for the bard in you

Residentials & Retreats

I will arise and go now,
And go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there,
Of clay and wattles made;
Nine bean rows will I have there,
A hive for the honey bee,
And live alone in the bee-loud glade.
The Lake Isle of Innisfree, WB Yeats

/|\

Bardic Retreat on Bardsey Island
(Ynys Enlli, the Isle of Currents. NW Wales)

A peaceful and inspiring week on a magical island.

Reconnect with the Awen, replenish your well, and share an enchanting time of Bardism, sunsets, seascapes, and strolls.

The Isle of Twenty Thousand Saints has been thought of as a sacred place for centuries. The splendid ruins of a 13th Augustinian Abbey can still be seen on the island. Three trips to it in medieval times was the equivalent to one trip to Rome. Yet like many sites on the Celtic Thresholds, it is a crossing point of Christian and Pagan. The island is one of the contenders for Afallach, the Isle of Apples (with its very own variety) where Arthur went to heal his wounds. Merlin himself is said to sleep there still, guarding the legendary 13 Treasures of Britain.  The island has a square lighthouse, charming farm buildings, a bird observatory and a wealth of rare birds, seals, dolphins, porpoises, black cattle and inquisitive sheep! The locals are friendly too!

/|\

Bardic Retreat on Iona

There is an indescribable atmosphere in Iona as if a 'Presence' dwells in the hallowed soil of the tiny island which has been washed by the waters of prayer down through the ages. Hallowed and blessed by St. Columba and countless Christians for about 1,400 years, as well as by those who were there long before St. Columba, is it any wonder that an aura of spiritual peace surrounds the island (The Miracle Hunters, G&S Sandwith, 1959).

Come to the Isle of Dreams for a week of relaxation, rejuvernation & inspiration. Be close to nature: enjoy stunning coastal scenery, sunsets and stars. Explore the sacred island of the Druids, Culdees and St Columba.

Each morning there will be an optional activity: guided tour, workshops in creative writing, drama & storytelling.

Each afternoon will be yours to do with what you will: wander, wonder, read, write, rest, etc

Each evening there will be a communal meal (rota) followed by a talk on Lost Islands, Bardic Ceilidh or freetime.

Optional trip to Finghal’s Cave

Accomodation in self-catering cottage with stunning views.

Fee: To be confirmed, includes travel from Oban and 6 nights self-catering accom.

Led by Kevan Manwaring MA, storyteller and author of Lost Islands, The Bardic Handbook, The Long Woman and others.

Bardic Retreat on Lundy Island

A peaceful and inspiring week on a magical island.

Reconnect with the Awen, replenish your well, and share an enchanting time of Bardism, sunsets, seascapes, and strolls.

Lundy Islands is a liminal place, a tiny island in the mouth of the Severn, it has a number of quirky properties owned by the Landmark Trust, a village shop and pub - but most of all its the sense of being away from everything. Wildlife, stunning coastal scenery everywhere you look, legends, stars, peace, headspace.
Lundy Island, (‘puffin island’ or alternatively the ‘angled place) is said to at the  exact right angle on a line due west from Stonehenge and due south from the Isle of Man. The remains of an unusual stone circle has been discovered, the Lundy Egg by Robin Heath.

We’ll be sailling on the SS Oldenbury from Ilfracombe or Bideford. Accomodation will be in either the bunkhouse or on the campsite, depending on weather. This will effect the price. Self-catering, packed lunch for daytime ramble, communal evening meals.

Days will consist of a morning workshop, followed by a picnic lunch (depending on weather), free afternoons for writing, outdoor pursuits, relaxation, etc, and evenings sharing the treasures discovered or created by day: stories, poems, lore & songs.

________________________________________________________
For further information Contact here