Venue: Old Rectory Retreat, Knappagh, Westport Co. Mayo (on the Wild Atlantic Way)

Want to kickstart a new project or just get energised in your current one? At this idyllic location, in a 19th century rectory with a gentle stream running by its door, we write, read, listen, share, discuss, laugh and eat. 4 workshops + 2 tasty lunches over a weekend spent with interesting people engaged in meaningful work. The food is always delicious, company good and the time is spent productively.

Cost: Weekend of 4 workshops + 2 delicious lunches (courtesy of Roisin) is €195. Accommodation separate (€120/pp) = €315
**EARLY BIRD PRICE = €295 all incl. / €180 Workshops only if booked before March 1st 

Contact Fiona Keane: 087 763 4339 or hq@sixpens.com for more info.

About the Weekends

The formats vary but we write, read/listen to good stories and draw lessons. We discuss the challenges preoccupying us in a stimulating, supportive and rigorous atmosphere over the course of four workshops with breaks for tasty lunches (courtesy of Roisin).  All are invited to share their work and receive feedback along the way.   The weekends are always productive, engaging and highly enjoyable. Since 2010 we have been providing workshops at this in a beautiful, tranquil environment on the Wild Atlantic Way and have met so many incredible people and had a lot of laughs. Beginners and seasoned writers all welcome. 

Schedule

Saturday 10am-1pm Workshop
Lunch 1-2.30pm
Saturday 2.30-5pm Workshop

Sunday 10am-1pm Workshop
Lunch 1-2.30pm
Sunday 2.30-4pm Workshop

Bring a performance of any kind (story, song, poem, rap, rant, magic trick, comedy bit, whatever you can think of, we want to see/hear it!) Or come to offer support in the audience. FREE (donations gratefully received)

February’s event was great, with performers aged 13-88. Note the date: March 7th 8pm…

Speaky Slam: an exciting spoken-word slam performance event (with prizes!). Bring yourself (and entourage), your true (or not) stories, slam poetry, flash fiction, songs, rants – all genres welcome –and deliver in strictly under five minutes.

Points allocated for presentation, performance and time-keeping. Special treatment of anyone not using notes!

In between rounds, there will be an open mic for non-competitive types. No previous experience required, all ages welcome. Take your courage in hand (the lights will be low) and enjoy a loquacious late-night! Text Fiona 087 763 4339 for more details.

• Date: 30 June 2018
• Venue: Old Rectory Retreat on the Wild Atlantic Way
• Location: Westport, Co. Mayo
• Course provider: SixPens Writing Workshops with Fiona Keane
• Capacity: 12
• Fee: €175 (optional accommodation: €100)
• Contact details: Fiona Keane 087 763 4339 hq@sixpens.com

Fridays 12-2pm at Sharkey Hill Community Centre, Westport: A writing workshop for people with medium-long projects-in-progress. We will look at the challenges of creating memorable characters, deepening the work and sustaining interest.

Youth Writing Room:
Saturdays, 12.15-1.45pm, from 9/9/17 at McConville Park, off Quay Road, Westport. (11-14s) €100.

Please contact Fiona Keane 087 763 4339 or hq@sixpens.com

~ 3 Writing Groups resume in Westport:

1. Shape Your Story (Adult Writing Group) - Fridays 10.30am-12.30pm
2. SixPens Writing Room ~ Junior (9-13s) Saturdays 1pm-2.30pm
3. SixPens Writing Room ~ Teens (13-17s) Saturdays 2.30pm-4pm
4. + SPARK Creativity Classes (9-13s) Wednesdays 4pm-5.15pm

Adult Writing Course: Shape Your Story (Sept. 25th-Dec. 4th)
Using crafted exercises and accessing your experience, knowledge and memories, create compelling stories for your readers. We will explore shaping your stories into either memoir or fiction, depending on your preference. Through listening to audio stories, we draw lessons and inspiration from good writing. Lively discussion is encouraged, though not required! Take time for your writing and you may surprise yourself. New and experienced writers all welcome.
Contact Fiona 087 763 4339.

Children & Teen Writing Classes resume September in Sharkey Hill Community Centre, Golf Course Road, Westport (September 19th-December 5th).
Get to work on your stories, poems, plays, songs or scripts with a weekly writing class which is productive, fun and entertaining!

Children’s Group – Saturdays 1pm-2.30pm
Teen Group - Saturdays 2.30-4pm

SPARK Creativity Classes begin early October (dates/times TBC).

Explore your creativity through drama, theatre games, rhythm-making, songwriting, music & art-making. (Taking names for this class now).

Drama Classes resume at Gaelscoil na Cruaiche (end September)
~ Mondays (4th, 5th & 6th class) 2.40pm
~ Tuesdays (1st, 2nd, 3rd & 4th class) at 2.40pm.
Creative drama with lots of improv, theatre games, devising short scenes and playlets.

CONTACT:  hq@sixpens.com | 087 763 4339

• drama
• music & rhythm-making (no experience necessary)
• creative writing & story-making (though not like school!)
• creating images
• spoken word
• confidence-building games and more…

As 2 experienced arts facilitators (Fiona Keane writer/drama teacher & musician Dearbhla Ryan) our goal is to encourage as much creative expression as possible in a dynamic and supportive atmosphere. No activity will be forced on anyone! If you don’t enjoy something, we’ll point you towards something else that you like and get you working at it and having fun in no time…

Find your spark & ignite it!

• Age 9-13s:  Monday ~ Friday 2-4.30pm

Cost: €69.00 (Concessions available.)

Contact Fiona at hq@sixpens.com or 087 763 4339.

Besides writing, we will read a classic story as well as some of our newly produced work (hot off the presses), share tips and tools, meet nice people and eat delicious food together.

Don’t put it off, get in touch. Quoting the code 6P0615 gets you a steal/deal! (P.S. accommodation is optional, not required.)

Call Fiona 087 763 4339 or email hq@sixpens.com