Abbeyleix Creative Writing Retreat is Sure to Delight 

If, like most of us, you are finding the heaviness of the world all a bit too much at the moment, you might like to plan a short creative break away to Abbeyleix, Co. Laois – the true heart of the Midlands.

Power of Words Events - a new Creative Retreats and Experiences venture, the brain child of local creative, Amanda Kelly, will host a three-day reflective retreat from 12th to 14th May 2025 in the glorious surroundings of Preston House.

‘It Could Be Weeds on A Vacant Lot’ will explore the life and work of American poet, Mary Oliver and will be facilitated by renowned author, John MacKenna. Participants will take a relaxed journey through the writings of one of the great spiritual nature writers of recent times. Spaces are limited and are open to writers of all levels. Early booking is advisable.

The writing retreat offers both residential and non-residential options. In addition to the daily writing sessions, residential participants will also enjoy all their daily meals, including a delicious hot gourmet buffet with wine each evening, post-dinner in-house musical performances, an opportunity for each writer to share their writing with other participants, a visit to the famous ‘Morrissey’s’ of Abbeyleix (where the first round of drinks is free!) as well as a walking tour of the town - a recent winner of Ireland’s Tidiest Town and where some of the carpets for the ill-fated ‘Titanic’ were manufactured! Some of the original carpets can still be found in Abbeyleix, carefully housed in Heritage House Museum. A guided tour of Abbeyleix Boglands is always a highlight for ‘retreaters’ and is a perfect place for writers and artists to gain inspiration.

Amanda founded and curated the popular ‘Power of Words Festival’ which was held in Abbeyleix each August from 2019 to 2023. The festival included the unique annual ‘Living Poets Society Awards’ - an event where a ‘living’ Irish poet was celebrated each year. The much loved (recently deceased) Dublin poet, Pat Ingoldsby, was the recipient of the inaugural award in 2019. In subsequent years the award was presented to poets, Rita Ann Higgins, Maebh McGuckian and poet/singer/songwriter, John Spillane.

In 2024, Amanda decided to move away from the annual weekend festival and instead extend the creative offering to a year-round calendar of events, which include luxury writers’ retreats, writing workshops, Open Mic opportunities and other cultural and heritage experiences.

The exclusive writers’ retreats, set in the magnificent Georgian House ‘Preston House’ are proving very popular and receiving glowing testimonials from retreat attendees.

The Heritage Town of Abbeyleix is often referred to as the jewel in the crown of Co. Laois. Along with its historical buildings and design, providing the perfect location for the artistic offerings from the Power of Words, the town also boasts so much more. A wealth of culinary riches with award-winning bakery ‘Mueller and O’Connell’ located on the Main Street, just steps away from Michelin Star Chef, Sam Moody’s excellent ‘Bramley’ restaurant is also on offer. Abbeyleix is home also to the famous ‘G’s Gourmet Jams, and multi-award-winning chocolatiers, ‘Temptation Chocolates’.

Accommodation options are also choice. In addition to the magnificent Preston House, Abbeyleix is blessed with the fabulous ‘Abbeyleix Manor Hotel’ on the edge of town, and the beautiful boutique accommodation ‘Blackhill Woods Retreat’.

A plethora of cosy restaurants and cafes, pubs, boutiques, gift, flower and antique shops, and an Irish Architecture Award-winning library located in the heart of the town, Abbeyleix is a ‘must visit’ location. One of the town’s best kept secrets – its Community Garden - hidden just off the Main Street, behind the bakery, provides a perfect little oasis to sit with a coffee and a book.

‘Abbeyleix is such a beautiful, friendly and vibrant town to live in’ says Amanda. ‘People are travelling to our retreats and events from all across the country, many visiting Laois for the first time. Most vow to return with partners, friends and families in tow, as they are so taken with the town’.

Abbeyleix is one of the oldest planned estate towns in Ireland. Built in the 18th century by Viscount De Vesci. Some members of the well regarded De Vesci family continue to live in Abbeyleix, eight generations later. Abbeyleix House and Farm, the ancestral home of the De Vesci family is now owned by John Collison, co-owner, with his brother Patrick, of payment processing company ‘Stripe’. The Collison family and their team add even further to the vibrancy of the community with their annual Family Day, which includes craft and food stalls, entertainment for all ages and the highlight each year – a spectacular air show! A Christmas Market on the grounds of Abbeyleix House and Farm is also another highlight of the year.

‘I couldn’t think of a better location than Abbeyleix for my business’ said Amanda. ‘It has all the ingredients needed to make a stay here, be it for an hour or a week, unforgettable. I look forward to welcoming many more visitors to the Power of Words events in this very special town.’ All details on the Mary Oliver Retreat and other upcoming Power of Words events can be found on the website: - https://powerofwords.ie/ 

Facebook and Instagram ‘Power of Words Events’ and Bluesky @powerofwords.bsky.social