Notre Dame Kylemore offers themed residential retreats that bring together the beauty and stillness of Connemara with the knowledge and experience of Notre Dame across all of the colleges. Rooted in the mission and vision of the University of Notre Dame and the Congregation of Holy Cross, these retreats invite participants to deepen their spiritual lives while exploring the interconnected dimensions of human flourishing.
Set within the remarkable landscape of Kylemore Abbey, each retreat creates space to step away from the demands of everyday life for reflection, contemplative prayer, meaningful conversation and renewal. Through guided sessions, shared experiences and time in nature, participants are encouraged to nurture their intellectual, spiritual, personal and communal growth—advancing Notre Dame’s commitment to integral human development.
If you are interested in doing a retreat at ND Kylemore, please let us know:
Laudato Si Pilgrimages at Kylemore
These pilgrimages highlight significant sites such as Croagh Patrick, the Maumturk Mountains, Omey Island, and Turlough Hill, each rich in historical and cultural significance. The pilgrimages emphasize the connection between the sites and the teachings of Saint Patrick and other saints, as well as the importance of nature and spirituality in these journeys, with the overall aim of fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment and heritage through pilgrimage.
Write Like You Teach: A Workshop on Public Writing for Academics, Teachers, and Experts
Are you an academic, teacher, or expert with research and ideas that deserve to find a wider audience? Would you like to break the barrier between writing for specialized audiences and writing for more public audiences? This week-long workshop provides both theoretical foundations and hands-on practice, with time for writing, discussion, and feedback. Participants will leave with practical tools for both the classroom and the page.
Reclaiming Your Creative Voice – A 5-Day Visual Journaling & Intuitive Art Journey
Do you ever feel creatively stuck, unsure of where to begin, or disconnected from your own artistic voice? This 5-day guided course offers a relaxed space to explore, express, and rediscover your creativity through visual journaling and intuitive painting. There’s no need for prior art experience—just a willingness to explore, be open and curious about your natural creativity.
Over the course of five days, you'll be guided through simple, intuitive exercises using paint, drawing, colour, texture, and collage. These practices are designed to help you move past self-doubt and overthinking, allowing you to tap into the more instinctual, playful parts of yourself.
Capture Your Life's Fire: A Memoir Writing Workshop
Join award-winning author, columnist, and speaker Heather King for Capture Your Life's Fire: A Memoir Writing Workshop. The format for this weeklong workshop will include talks, discussions, prompts, and plenty of quiet writing time. You’ll learn tips and techniques to help you structure your stories, envision your narrative arcs, and adapt your life events into a chronological memoir. The only requirement to attend is a desire to establish a more dedicated and structured way to write.