Be restored and inspired...
Our immersive five-night catered art and nature retreats will restore and inspire you through guided en plein air and studio drawing and painting, to nourish and develop your skills, your creativity and yourself.
Connecting with nature on Glenalla Estate is a holistic experience. The House is secluded in 300 acres of ancient native forest and hills, a few miles from rugged sea scapes and the many golden beaches of the Wild Atlantic Way. Enjoy your own room with a view at historic Glenalla House which has welcomed artists for centuries.
Our intention is to nurture your creativity and enrich your journey as an artist – providing a supportive context for you whatever your experience level and preferred medium. So relax, explore and focus on your own art and wellbeing.
Upcoming retreats
Thu, 24 AprGlenalla House, Glenalla, Rathmullan, Co. Donegal, Republic of Ireland, F92 R6F8Be surrounded by a myriad of burgeoning fresh greens as the hidden forest glows in the spring light. Specimen rhododendrons and azaleas will be flowering throughout the estate.
Thu, 24 OctGlenalla House, Glenalla, Rathmullan, Co. Donegal, Republic of Ireland, F92 R6F8Make the most of the glorious seasonal forest colour changes, whilst secluded within our hidden forest, while still warm enough for en plein air creativity, woodland walks and wild swimming. Please register your interest and we'll be in touch with more details.
Scheduled for 2025
Summer Retreats
Thursday 5 – Tuesday 10 June
Thursday 10 – Tuesday 15 July
Autumn Retreats
Thursday 25 – Tuesday 30 September
Thursday 16 – Tuesday 21 October
More details available soon. Contact us to register your interest.
Why choose our Hidden Forest Retreat?
Our intention is to nurture and nourish you during your stay, providing a sustainable focus and environment in which your creativity and self care can evolve and thrive on this unique private estate in a beautiful Donegal setting.
Nurture your creativity
Daily inspiration over five days of guided drawing and painting, with a thoughtfully curated schedule, optimising the diverse natural en plein air opportunities on our doorstep. These include: foraged garden and woodland botanics, perfect sit spots, mark making glades and view points with land and sea scapes, stone arch, streams, waterfall and neolithic standing stones. Local excursions can include Fanad Lighthouse, spectacular sea arch, beaches and historic buildings. If impossibly wet our Old Laundry Studio is set up with all materials and equipment necessary for life and still life guided sessions with an experienced life model. Our tea time optional reflective review provides an opportunity to share your creative daily journey.
Reconnect with nature
Immerse yourself in the hidden forest’s leafy woodland trails and hill hikes. Try full forest immersion with a 2hr forest bathing session (shinrin yoku) - mindfulness in the forest, drawing on all your senses to fully connect with nature.
Nourish body and soul
Be nourished by home made breakfast, lunch, tea and dinner with produce from our organic kitchen garden. Explore Ramelton’s local artisan deli and dinner at chef Fergus’ own Tapas restaurant, try Donegal craft gin, local Kinegar beer and perhaps a medicinal Guiness. Other self care activities include yoga and wild swimming in our natural pool or local beach, to energise you before breakfast. Evening massage and facials may be booked ahead at additional cost.
Artist Experiences
“The choice of the en plein air sites was wonderful; I found the 5 days went so quickly, the house, the woods, the garden, so special – an ideal location for art retreats. The forest bathing a wonderful addition.”
GERALDINE
“Our group of strangers to each other jelled so easily, it was fun getting to know new friends and feel instantly at home”
GINA
“It was unique, I loved it, a beautiful week. The quality and kindness, the rooms and bathrooms like a palace, the food was excellent and healthy from the garden.”
MARIE
“… and into the forest I go to lose my mind and find my soul...”
John Muir, 1880s
Get in touch
Glenalla House, Rathmullan, Letterkenny, Donegal, Republic of Ireland, F92 R6F8