JUNE 15 – 21, 2027
A WRITER’S WALK IN THE WILDS OF IRELAND
Photos on this page courtesy Elliot Voilmy on Unsplash
JOIN US iN
JUNE 2027
Join Fourth Genre editors Joey Franklin & Patrick Madden after the NonfictioNOW Conference in Dublin, Ireland, for a six-day writing excursion around southern Ireland!
We have 14-spots available for folks who want to read, write, and walk in some of the most beautiful locations on the Emerald Isle.
Explore IRELAND
Stops will include a hike and cottage stay in Wicklow National Park, the English Market in Cork, a boat tour winding through Lough Leane, and a scenic walk through the Gap of Dunloe in Killarney National Park. Also a boat tour and walk along the Cliffs of Moher, and a final day in the Slieve Bloom Mountains for a walk among castle ruins. Each day will include inspirational readings, writing prompts, and opportunities to share your work.
READ, WRITE, & COLLABORATE
Travel with a hand-picked group of 16 writers led by Fourth Genre editors Joey Franklin and Patrick Madden. We’ll draw inspiration from our favorite writers, respond to prompts, write, share our work, and talk shop about the ins and outs of literary publishing.
DETAILS
ITINERARY
Tuition fees cover the following:
Room: 6 nights in a variety of hotels and guest houses.
Board: Most of your meals (a few meals you will be on your own. See full itinerary for more information).
Group transportation: from Trinity College, Dublin on Tuesday, June 15th, departing at 10 am, and returning to Dublin for our last night together on Sunday, June 20th. Participants depart Monday, June 21st.
Instruction: Daily writing prompts, readings, discussions and collaboration.
Entrance fees: Tickets for Gap of Dunloe boat tour, Cliffs of Moher vistor centre and Cliff boat tour.
Insurance: Basic emergency/liability insurance for the group.
Subscription: 1-year digital subscription to Fourth Genre
The following guided walks and activities are planned (subject to change)
Tuesday: Brays Head Coastal Walk (3-4 miles)
Wednesday: Wicklow National Forest (4-5 miles)
Thursday: City day in Cork, with Irish Pub experience
Friday: Gap of Dunloe in Killarney National Park (1.5 mile boat tour + 7 mile walk)
Saturday: Cliffs of Moher boat tour and cliff walk (0-2.5 miles)
Sunday: Slieve Bloom Mountains: Glinsk Castle Loop (4-5 miles)
Monday: Participants depart Dublin
FEE SCHEDULE*
Tuition: $1600-1800 per person, which covers transportation, room, most meals, guided walks, instruction, entrance & tour fees, and insurance. (Total to be determined in January 2027)
Deposit: $300 due: January 30, 2027 to hold your spot.
Remianing Payment: due March 15, 2027
*These totals are best estimates based on the current economic situation. Adjustments may be made to account for increased fuel prices or changes in exchange rate).
REFUNDS
Voluntary withdrawals (cancellations) are governed by the tiered refund policy stated in the Retreat Materials:
before March 15, 2027, tuition minus the $300 deposit (net tuition) is fully refundable;
before April 15, 2027, 50% of net tuition is refundable;
before May 15, 2027, 25% of net tuition is refundable;
after May 15, 2027, no refunds can be offered.
A LITTLE FINE PRINT
First, “A Writer’s Walk in the Wilds of Ireland” is a not-for-profit venture. All fees go directly to cover cost of executing the program. The organizers (Joey & Pat) have gone to great lengths to keep expenses down while offering a one-of-a-kind, immersive wilderness writing experience.
Second, this is not a luxury experience. Our goal is to walk and write and talk and think and create. We won’t stay anywhere that’s not rated at least an 8.0 on Booking.com, but we anticipate simple, rather than fancy accommodations.
Third, Joey and Pat are NOT professional tour guides. We are both first-aid certified, and collectively we have nearly two years experience leading study abroad and writing groups in Ireland, the UK, and Spain, but this is an amateur venture. Each participant will be asked to sign a liability waiver, and is expected to take responsibility for their health and safety during the trip.
Fourth, This is a private venture and is not sponsored by Michigan State University Press, Brigham Young University, or the NonfictioNOW conference.
Read the full PARTICIPANT CODE OF CONDUCT AND LIABILITY RELEASE here.
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JOIN US IN IRELAND!
PRIORITY DEADLINE IS JANUARY 30, 2027