landscape of the location have influenced their writing. This informal session offers inspiration and a chance for participants to engage in meaningful dialogue with a seasoned writer.
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM | Optional Outdoor Activity
Join a guided walk through the gardens, forest bathing among the thick woods, or a paddle on the lake. All outdoor activities are offered by an engaging guide, who will share stories about the location and landscape. Or, you might choose to return to your project with new inspiration.
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM | Five Course Dinner
Join fellow participants in AbbeyGlen Castle’s restraunt for a beautiful meal and lively entertainment from the hotel’s owner. Experience the warmth of local hospitality and traditional dishes.
7:30 PM – 9:00 PM | Evening Reflections and Creative Sharing with Optional Creative Activity
The group gathers fireside for an optional, relaxed session where participants can read aloud a piece they’ve written during the day, share creative ideas, or simply enjoy a glass of wine while discussing the day’s work.
To enhance the evening, there will be a special creative event, such as:
Secret Cinema: A surprise screening of an inspiring film related to creativity or storytelling, with discussions afterward.
Irish Storyteller: A visit from a traditional Irish seanchaí (storyteller), who will weave tales of myth and legend, offering a unique cultural experience.
Musician visit: A visit to the house by a local singer, band, or musician, provides a relaxed, joyous atmosphere to end the day.
9:00 PM | Personal Time / Rest
Wind down for the evening at your own pace. Some may choose to write more, while others enjoy a quiet night reading or reflecting on the day’s progress.