2027 Workshop Dates

May 2nd – May 7th, 2027

Workshop Faculty

Fiction Instructor Marie-Helene Bertino is the author of three novels and two short story collections—most recently, Exit Zero, Electric Literature's #1 short story collection of 2025. Her novel Beautyland was an American Book Award winner, a National Book Critics Circle Finalist, a New York Times Notable 100, and a Time Magazine Top 10 Book of 2024. Bertino is the recipient of two O. Henry Prizes, the Pushcart Prize, and the Frank O'Connor International Short Story Fellowship in Cork, Ireland. She is a 2025 Guggenheim Fellow in Fiction and the Ritvo-Slifka Writer-in-Residence at Yale University.

Nonfiction Instructor Chloé Cooper Jones is a professor, journalist, and the author of the memoir Easy Beauty, which was named a best book of 2022 by The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, and TIME Magazine, and was a finalist for the 2023 Pulitzer Prize in Memoir. She was also a Pulitzer Prize finalist in Feature Writing in 2020. She is a contributing writer for The New York Times Magazine, a Whiting Creative Nonfiction Grant recipient, a Howard Foundation Fellow, and an Associate Professor of Writing and Director of the MFA Nonfiction Concentration at Columbia University. She splits her time between Brooklyn and Kerhonkson, New York.

Fiction Instructor Thao Thai is the author of Banyan Moon, the July 2023 Read with Jenna title, Barnes & Noble Discover Pick, and Book of the Month selection. A recipient of the 2024 Ohio Arts Council's Individual Excellence Award, her work has been published in the Los Angeles Review of Books, Southern Living, Elle, Lit Hub, and other publications. She holds an MFA from The Ohio State University and an MA from the University of Chicago. She also publishes romance novels under the pen name Nora Nguyen, and her debut novel was named one of NPR's 2024 Best Books of the Year and an Amazon Editor's Pick.

Trip Leaders

Trip Leader Diana Spechler is a novelist and New York Times columnist. You can find Diana's work in GQ, Esquire, Harper's, The Paris Review, and elsewhere. She writes a Substack about travel writing called Dispatches From The Road, and she teaches a popular series of online personal essay classes for WritingWorkshops.com. Diana has been a nonfiction instructor on our writing retreats to Hawaii, Paris, Asheville, and Dublin.

Trip Leader Virginia Reeves is a graduate of the Michener Center for Writers at the University of Texas at Austin. Her debut novel, Work Like Any Other, was long-listed for the Man Booker Prize and the Center for Fiction's First Novel Prize, and Booklist named it to their Top 10 First Novels of 2016. It has been translated into multiple languages and adapted into a graphic novel. Her second novel, The Behavior of Love, was published in 2019 and translated into multiple languages. Virginia has taught writing workshops through writers-in-the-schools programs, libraries, and museums, and she currently teaches writing and literature at Helena College.

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 has 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 daily breakfast are included in your workshop tuition.

Class Size & Workshop Formats

Every cohort is capped at 10 writers. For 2027, Dublin offers two workshop formats.

The Workshops — Fiction with Thao Thai · Nonfiction with Chloé Cooper Jones. Each writer submits two completed pieces of writing, up to 5,000 words each (10,000 words total). The first is workshopped live by your cohort and your instructor. The second is reserved for your private one-on-one conference with your workshop leader.

The Fiction Master Class & Generative Seminar — with Marie-Helene Bertino. New for Dublin 2027. This class is a hybrid of lecture, generative writing, and field work. Marie-Helene will lead a cohort of 10 in practical craft lectures, then practice and observe "in the field" like writers, seeking out the creative energy that has inspired luminaries such as Edna O'Brien, Sally Rooney, Eavan Boland, and Frank O'Connor. It is an especially useful class for writers working on — or hoping to work on — creative projects requiring research, as we will be broadening what research can mean to a creative writer: a walk along the quay, new insights into rain, a pint with an old friend. Students meet one-on-one with Marie-Helene and leave Ireland with new pages and new methods of practice.

Daily craft talks, led by faculty and program staff, are open to all participants.

Workshop Tuition

Workshop Tuition for the dates of May 2nd – May 7th, 2027, is $3,495 and includes the following:

• Lodging in your own room at Iveagh Garden Hotel for 6 days, 5 nights
• Daily free breakfast
• 4-day class sessions in small groups of no more than 10 writers
• Instructor feedback on your writing submissions (two submissions in the Fiction and Nonfiction Workshops; the Fiction Master Class & Generative Seminar is purely generative, so no work is submitted ahead of the trip)
• 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.

Bringing a Partner or Guest: If you would like to bring your partner or a guest along for the workshop portion of the trip in Dublin (and share a room), the cost is $795. There is an additional $995 cost to bring your partner or guest along on the Add-On, for a total of $1,790 for your guest to join you on both legs of the trip.

Workshop Schedule Overview

Sunday, May 2nd, 2027
3:00PM: Hotel check-in begins.
5:00PM: Meet & Greet Happy Hour

Monday, May 3rd – Thursday, May 6th, 2027
Mornings: Breakfast served. Workshops and one-on-one instructor meetings.
Afternoons/Evenings: Optional craft seminar, led by faculty or staff. Optional mid-afternoon activity.

Friday, May 7th, 2027
11:00AM: Final check-out at Iveagh Garden Hotel

Optional afternoon activities are included throughout the week. Full schedule detailed on the workshop landing page.

Note: Optional 3-Day Southwest Ireland Add-On dates are May 7 – 10, 2027.

Optional 3-Day Southwest Ireland Add-On, May 7 – 10, 2027

The workshop ends Friday morning. Ireland doesn't have to. After breakfast, we'll leave Dublin behind and drive southwest into County Kerry — the Ireland of postcards and poems — with three nights at Ard Na Sidhe, a four-star country house hotel on the shores of Lough Caragh whose name means "Hill of the Fairies."

Friday: Arrival at Ard Na Sidhe Hotel

After breakfast on Friday morning, we'll set off on a scenic drive to the Southwest of Ireland. Our destination: the idyllic Ard Na Sidhe Hotel, a prestigious 4-star haven nestled in the picturesque Irish countryside. The afternoon is yours to explore the expansive estate. Here, dinner transforms into a culinary delight in the lap of luxury.

Saturday: Adventure Through the Gap of Dunloe and Dinner in Killorglin

Saturday promises a day of adventure and discovery as we take a tour of the stunning Gap of Dunloe. The journey begins with a visit to Ross Castle, a majestic 15th-century tower house on the shores of Lough Leane. From here, we'll take a scenic boat ride to the charming Lord Brandon's Cottage, where you'll have a chance to immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of the surroundings. Our adventure continues through the rugged landscapes of the Gap of Dunloe, a breathtaking mountain pass, culminating at Kate Kearney's Cottage. That evening, we'll head to the lively town of Killorglin, where we'll stroll through its charming streets before savoring a delicious dinner.

Sunday: Exploring the Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head

On Sunday, we will embark on an enchanting full-day exploration of the Dingle Peninsula and Slea Head, led by local guides who reveal the beauty of the countryside with the insight only a native can offer. We will experience the dramatic, rugged coastline, taking in spectacular ocean views from the cliff roads and the sweeping sands of Inch Beach. We'll marvel at the vistas from Slea Head — the most westerly point in Ireland, where it's said the next parish over is America — and enjoy stunning views of the offshore Blasket Islands. The region's ancient history comes alive as we explore the 6th-century Beehive Huts and the monastic church at Gallarus Oratory, and our drive takes us through the village of Annascaul, home of the legendary Arctic explorer Tom Crean. We'll have ample time to wander the streets of Dingle — one of Ireland's most beloved towns — before returning to the hotel.

Monday: Return to Dublin

On Monday morning, enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before we head back to Dublin. Dropoff at the airport is available, but if you are flying out on Monday, we don't recommend any flights that depart before 5:00 p.m.

The cost of the 3-day add-on is an additional $2,395, which includes lodging for three nights at Ard Na Sidhe Hotel, as well as transportation to the hotel and back to the airport at the end of the trip. The cost to bring a partner along who shares a room with you on the add-on is $995. Breakfast at Ard Na Sidhe is included in the price of the trip extension. However, the cost of lunch and dinner is not included.

TESTIMONIALS

"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.

FAQ

How much does it cost?

Workshop Tuition for the dates of May 2nd – May 7th, 2027, is $3,495. The cost of the 3-Day Southwest Ireland Add-On Activities from May 7th – 10th, 2027, is an additional $2,395.

Can I bring my partner or guest?

If you would like to bring your partner or a guest along for the workshop portion of the trip in Dublin (and share a room), the cost is $795. There is an additional $995 cost to bring your partner or guest along with the Add-On, for a total of $1,790 for your guest to join you on both legs of the trip.

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 May 2nd – May 7th, 2027?

• Lodging in your own room at Iveagh Garden Hotel for 6 days, 5 nights
• Free breakfast
• 4-day class sessions in small groups of no more than 10 writers, led by workshop faculty
• Instructor feedback on your writing submissions (two submissions in the Fiction and Nonfiction Workshops; the Fiction Master Class & Generative Seminar is purely generative, so no work is submitted ahead of the trip)
• 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 trip: 25% of your tuition is refundable.
Less than 30 days before your trip: no refunds can be offered.
The same schedule applies to add-on fees and guest fees.

Instructor Substitution Policy

In the event of an instructor's emergency, sickness, or unavailability, Writing Workshops reserves the right to provide a substitute instructor of equivalent caliber to teach the course. If a substitute is provided, the course will proceed as scheduled, and standard refund policies apply.

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 has 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.

Optional Three-Day Add-On FAQ

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

Yes, the add-on is open to friends and partners of anyone attending the Writing Workshop. The cost to bring a guest who shares your room is $995.

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 3-Day Trip Extension cost for the dates of May 7 – 10, 2027?

The cost of the 3-day add-on is an additional $2,395, which includes lodging for three nights at Ard Na Sidhe Hotel, as well as transportation to the hotel and back to the airport at the end of the trip. The cost to bring a partner along who shares a room with you on the add-on is $995. Breakfast at Ard Na Sidhe is included in the price of the trip extension. However, the cost of lunch and dinner is not 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 respect your privacy. We will only use your email to send you information about Writing Workshops. We won't sell or rent your email to other organizations.

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).