A Soulful Journey of Art & Architecture
April 1 - 10, 2026
Experience the essence of Mulranny
Create. Explore. Transform.
Come home to the elemental textures of Ireland.
Join us in April 2026 for an immersive 9-day retreat in breathtaking Mulranny, Ireland, where the Atlantic meets the land in a symphony of stone, wind, and light. Together with Sandra Gonzalez and Audra Lynch – 2 seasoned artists and instructors, you’ll dive deep into the world of architectural surface finishes—from decorative plaster finishes to modern artistry—learning hands-on techniques in wall and floor designs that are as timeless as the soulful rhythm of Irish sea.
“Where textures whisper, the Atlantic roars, and art lives in the walls.”
This is more than a class—it’s a journey.
A slowing down. A remembering.
ABOUT THE RETREAT
A Creative Residency in One of Ireland’s Most Inspiring Coastal Villages
Tucked along the Wild Atlantic Way, Mulranny is a place where raw nature and rugged design meet. Over 9 transformative days, you’ll learn traditional and contemporary surface finish techniques—lime plaster, mineral pigments, micro-cements, layered textures—while surrounded by the ocean air, and kindred spirits.
You’ll learn wall and floor finishes through hands-on instruction, create your own personal sample collection, and contribute to the real-time beautification of the newly built Mulranny Arts Center #2 = The MAC. Our curriculum blends skill-building, creative experimentation, cultural exploration, and rest.
Come just to create—come to remember who you are when your surrounded with beauty and art.
WHY YOU BELONG HERE
This retreat is ideal for:
· Decorative finishers, painters, and plasterers
· Interior designers looking to expand their skill set
· Artists exploring the architectural canvas
· Creatives craving inspiration and hands-on learning + soul renewal
· Anyone longing to remember the joy of slow, meaningful creation
Whether you're a design professional, decorative artist, or passionate creative, you’ll leave with new techniques, personal breakthroughs, and a fresh sense of creative direction.
Come with a love of learning, creating, and exploring.
What if I am not skilled enough? We will guide you step-by-step.
What if I don’t know anyone? You will leave with multiple friendships within the first few days.
You don’t need to be an expert—just come as you are.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
A Portfolio: Create 11 large-format sample boards (16x20")
Practical Knowledge of multiple finishes
Real application – contribute to the architectural surface – your touch will become part of its story - architectural wall & floor finishes to the newly built Mulranny Arts Center #2 – The MAC
Learn master level instruction & lime-based plasters & techniques, micro-cement and floor staining applications
Hands on learning with plenty of room to grow
The confidence to create and apply finishes personally
Walls, Floors, and the Stories They Tell.
This is a full-scope learning experience, blending fine surface design with real-world application and natural inspiration.
You’ll:
Each day will include studio time, demos, guided work sessions and critiques. You’ll walk away with a collection of professional samples, real-world application knowledge, and a creative portfolio inspired by the land and legacy of Ireland.
DATES & DETAILS
Dates: April 2026 (April 1 – 10, 2026)
Location: Mulranny, County Mayo, Ireland
Group Size: 10–14 participants
Registration Opens: August 1, 2025
LOCATION
The Mulranny Arts Center
Wild Atlantic Way, County Mayo, Ireland
Our retreat is set in one of Ireland’s most poetic coastal villages. With peat hills, crashing surf, and historic paths, Mulranny is where land and legend meet. The newly built Mulranny Arts Center #2 —and you’ll be part of that creative legacy.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
9-day retreat at the Mulranny Arts Center
Lodging 9 night in coastal accommodations (private/shared options)
The fee includes the following meals: 7 in-house dinners, 8 lunches. One lunch and 2 dinners, while on tour or taken in a local restaurant, are not included. Students purchase their own alcohol at a local shop.
Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinners (1 lunch + 2 dinners are self-funded)
1 evening of cultural entertainment included
All hands-on classes and art materials
Daily instruction + guided studio time
11 large sample boards for your portfolio
Full-day tour of Achill Island with local guide. The Fee includes one full day guided tour.
Transportation to and from Ireland Westport train station. The fee includes Private Shuttle Transport from and to Westport Train Station.
Space is limited to keep our experience intimate, intentional, and deeply connected.
Notes: Due to limited accommodation facilities, student spouses or partners are not encouraged, however, if required an additional fee of 100% of the student fee will be charged at the private ensuite rate.
ITINERARY
Dates: April 1 – 10, 2026
9-Day Class
Day 1 – Join us for a Welcome Reception
Day 2 – 4 Architectural Wall Finishes
Day 5 – Outing – Full-day Guided Tour of Achill Island
Day 6 – 8 Architectural Floor Finishes
Day 9 – Outing
Day 10 – AM Departure
Tours and Entertainment
Day 5
A full day guided tour of Achill Island taking the Wild Atlantic Way route. Achill with the highest sea cliffs in Western Europe, iconic beaches, soaring mountains, numerous lakes, amazing boglands and intriguing historical sites, all set under huge and ever-changing Atlantic skies. Lunch at the BeeHive Restaurant.
https://achilltourism.com/experience-achill/videos/
Day 9
Tour Guide, Colum Ginnelly, a local sheep farmer, will entertain the group sharing historical stories while taking ‘off the beaten track’ routes.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
All breakfasts will be self-catered buffet style and will be served at ‘The Main House’.
Other meals that are included will be served at the Mulranny Arts dining facilities or in a local restaurant. One lunch and two restaurant dinners are not included (as stated above).
Gluten-free and vegetarian meals can be provided upon request. Attendees are responsible for informing Design 7 Seven and Mulranny Arts of any dietary requirements or allergies prior to the start of the retreat, to ensure appropriate accommodations can be arranged.
All accommodation offered are within a few minutes’ walk of the Mulranny Arts facility, however, transport can be arranged for students who are unable to walk, prefer not to walk, or if it is raining.
The facilities are not fully accessible for wheelchairs at the present time.
Accommodation is not available for students prior to or after the retreats scheduled dates.
Staff do not enter the bedrooms during the visit, but fresh towels and linens are always available should they be needed.
Hairdryers are available. However, people must bring their own plug adapters (not convertors) for charging phones and any other equipment.
TRANSPORTATION
A private shuttle bus will pick up students/guests arriving at Westport Train Station on the 12.45pm train from Heuston Station, Dublin. It arrives at 4pm where transport is provided for the 30 minute drive to the village of Mulranny. Pick up from other areas in Westport included at this time if people arrived earlier, but later trains require a private taxi service with fees of approximately €50.
A private bus will be available at the end of the Retreat to transport students back to the Westport Train station for the 9.45am train to Hueston Station, Dublin. These train times have not changed in years, but always check when planning – www.Irishrail.ie
For Students arriving at Knock Airport (1.5 hours’ drive from Mulranny):
- a private taxi can be arranged for an additional fee of €70 (each way)
- There is a public bus service from Knock Airport to Westport. Pick up arrangements from Westport can be made for an additional Taxi Fee of €50. (If not not able to avail of the pickup time in Westport stated above).
"I didn’t just learn finishes—I found a deeper rhythm for my creativity. The setting, the people, the textures… it was unforgettable."
MEET THE TEAM
Sandra Gonzalez
Artist & Creative Innovator
Founder, Design 7 Seven Decorative Products
Specializing in high-impact decorative surface finishes, custom artwork and creative restorations. With a keen eye for texture and transformative layered beauty, she’s turned interiors into living artworks—and built a dedicated following through her company’s signature glaze and plasters.
A multidisciplinary creative and educator, Sandra’s roots trace over 3 decades of experience where she aligns art and design with purpose. Her background is marked by innovation, resilience, and a passion for multiple mediums. Her career spans from decorative artistry, custom art to immersive workshops. Her work reflects an ethos of transformation: of spaces, of people, and of surface storytelling.
Sandra’s teaching style blends technical expertise with generous mentorship—she believes in hands-on discovery, bold experimentation, and bringing new, expressive finishes to life.
At this retreat, she'll lead you through the exploration of dynamic architectural finishes such as matte plaster, mica-infused glaze, aggregate texture, and more.
Known for her bold creativity and depth of knowledge, Sandra Gonzalez is a master of color, layering, and contemporary finishes. Her energetic teaching style and expertise in eco-conscious materials make her workshops both enriching and electric. She’ll bring sparkle, depth, and a little bit of Texas to Ireland’s misty coast.
Audra Lynch
Surface Artist & Creative Guide
Founder, Audra Lynch et Cie • Wrenhaus Retreats • Three Trees Public Art House
Audra Lynch is a surface artist, educator, and retreat leader whose work bridges craftsmanship with soul. With a background in graphic design and nearly 30 years of experience in decorative finishes, she transforms surfaces into deeply personal expressions—layered with mineral pigments, natural textures, and meaning.
Her studio, Audra Lynch et Cie, is known for floor-forward design and thoughtful artistry that blends environment and emotion. A respected teacher and speaker, Audra has led workshops across the U.S. and abroad, inspiring others through hands-on technique and intuitive design.
Through Wrenhaus Retreats, she curates immersive creative experiences in Ireland and beyond—merging architectural finishes with rest, reflection, and personal growth. Her latest initiative, Three Trees Public Art House, invites community connection through art, workshops, and nature-inspired living.
With a quiet strength and a gift for cultivating beauty, Audra brings clarity, curiosity, and creativity to every project and person she works with.
PRICING & PAYMENT
Private Room w/Shared Bath
$4295 per attendee
Option #1
Early Registration before Nov.1 - $3.995.00 paid in full at registration
Option #2
3-Part Payment Plan
$1,495 Due Nov. 1 2025
$1400 Due Jan. 1 2026
$1,400 Due March 1 2026
All balances due by March 1, 2026
Double Room w/Shared Bath
$4295.00 per attendee
Option #1
Early Registration before Nov.1 - $3.995.00 paid in full at registration
Option #2
3-Part Payment Plan
$1,495 Due Nov. 1 2025
$1400 Due Jan. 1 2026
$1,400 Due March 1 2026
All balances due by March 1, 2026
Private Room with Ensuite
$4595.00 per attendee
Option #1
Early Registration before Nov.1 - $4,295.00 paid in full at registration
Option #2
3-Part Payment Plan
$1,595 Due Nov. 1 2025
$1500 Due Jan. 1 2026
$1,500 Due March 1 2026
All balances due by March 1, 2026
All payment are non-refundable but transferrable, you can give or sell your spot if you cannot attend.
REGISTER NOW
Space is extremely limited to preserve the intimacy and hands-on nature of the experience.
Join us in Ireland to create, connect, and contribute to a legacy of art in the making.
FAQ’s
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In-Person Attendee Cancellations:
All cancellations: No refunds available. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance when you enroll. If you need to cancel for any reason, please work with your travel insurance company for reimbursement.
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Because our retreat locations are all-inclusive, we’re only able to accommodate registered participants. This means that anyone joining you—including a partner or friend—would need to purchase a full-price spot in the retreat. We appreciate your understanding!