A series of creative retreats for storytellers
All our 5 day workshops run from from 12 April – 22 May, plus a special 3-day artist workshop (8–10 June), choose your workshop and join us in a space, perfect for immersive, week-long workshops in storytelling — set in wild coastal nature.
Workshops include:
• Photography with Emilija Jefremova (Sigur Rós, Irish President) • Storytelling through Cinematography with multi-award-winning Jass Foley • Ancient Irish Mythology & Oral Storytelling with Candlelit Tales • Acting & Directing with Chris Edmund (coach to Hugh Jackman & Kate Walsh) • 3-Day Artist Workshop with Elizabeth Oglesby
Where you can stay...
Stay on site in cabins, domes, tents or camper vans — three meals a day included. Single or shared options available. A space for deep creative work, connection and renewal in one of Ireland’s most beautiful landscape.
Your Host
Wes O’ Duinn is our curator for the creative workshop series we are running from April to May this year. Wes has worked in film, TV and Theatre for over a decade. His credits range from acting in The Hobbit, Vikings and Fair City, to producing. Writing, directing and 1st Assistant Directing across a wide range of TV and Film productions, many of which can be seen on RTE, TG4, Amazon, Sky and Netflix. For questions about the courses contact Wes: westcorkacting@gmail.com
CINEMATOGRAPHY RETREAT with JASS FOLEY
“Everything a Cinematographer wants their collaborators to know”
12 -17th April
This 5 Day Cinematography Retreat with Jass Foley is aimed at Directors, Actors, Writers, Producers, budding Cinematographers & Filmmakers. This unique workshop will take participants through the whole collaborative process, from theory and best practice all the way to getting hands-on filming scenes.
Areas covered include: Film analysis and theory, script breakdown, equipment terminology and setup, lighting for film and documentaries, camera movement, the psychology of cinematography and putting practice into reality filming scenes as a group.
This is an essential workshop for anyone planning to make their own film and gain invaluable insights into cinematography from an award winning Director of Photography.
Jass Foley Bio:
Jass Foley is a Director of Photography / Cinematographer based in Dublin, Ireland.
Jass works in Feature Film and TV series for Netflix, RTE, TG4 and Virgin Media. Commercial work includes brands such as Disney, Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, SuperValu, Ryanair, Microsoft, Google, Mitsubishi, Skoda, Woodies, Homestore & More, Nissan and AIB.
His films have won awards at every major film festival in Ireland, including Galway Film Fleadh, DIFF, Cork International Film Festival, Foyle Film Festival, Richard Harris Film Festival, KIFF and Fastnet Film Festival. Jass has delivered illuminating cinematography workshops for over 10 years.
Equally comfortable on sound stage or in sideways rain on a mountain top, Jass has worked across every corner of Ireland as well as internationally in USA, Canada, UK, Italy, Germany, Qatar, Bulgaria, France, Holland, Switzerland, Kenya, Tanzania and Mozambique.
Winner of the Seamus McGarvey Award for Best Cinematography 2021, cinematographer of Oscar long-listed film “A White Horse” at the 2021 Academy Awards, member of the Irish Film & Television Academy. Cinematographer of “Horseshoe”, in cinemas December 2025, nominated in multiple categories at the 2026 IFTA awards.
Course Cost €750, we ask for a 20% non refundable deposit to hold your place on the course, you’ll be asked for the balance in a maximum of two following payments 30 days from the course start date.We will offer the same terms for the accommodation.
For accommodation options and prices : info@goleenharbour.ie
ACTING & DIRECTING with CHRIS EDMUND
21st – 25th April
Join Chris Edmund — acclaimed teacher to Hugh Jackman, writer and director — for an immersive week of acting, creativity, and collaboration in the stunning setting of Goleen Harbour.
This residential workshop offers actors the rare opportunity to step away from daily distractions and focus entirely on developing their craft and taking their acting to another level. During the week, participants will explore Chris’s distinctive acting process through detailed scene work and acting exercises designed to bring the actor fullyinto the present moment.
Kate Walsh (Greys Anatomy, Emily in Paris) commented after working with Chris:
‘Chris Edmund is a master in the craft of directing. He creates a safe container for actors to play, explore, & collaborate…gracefully & elegantly inviting us into the unknown, like a magnificent sculptor, until the characters, story & piece itself are discovered and revealed. Chris’ process felt pure, energizing & expansive.’
Actors will work with texts by Martin McDonagh, Brian Friel, and Anton Chekhov. The emphasis throughout is on truthful acting and deep creative freedom within a supportive, rigorous environment.
As a writer Chris has specialised in a unique process of developing major theatre works with actors and is an expert in leading actors in the development of their own work.
‘Society needs work such as Edmund’s, theatre that compels us to question what those in power are doing in our names’ Neville Cohn reviewing ‘The Butcher’s Dance.’
As part of the programme as well as focussing on existing texts, Chris will share his expertise in evolving new work.
In the current environment it is increasingly crucial that theatre artists extend the range of creativepossibilities available to them and Chris will inspire the creation of original scripts, both for theatre and film.
His published plays include:
The Devils Tunic, The Butcher’s Dance, Before I get Old. Coast, Bacon and Eggs.
Review of Bacon and Eggs:
‘I see up to six shows a week and while it’s rare to find a dud on the Sydney theatre scene, it’s just as rare to have an experience that is so odd and wonderful that I almost don’t want to share. BACON AND EGGS, the latest show at the Old Fitz Theatre, is this moment for me.’
All plays published and available for performance.
He was commissioned to write and direct the graduating play for The Gaiety School Dublin. The play ‘Dirty Laundry’ was performed at The Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin with great success.
In 2026 his short film ‘Repos’ which he wrote and directed has won several awards including the Best male Director Award at the Los Angeles Short Film Awards.
“There is not one job that I do when I’m not using one of the pearls of wisdom that Chris gave us.” – Hugh Jackman
Watch Hugh Jackman’s surprise reunion with Chris here
Course Cost €750, we ask for a 20% non refundable deposit to hold your place on the course, you’ll be asked for the balance in a maximum of two following payments 30 days from the course start date.We will offer the same terms for the accommodation.
For accommodation options and prices : info@goleenharbour.ie
STORY TELLING with CANDLELIT TALES
10th – 15th May
Candlelit Tales retreats stand apart by blending deep-rooted heritage with modern, effective story telling.
The team brings over a decade of performance experience, ensuring every session is not just educational, but also engaging, authentic, and unforgettable.
Unlock the power of story in a week-long immersive retreat. Join us for Storytelling Through the Lens of Ancient Irish Mythology with Candlelit Tales — a creative journey into narrative, myth and place inspired by Ireland’s rich storytelling traditions. Enjoy fireside storytelling circles or céilí’s that bring you into deeper connection with the stories, the group and the landscape around.
Set on the wild Atlantic coastline of West Cork, this transformational workshop blends mythic wisdom, embodied craft and guided exploration to help you deepen your own storytelling voice. Through practices rooted in ancient tales and imagination, you’ll connect more deeply with your inner storyteller, learn how to shape powerful narratives, and find creative inspiration in the land, sea and community around you.
We have accommodation options (tents, domes, cabins, camper vans). Three meals a day are included — it’s your time to slow down, explore, create, and tell stories that resonate.
Step into myth, story and imagination on the edge of the Atlantic.
Join Candlelit Tales for a week-long immersive storytelling retreat exploring ancient Irish mythology and the timeless craft of oral storytelling.
Set in wild coastal nature, this residential retreat invites you to slow down, reconnect with story, and deepen your own storytelling voice through myth, place and imagination.
Course Cost €750, we ask for a 20% non refundable deposit to hold your place on the course, you’ll be asked for the balance in a maximum of two following payments 30 days from the course start date.We will offer the same terms for the accommodation.
For accommodation options and prices : info@goleenharbour.ie
PHOTOGRAPHY with EMILIJA JEFREMOVA (EMJ Camera)
17th – 22nd May
Immerse yourself in a week of creative seeing and photographic exploration with internationally recognised visual artist Emilija Jefremova of EMJ Camera. With a career spanning music campaigns, high-end editorial, environmental portraiture and visual storytelling, Emilija’s work is guided by light, atmosphere, intuition and emotional resonance.
Her diverse body of work includes shooting for Sigur Rós, capturing portraits of the President of Ireland, documentary and arts commissions, and collaborations with leading cultural and creative organisations. Emilija’s images are distinctive for their lyrical quality, quiet power and depth of presence — and in this workshop she shares the tools, vision and practices that make that possible.
This residential photography workshop is designed for photographers who want to push their work beyond documentation into meaningful visual storytelling. Over six days of guided shooting sessions, creative prompts, group dialogue and personalised feedback, you’ll develop stronger compositional intuition, refine your approach to natural and available light, and find your voice alongside peers in an inspiring coastal setting.
Fully immersive residential experience — with a variety of accommodation options to suit different needs and budgets. Three meals a day included
Course Cost €750, we ask for a 20% non refundable deposit to hold your place on the course, you’ll be asked for the balance in a maximum of two following payments 30 days from the course start date.We will offer the same terms for the accommodation.
For accommodation options and prices : info@goleenharbour.ie
Painting Irish Landscapes & Nature Creation Workshop with Artist Elizabeth Oglesby
8th – 10th June
Escape to the breathtaking Goleen Harbour Eco Resort in West Cork and immerse yourself in a weekend of art, nature, and renewal. This relaxing and inspiring workshop invites you to reconnect with your creativity through painting Ireland’s Dramatic landscapes with acrylics and crafting dreamcatchers from found materials gathered around the resort.
Paint the Irish Landscape Express the beauty of Ireland’s coastline in acrylic paint with structured yet loose guidance that encourages both confidence and freedom. Follow step-by-step instruction or move intuitively at your own pace — perfect for beginners to intermediate artists, with a warm welcome to advanced participants who wish to delve deeper into their artistic voice.
Create Dreamcatchers from Nature Gather natural, found materials from the land to weave your own dreamcatcher, a mindful creative process that deepens your connection to the environment, your senses, and your inner calm.
About Your Instructor: Elizabeth Oglesby Based in Lahinch, Co. Clare, Elizabeth Oglesby is a dedicated artist and art educator with over 11 years of experience in teaching and creating visual art. Her recent work captures the dramatic seaside landscapes of Lahinch, reflecting both their familiarity and beauty. Elizabeth draws inspiration from pioneering female artists of the past, whose resilience continues to inspire her mission: to help others reconnect with themselves through art. Her teaching nurtures inclusive, encouraging spaces where self-expression and exploration flourish. Elizabeth’s dreamcatcher creations serve as a personal and spiritual practice — a reminder to loosen up, trust the process, and find calm and connection through life’s intricate webs.
A Relaxing & Restorative Experience Whether you seek peaceful solitude or a social, creative gathering, this workshop is your opportunity to slow down, breathe, and nurture both your artistic and emotional self.
Experience Level: Beginners • Intermediate • Advanced artists welcome • All materials included.
Expect: A weekend of creativity, relaxation, community, and authentic connection — to nature, art, and yourself.
Course Cost €450, we ask for a 20% non refundable deposit to hold your place on the course, you’ll be asked for the balance in a maximum of two following payments 30 days from the course start date.We will offer the same terms for the accommodation.
For accommodation options and prices : info@goleenharbour.ie
