The
Creative Life
With Adele Collins and Alex Cahill
July 18-25, 2027 | $4,750/person
A Catholic Women’s Retreat in Ireland
Complete your application by 31 October
What to Expect
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Our retreat is intentionally designed to allow you to fully experience leisure, creativity, joy and our beautiful Catholic faith. Rather than rushing from one destination to the next, we take time to pray, reflect, and appreciate the beauty and history built within the itinerary.
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Faith is at the centre of our retreat. Each day includes opportunities to celebrate Holy Mass, pray the Rosary, spend time in Eucharistic Adoration where possible, and enjoy moments of personal prayer and reflection. Our goal is not simply to relax or create, but to encounter Christ.
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Retreat is a journey best shared. Whether over a relaxed meal, on a coach journey, or while exploring a holy site, you'll build meaningful friendships with fellow pilgrims. We foster an atmosphere of warmth, encouragement, and shared faith throughout the journey.
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From ancient churches and monasteries to breathtaking landscapes, this retreat offers the opportunity to discover the beauty of God's creation and the rich heritage of the Catholic faith. Along the way, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the saints, local traditions, and the history of the Church.
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We believe that comfort and hospitality are an important part of the pilgrimage and retreat experience. That's why we carefully select luxuriously cosy private guest houses where you can rest and recharge after each day's journey.
All meals are included, allowing you to relax and enjoy delicious local cuisine without worrying about planning where to eat. Mealtimes become more than just a chance to dine—they're an opportunity to share stories, deepen friendships, and enjoy the fellowship that makes this retreat so special.
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Pilgrimage isn't about ticking destinations off a list—it's about making space for God. We include time for quiet reflection, personal prayer, and simply being present. We hope you'll return home not only with wonderful memories and photographs, but with a renewed faith, lasting friendships, and a heart strengthened by God's Word, His promises, and His goodness.
7-Day Ireland retreat Itinerary
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We arrive in Ireland and make our way south to Tipperary, leaving the bustle of airports behind as the landscape opens before us. Over a warm welcome dinner, we gather for the first time, set the rhythm of the days ahead, and begin our journey together.
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The day begins with Mass at the ancient Holycross Abbey, before opening gently into an afternoon of freedom, beauty, and creative leisure. With good food, an elegant dinner, and unhurried conversation, we allow ourselves simply to wonder at where we are and at the gift of retreat.
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A quiet morning invites us into the beauty of creation — perhaps on horseback, perhaps along a rosary walk, perhaps simply in silence — before turning our attention to the world through Catholic eyes. Literature, prayer, and conversation lead us into an evening of exploring how faith awakens the imagination to see more deeply.
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We set out as pilgrims, walking the hills and ancient paths of Ireland, with Mass offered in the simplicity of a Mass Rock. At Cashel, stone, history, and faith converge, reminding us that generations before us have walked these same roads in search of God.
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We rise early and journey to Glendalough, entering a landscape where mountains, monastic ruins, poetry, and prayer seem to speak the same language. We spend the day listening — to the silence of the valley, to the beauty around us, and perhaps to something quieter within ourselves.
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From morning Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral, we wander through the history and beauty of Kilkenny, discovering its castle, streets, and stories. The evening turns inward and homeward: cooking together, sharing a feast, and allowing the simple joy of friendship to become part of the pilgrimage.
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We leave the quiet of the countryside for Dublin, carrying the memories of the week with us as we encounter the treasures of the city. At the Book of Kells and the Old Library, we enter a world where faith, learning, art, and beauty have been preserved across centuries, before ending the journey with an Irish dinner, music, and dancing.
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Our final morning is brief: breakfast, farewells, and the road back to Dublin Airport. We leave Ireland with more than photographs and memories — carrying, we hope, something of its prayer, poetry, beauty, and quiet invitation to wonder.
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQs or reach out anytime. If you’re ready, please fill out the application form.
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Our pilgrimages are open to all women who wish to deepen their faith and experience Ireland's rich Catholic heritage. We especially encourage applications from close friends, sisters, mothers/daughters who wish to attend this retreat together.
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Your pilgrimage includes luxury accommodation in a private country home, all meals, private coach transportation throughout Ireland, entrance fees to scheduled attractions, daily Holy Mass, and all activities listed in the itinerary. International flights, travel insurance, and personal expenses are not included.
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Yes. We want to make your pilgrimage as accessible as possible, so we offer a choice of payment options after your 15% non-refundable deposit has been paid.
You may choose to pay the remaining balance by:
One-off payment of the remaining balance.
3-month payment plan, with the balance divided into three monthly instalments.
All payments must be completed by the final payment deadline, which will be provided upon booking. We'll work with you to select the payment option that best suits your needs.
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A reasonable level of mobility is recommended, as many holy sites involve walking on uneven ground. However, should you require mobility access, please make a note of this in your application and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.
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Yes. Holy Mass is celebrated daily whenever possible, and the retreat also includes opportunities for Eucharistic Adoration, praying the Rosary, personal reflection, and spiritual fellowship.
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We recommend comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, a waterproof jacket, any necessary medications, and a Bible or prayer book if you wish. A detailed packing guide will be provided before departure, and all pilgrims will be invited to a pre-departure group meeting with the pilgrimage coordinator in early 2027 to discuss packing, travel arrangements, and answer any questions.
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Yes. While the itinerary is thoughtfully planned, there are opportunities throughout the pilgrimage to explore, create, pray quietly, or simply relax and enjoy your surroundings.
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Travel insurance is optional but strongly recommended. Once participant numbers have been finalised, we'll offer access to a group travel insurance policy at a competitive rate for those who wish to purchase it. You're also welcome to arrange your own policy independently.
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Your deposit is non-refundable, as it is used to secure accommodation, transport, and other contractual arrangements with the providers. If you need to cancel after paying your balance, refunds will depend on how close to departure the cancellation occurs.
Deposit: Non-refundable.
Before 31 January 2027: Any payments made beyond the deposit will be refunded, less any non-recoverable costs already incurred.
From 1 February 2027 onwards: We are unlikely to be able to offer a full refund, as many of our suppliers impose cancellation charges at this stage. Any refund will depend on what costs can be recovered from our providers at the time of cancellation.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect you against unforeseen circumstances that may prevent you from travelling.
A Little Introduction…
Adele Collins
Adele Collins is a homemaker, gardener, avid reader, and mother of eight. A graduate of Harvard Divinity School, she shares encouragement and inspiration for faith-filled, simple living on Instagram at @simplelifemusings.
Alex Cahill
Alex Cahill grew up in the Midwest before moving to the UK. After 15 years as a university professor, she retired from academia and now spends her days homeschooling her 5 children, hosting The Creative Catholics podcast, homemaking, and designing pilgrimages/retreats for Catholics.