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Writing Workshops Dublin 2024

Writing Workshops Dublin with Amber Sparks, Ethan Joella, and Elissa Bassist brings together fiction and nonfiction writers for an intensive week of workshops, craft seminars, one-on-one conferences, and in-depth discussions on the craft and business of writing. Our program is intentionally small and will take place in the heart of literary Dublin.


Each fiction and nonfiction workshop will have no more than 10 participants each. All writers will submit two completed pieces of writing. One submission will be workshopped by your cohort and instructor and a second piece will be submitted for your one-on-one meeting with your workshop leader. Daily craft talks are open to all participants and led by program staff or faculty.


Our workshops are open to writers who want to strengthen their voice, develop a greater understanding of craft, and forge a path to publication along the way. We take your writing seriously and place the highest importance on teaching the craft of writing so that students can produce meaningful and memorable work that has the opportunity to find a readership beyond the workshop.


Our mission is to bring your writing out of the wilderness and into community, and for a week every April we think there is no better place for our workshop retreat than on Ireland’s east coast at the mouth of the River Liffey. Scroll down for more details!

Fáilte! Applications for our April 2024 Dublin workshops are now closed.


2024 Workshop Dates:


April 28 - May 3, 2024



Though our admissions process is competitive and the quality of writing high, all interested writers are encouraged to apply.


2024 Dublin Workshop Faculty:


Fiction Instructor Amber Sparks is the author of an upcoming novel, Happy People Don’t Live Here, an upcoming short story collection, Did Parents In the Middle Ages Love Their Children? (both from Liveright/W.W. Norton), and four collections of short fiction, including And I Do Not Forgive You: Revenges and other Stories and The Unfinished World. Her fiction and essays have appeared in American Short Fiction, the Paris Review, Slate, Tin House, Granta, The Cut and elsewhere. She lives in Washington, DC, with her husband, daughter, and two cats. Learn more about Amber here.

Fiction Instructor Ethan Joella is the author of A Little Hope, which was a Read with Jenna Bonus Selection on the TODAY show, A Quiet Life, and The Same Bright Stars (all from Scribner books). He lives in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, with his wife and two daughters and teaches English and psychology at the University of Delaware.Learn more about Ethan here.

Nonfiction Instructor Elissa Bassist is the editor of the “Funny Women” column on The Rumpus and the author of the award-deserving memoir Hysterical (Hachette Books). As a founding contributor to The Rumpus, she’s written cultural and personal criticism since the website launched in 2009, and her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Marie Claire, Creative Nonfiction, NewYorker.com, LATimes.com, GMA.com, The Cut, and more, including the bestselling anthology Not That Bad: Dispatches from Rape Culture,edited by Roxane Gay. Elissa teaches writing at The New School, 92NY,and elsewhere, and she is probably her therapist’s favorite.

Learn more about Elissa here.

Lodging at Iveagh Garden Hotel

Immerse yourself in both comfort and inspiration for 6 days, 5 nights at Iveagh Garden Hotel. This 4-star hotel is an urban oasis just steps from Grafton Street and Iveagh Gardens. Opened in February 2018, it is one of the lowest carbon footprints of any Irish Hotel and is Europe's first fully sustainable hotel. Located in the heart of this vibrant city, the Iveagh Garden Hotel is one of the best Dublin hotels near all major attractions. Your own room and breakfast are included in your workshop tuition.

Class Size

Each fiction and nonfiction workshops will have no more than 10 participants each. All writers will submit two completed pieces of writing. One submission will be workshopped by your cohort and instructor and a second piece will be submitted for your one-on-one meeting with your workshop leader. Daily craft talks are open to all participants and led by program staff or faculty.

Workshop Schedule Overview


Sunday, April 28th, 2024

3:00PM: Hotel check-in begins.

5:00PM: Meet & Greet Happy Hour

6:30PM: Dinner


Monday, April 29th - Thursday, May 2nd, 2024

Mornings: Breakfast served. Workshops and one-on-one instructor meetings.

Afternoons/Evenings: Optional craft seminar, led by faculty or staff. Optional mid-afternoon activity followed by dinner.


Friday, May 3rd, 2024

8:00AM-9:00AM: Goodbye breakfast.

11:00AM: Final check-out at Iveagh Garden Hotel


Optional Afternoon Activities will be included throughout the week. Full schedule detailed below.


Note: Optional 2-Day Southwest Ireland Add-On dates are May 3rd - 5th, 2024.


Workshop Schedule Detail, April 28 - May 3, 2024

(exact start times of events may change slightly, a finalized schedule will be sent out a few weeks before the workshop)

Workshop Tuition

Workshop Tuition for the dates of April 28 - May 3, 2024, is $3,395 and includes the following:

  • Lodging in your own room at Iveagh Garden Hotel for 6 days, 5 nights
  • Daily free Breakfast
  • 4-day writing workshops in small groups of no more than 10 writers
  • Critical feedback on two writing submissions
  • Several craft of writing and/or business of writing seminars
  • One-on-one conference with faculty
  • Optional afternoon activities
  • The time of your life
  • Please Note: lunch and dinner are not included in the price of tuition.
  • Payment Plans: accepted writers will have the option to pay their tuition in full or opt for a payment plan divided into equal monthly payments by selecting Affirm (for U.S. & Canadian residents) at checkout.
  • FAQ at the bottom of this page.

2-Day Southwest Ireland Add-On,  May 3 - 5, 2024

After breakfast on Friday morning we will depart for a drive to the Southwest of Ireland. Our destination: 

The idyllic Dunloe Hotel & Gardens, a prestigious 5-star haven nestled in the countryside outside Killarney. Here, lunch becomes a culinary delight in the lap of luxury. The day unfolds with exploration of the expansive 64-acre estate, where Dunloe Castle and the picturesque Dunloe Gardens beckon. As the possibilities unfold, indulge in optional activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, boating, fishing, swimming, and spa treatments. The day crescendos with a venture into the vibrant town of Killarney for dinner, capping off an extraordinary day.

Saturday promises a delightful beginning with a scrumptious breakfast at the hotel, setting the tone for an enchanting full-day exploration of The Ring of Kerry. Our journey will be led by local guides giving an insider's perspective, revealing the beauty of the countryside in a way only a native can.

Our first stop is Killorglin, famed for the unique Puck Fair—a 400-year-old pagan-rooted festival where a crowned mountain goat oversees three days of revelry. Continuing along Dingle Bay, we reach Caherciveen, home to the historic Cahergal Ring Fort and Ballycarbery Castle. A scenic ferry ride transports us to Valentia Island, once a pivotal communication hub. Explore the quaint fishing village of Portmagee for lunch, then ascend Kerry Cliffs and drive the Skellig Ring, famous for Star Wars scenes at Skellig Rock. Visit the Skelligs Chocolate Factory, McCarthy's Castle, and Charlie Chaplin's cherished Waterville. Admire Atlantic and Kenmare Bay views, explore Derrynane Harbour, Sneem village, Molls Gap, and the Lakes of Killarney before returning to the Dunloe Hotel & Spa for dinner.

On Sunday morning we will have breakfast at the hotel before heading back into Dublin. Dropoff at the airport is available but if you are flying out on Sunday we don’t recommend any flights that depart before 5:00 p.m.

**The cost of the 2-day add-on is an additional $1,495, which includes lodging for two nights at Dunloe Hotel & Gardens, as well as transportation to the hotel and back to the airport at the end of the trip. Breakfast at Dunloe Hotel & Gardens is included in the price of the trip extension. However, the cost of lunch and dinner are not included.

2-Day Southwest Ireland Add-On Activities, May 3 - 5, 2024

Friday, May 3rd, 2024
-Breakfast starts at the hotel at 7:00 a.m.
-Depart from the hotel at 8:30 a.m.
-Arrive at Dunloe Hotel & Gardens at approximately 12:30 p.m. 

Lunch
-Explore the 64-acre grounds of Dunloe, including Dunloe Castle, Dunloe Gardens, and optional activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, boating, fishing, swimming, and spa treatments.
-Dinner in the nearby town of Killarney.

Saturday, May 4th, 2024
-Breakfast starts at the hotel at 7:00 a.m.
-Depart from the hotel at 8:45 a.m. for a full-day tour of The Ring of Kerry.
-Our morning will include visits to: Killorglin, Dingle Bay, Caherciveen, Cahergal Ring Fort, Ballycarbery Castle and Valentia Island.
-Lunch in the fishing village of Portmagee.
-After lunch we will visit Kerry Cliffs, the Skellig Rock, Skelligs Chocolate Factory, McCarthy's Castle, and Waterville. On the ride home we will see Atlantic and Kenmare Bay views, Derrynane Harbour, Sneem village, Molls Gap, and the Lakes of Killarney.
-We will return to Dunloe Hotel & Gardens for dinner at the hotel.

Sunday, May 5th, 2024
-Breakfast starts at the hotel at 7:00 a.m.
-Depart from the hotel at 8:30 a.m. heading back to Dublin.
-Drop off either at the airport or back in Central Dublin. -We don’t recommend any flights that depart before 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Testimonials For Our Dublin Retreats

"There's not enough words to fully describe how amazing this workshop retreat was for me. Between the instructors, the city, the feedback, and the writing -- I was in writerly heaven. I'm so thankful for the opportunity to experience it, because it's something I will remember forever." -Jade E.

"The combination of high-caliber writers and exciting locations is what drew me in. I had no idea just how life changing my time in Dublin would be. I came home with lasting friendships, meaningful memories and thoughtful suggestions to improve my work in progress. I'd recommend these workshops to any writer." -Carol D.

"When I applied for Writing Workshops Dublin, I was hoping for an inspirational experience to revitalize my writing. The workshop completely exceeded my expectations, not only because of the transformative feedback I received in the workshop but also because of the friendships I came away with. While rigorous and intensive, the week was also relaxing and full of fun, exactly what I needed to come back to my writing with energy. Thank you for such a wonderful experience! " - Alexa D.

"As someone new to writing non-fiction, I found the Dublin Workshop to be extremely helpful. Not only did I get thorough and helpful feedback on my own work, but the general group discussions on writing and publishing were very informative. Dublin also provided a perfect literary backdrop for the workshop, and the schedule - with a combination of workshop time, one-on-one time with the instructor, free time, and excursions - was perfect. I will definitely do another workshop in the future!" -Dana Z.

"Writing Workshops Dublin is wonderful in every way. Blake and Mike thought through the details of workshops, craft talks, one-on-ones, tours followed by dinners, the hotel’s location, and probably more that happened behind the scenes. They are gracious, generous, and funny! The workshop facilitators, Stuart and Diana, are personable and generous with their knowledge and experience. The other writers are now friends and writing buddies. I left Dublin full of happy memories and with a stronger vision for my novel-in-progress. Thank you for an outstanding week!" -Jenn G.

"Writing Workshops Dublin was far and beyond the best workshop I've attended in a very long time. The city of Dublin was the perfect place to home in on my current projects with a group of talented, dedicated writers. The workshop instructors were the best I've worked with. I will never forget what I gained during that short week, and will keep in touch with so many of the people I met. Thank you for an incredible experience!" -Anne H.

"I arrived in Dublin for the Writing Workshop a little uncertain about how it was going to work. It was my first time in a nonfiction workshop, and I only knew one other person. The experience exceeded my expectations: the meticulous planning and organization, the participants, and particularly, the instructors. Diana Spechler (my nonfiction workshop instructor) was a joy: straight-forward, knowledgeable, supportive and accessible. I left with a solid sense of how to approach my nonfiction work, but more importantly, I greatly appreciated Diana's support of my work in general. I would recommend the Writing Workshop in Dublin to anyone who wants to combine a week of exploration, history, new friends, and terrific instruction ." -Joanna S.

"The Dublin Workshop more than delivered on its promise. Great, insightful discussions in the workshops, an invaluable one-on-one opportunity with a world-class novelist, and a new circle of talented and supportive writing partners." -Rita M.

"Do this if you are serious about writing." -Jeannette B.

"It was amazing. I am so so grateful that I was chosen to be a part of such a special space and rich experience." --Dakotah J.

"Hands down the best workshop feedback I’ve ever received. I felt so lucky to be a part of this workshop and really enjoy the friendships I forged." - Ben H.

"For me, as a yet-unpublished writer, it was a great introduction to the world of workshopping. I felt comfortable sharing my stories with this helpful, diverse and dedicated group. And even though I'm daunted by the amount of work I have ahead of me, I'm inspired to start combining my stories into a memoir--something I hadn't considered before." -Sue P.

"This workshop exceeded my expectations. The classroom critiques and instructor one-on-ones were extremely helpful, the people were wonderful, and the atmosphere was inviting. It was an experience I'm so glad I didn't miss." - Carissa C.

"The communication leading up to the workshop was excellent. Diana was a wonderful workshop leader and I would gladly take a class from her again. As organizers, Blake and Mike cover all the bases so attendees can totally relax in the environment and focus on writing and group connections. The overall experience, the inclusion of food and housing, the community that was built, the work we did -- thumbs up on everything!" -Catherine V.

"Best experience I've had as a writer. I have done writing workshops before, but nothing like this one. I received genuinely transformative feedback, knowledge, and social support around my writing and novel. I will always be grateful for all I gained, learned, and experienced in this workshop. I can wholeheartedly say that the amateur writer who came into this workshop is now a tremendously evolved amateur writer with a new lens on transferring thought into text. I learned so much about my own craft, and how to tailor the style, and plot points to better suit the story I want to tell. The adventures, authors, experiences, feedback, people, places and workshops were gratifyingly high quality. It felt safe being an amateur. I received transformative feedback on my current WIP which has greatly shifted the ways I write." -Enrique E.

Program Staff

Executive Director Blake Kimzey worked as a bicycle tour guide in Paris in his 20s. He is the founder of WritingWorkshops.com and has an MFA from UC Irvine. Blake sits on the Board of the Elizabeth George Foundation and his fiction has been broadcast on NPR and published by Tin House, McSweeney’s, VICE, Longform, Redivider, Short Fiction, Smokelong Quarterly, Hobart, The Los Angeles Review, The Masters Review, and The Best Small Fictions. Blake’s collection of short tales, Families Among Us, was published by Black Lawrence Press.
Operations Director Mike Franz was General Manager and Tour Guide at Fat Tire Bike Tours, Paris, for seven years. His tours were featured on Rick Steves-Paris, The Independent-UK, and the television show 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. Mike taught government, economics, and public speaking for ten years at Headwaters High School in Austin, Texas, where he won teacher-of-the-year award after his first year of teaching.

Application & General FAQ

 

What is the application deadline?

Applications for our April 2024 Dublin Workshops are open and early applications are encouraged. 

What is your COVID policy?

It is the responsibility of attendees of Writing Workshops Dublin 2024 to have the appropriate documentation required and to meet any COVID vaccination requirements implemented by the country of Ireland.

If Ireland or the United States government forbids entry Ireland for the dates of April 28 - May 5, 2024, Writing Workshops will offer a full refund for program fees. Writing Workshops will not reimburse for any airline tickets or additional trip-related expenses incurred. If the Dublin writing workshop takes place on the dates planned, no program fees will be reimbursed, regardless of attendance.

What will my application include? 

  • Brief bio  informing us of your involvement in the writing and literary community,  as well as any prior or forthcoming publications. (250 words max)
  • Purpose statement  explaining why you would like to participate in Writing Workshops Dublin. You can also discuss current manuscripts or writing projects that  you might choose to workshop. (500 words max.)
  • Writing sample excerpt in fiction or nonfiction. This does not have to be  published work, though that is acceptable, nor does it have to be a piece you plan  to workshop. Complete works under the word count are not required;  excerpts are acceptable. (Fiction/nonfiction: 2500 words max).
  • Applications are open. Click here to apply now.

When will I know if I've been accepted to the workshop?

We  cap our workshop participation at 10 writers in each genre cohort (fiction and nonfiction) for the week. Our goal is to provide  an intimate, rigorous workshop environment so that participants can come to Dublin and find meaningful connections and excellent feedback on their work. We will accept applicants on a rolling basis until each cohort is full and then begin waitlists. Due to the volume of  applications and competitive acceptance, writers are encouraged to apply early. We employ a reading committee of professional writers and  editors, and applicants will be notified after the application window closes.

How much does it cost?

Workshop Tuition for the dates of April 28 - May 3, 2024, is $3,395. The cost of the 2-Day Southwest Ireland Add-On Activities from May 3 - 5, 2024, is an additional $1,495.

Are Payment Plans Available?

Yes. Accepted writers will have the option to pay their tuition in full or  opt for a payment plan divided into equal monthly payments by selecting  Affirm (for U.S. & Canadian residents) or Lay-Buy (for applicants  inside or outside of North America) at checkout.

Are Scholarships Available?

Unfortunately, we do not have the ability to offer scholarships for this workshop. However, we do have payment plans available.

What does workshop tuition include for the dates of April 28 - May 3, 2024? 

  • Lodging in your own room at Iveagh Garden Hotel for 6 days, 5 nights
  • Free Breakfast
  • 4-day  writing workshops in small groups of no more than 10 writers, led by workshop faculty.
  • Critical feedback on two writing submissions
  • Several craft of writing and/or business of writing seminars
  • One-on-one conference with faculty
  • Optional afternoon activities
  • The time of your life
  • Please Note: lunch and dinner are not included in the price of tuition.
  • Note: accepted writers will have the option to pay their tuition in full or  opt for a payment plan divided into equal monthly payments by selecting  Affirm (for U.S. & Canadian residents) at checkout.

  • What is your refund policy for the workshop in Dublin?

    Given the intimate nature of our destination workshops and our own, non-refundable deposit schedule as organizers, our refund policy is as follows: 

    90+ days before your trip, tuition payment minus a $900 deposit is fully refundable.  

    60+ days before your trip: 50% of your tuition is refundable.  

    30+ days before your: 25% of your tuition is refundable.  

    Less than 30 days before your trip: no refunds can be offered.

Where is the hotel and workshop venue?

Immerse yourself in both comfort and inspiration for 6 days, 5 nights at Iveagh Garden Hotel. This 4-star hotel is an urban oasis just steps from Grafton Street and Iveagh Gardens. Opened in February 2018, it is one of the lowest carbon footprints of any Irish Hotel and is Europe's first fully sustainable hotel. Located in the heart of this vibrant city, the Iveagh Garden Hotel is one of the best Dublin hotels near all major attractions. Your own room and breakfast are included in your workshop tuition.

How late can I apply? 

We will accept applications until the workshop is full.


Optional Two-Day Add-On FAQ


Can I bring someone else along on the add-on trip?

Yes, the add-on is open to friends/partners of anyone attending the Writing Workshop.

If I bring a second person along on the add-on trip and we share a room, can we get a discount?

Yes, please let us know if you are interested in doing this and we can provide price and room details.

Can I bring my entire family along on the add-on trip?

Yes. Please let us know if you are interested in doing this and we can provide price and room details.

How much does the Optional 2-Day Dublin Trip Extension Cost for the dates of May 3 - 5, 2024? ?

**The cost of the 2-day add-on is an additional $1,495,which includes lodging for two nights at Dunloe Hotel & Gardens, aswell as transportation to the hotel and back to the airport at the endof the trip. Breakfast at Dunloe Hotel & Gardens is included in theprice of the trip extension. However, the cost of lunch and dinner arenot included.

Can I attend the add-on even if I don't attend the Writing Workshop?

No, the add-on is only open to attendees of the Writing Workshop and their guests.

What will you do with my email?

We respectyour privacy. We will only use your email to send you  informationabout Writing Workshops. We won't sell or rent your  email to otherorganizations.

I have a question not answered here.

Please contact us and we’ll reply promptly. You can also Chat with us (lower left of your screen).