UL Creative Writing Spring Forward Writers’ Retreat

15 April 2026 | 10 min read

This year’s UL Creative Writing Spring Forward Writers’ Retreat was held in Hotel Doolin, March 23-26, hosted by Professor Sarah Moore Fitzgerald. The retreat is an immersive four-day experience designed to energise, support, and challenge writers at every stage of their creative journey. The retreat blends intensive writing time with expert-led workshops, masterclasses, and collaborative discussions, creating a dynamic environment where ideas can flourish and writing can deepen.

Fí Scarlett, international bestseller for her debut novel ‘Boys Don’t Cry’

This year our facilitation team was joined by poet and distinguished mentor, Robert Berold who gave online one-to-one feedback sessions to participants in advance of the retreat. Alongside key members of the UL Creative Writing team, we were delighted to bring Fí Scarlett, international bestseller for her debut novel ‘Boys Don’t Cry’, back to Doolin. Previous participant, editor and talented writer, Jennifer McMahon also joined the programme.

UL CW winter school and spring retreat events are key outreach programmes which introduce the wider writing community to the creative writing team at UL and provide accelerated mentoring, professional development and publishing advice for emerging and mid-career writers. Many of the previous participants have gone on to complete the UL Creative Writing MA. Very many previous participants have also gone on to achieve publishing success in the form of debut book deals including Colin Walsh, Amy Gaffney (aka Rosie Hannigan), Olivia Fitzsimons, Lauren McKenzie and Amanda Bell.

Professor Sarah Moore Fitzgerald, and two of our participants Madge O'Callaghan and Marie O'Halloran reading their work on the final night.

Event Overview

Each day is thoughtfully structured to balance craft development with sustained writing practice. Mornings begin with focused workshops on key elements of writing, such as finding your voice, harnessing the power of place, and exploring poetic expression, followed by guided writing sessions that allow participants to immediately apply new techniques. Afternoons build momentum through masterclasses and extended writing periods, giving writers the space and time to immerse themselves fully in their work.

Evenings offer a more reflective and communal atmosphere through salons, conversations, and an open mic event. These sessions encourage participants to share their goals, discuss creative processes, and showcase emerging work in a supportive and inspiring setting.

By the final day, the retreat culminates in a forward-looking evaluation and closing workshop, equipping participants with practical strategies to sustain their writing practice beyond the programme.

Overall, the Spring Forward Writers’ Retreat is a rich, collaborative experience that nurtures creativity, builds community, and empowers writers to move their work and themselves forward.