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Mythic Retreat at Drumalis
Mythic Retreat at Drumalis
28 Mar 2025, 17:00
Larne

Step out of the madness and into another world. Relax and unwind with us as we take you on an inward journey of imagination, creativity and self reflection.

 

Myths have a language all of their own. They are inspiring, beautiful and sometimes surprising. They offer us a chance to step out of our everyday grind and into something a little richer and deeper. From stories of enigmatic selkies, who feel the call of the sea in their souls, to beautiful maidens, who must find a way to change their fates... These stories are rich with meaning and metaphor. They call to our souls and touch something deep within our bones.

Professional storytellers Vicky McFarland and Janice Witherspoon have been working with myths for a combined thirty years. Sharing their insights and knowledge, they offer a weekend of story, connection, reflection and relaxation.

 

This is a chance to switch off from life demands and travel inward. To come with us as we journey over the bridge of myth, to relax, unwind and perhaps unlock parts of our own self expression and creativity along the way.

Over the weekend you can expect:

 

  • Engaging storytelling sessions

  • Relaxed creative writing

  • Art and/or crafting session

  • Discussion and reflection

  • Time in nature

  • Optional morning yoga and breathwork

 

Storytelling

We will take you into ancient worlds, where life was simpler and magic was real. Bringing to life these old stories, we will paint pictures in your head that fill you with some of that wonder and awe and explore some very real and pertinent ideas that we can apply to our own lives today.

 

Creative Writing

Creative writing can be a powerful tool for self-expression. It can unleash within you ideas you didn’t know you had. We will engage with the stories through simple, structured writing exercises. Suitable for both complete beginners to writing and seasoned professionals, this flexible ‘no pressure’ session will be a chance to flex some of your own creativity and perhaps to reflect deeper on your own story or the world at large.

 

Art/craft session

Another chance to connect creatively with the stories, this time through a structured artistic or crafting session. A chance to express your ideas, thoughts, feelings or reactions to the stories in a different way. 

 

Discussion and Reflection

In our fast paced world we often don’t have time to really take things in, before we’ve moved on to the next thing. We are constantly moving on and sometimes we feel overwhelmed. They say ‘depth is the antidote to depression’. This weekend we will sit with our stories. We will reflect on what we have heard, our feelings towards them and we will offer chances to talk more deeply about what they are saying. In this way we will allow the stories to nourish us.

 

Yoga and Breathwork

An optional invitation to join Janice and Vicky in a simple morning yoga session and/ or breathwork. Please bring your own mat if you would like to partake in this.

 

Time in Nature

Throughout the weekend there will be chances to enjoy the beautiful grounds of Drumalis, with views out to the sea as well as an optional guided mindful walk for those of you that would like to partake.

Arrival and Departure

Check in: Friday March 28th from 2pm - registration/welcome 5pm - dinner served at 6pm

Check out: Sunday March 30th - lunch served at 1pm and guests leave after this

Price: £275 (residential - breakfast, lunch & dinners inc.)

or £195 (non-residential - lunch & dinners included)

Accommodation

Drumalis Retreat and Conference Centre provides a beautiful warm and welcoming array of rooms that can cater to a variety of needs. The rooms are comfortable and thoughtfully appointed, providing a tranquil space for rest, reflection and rejuvenation.

  • Single Occupancy: Guests are offered rooms on a single occupancy basis. Each room offers  cozy beds and serene decor to ensure a peaceful stay. Double occupancy can also be offered for twin beds or double bed. Please note this under - anything else when booking.

  • Accessibility: Drumalis offers facilities that are fully accessible to guests with disabilities. The accommodations include wheelchair-accessible rooms, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the retreat.

  • Amenities: The rooms are equipped with modern amenities, including en-suite bathrooms, ensuring a private and restful environment. If you require a bath, please note this at time of booking. Guests can enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Drumalis, with views that add to the retreat's calming atmosphere.

 

Drumalis Retreat Centre prides itself on providing a serene haven for all its guests, with accommodations that blend comfort, accessibility, and a touch of tranquility, making every stay a delightful experience.

Janice Witherspoon is a native of Co. Antrim now living in Glenarm. She works as a professional storyteller and tour guide. Prior to this she worked for many years as a gardener at the Findhorn Foundation Community in Scotland and at the Emerson College Biodynamic Garden in Sussex. She came to storytelling initially through her work with nature specialising in environmental stories. Since her return to N.Ireland in 2018 she has delved more deeply into the world of Irish myths and legends and has run courses on the subject for the Queen’s University Open Learning Centre. She has also facilitated workshops called “Tales among the Trees” encouraging participants to connect more deeply with nature. She is passionate about the role of myth and story in fostering community and connection.

Vicky McFarland has been living in Larne since 2014. A professional storyteller and writer, Vicky is also a qualified teacher with nearly twenty years experience as a facilitator. With a passion for self-exploration, Vicky came to storytelling because she fell in love with the stories and wanted to share them with more people. Storytelling since 2005, Vicky has travelled the world collecting and reimagining stories. A founding member of Dalriada Legends, Vicky regularly tells stories to children and adults all over Northern Ireland and beyond. Vicky has numerous audio story collections and stories published in a number of anthologies, including the beautiful Herbia Mythica - a collection of myths and stories of the plants. Vicky has a passion for stories of women and feminine archetypes and loves to rework these stories to speak to today’s audiences.

 

Directions to Drumalis Retreat & Conference Centre:

 

Drumalis Retreat & Conference Centre is located at 47 Glenarm Road, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 1DT.

By Car:

  • From Belfast:

    • Take the M2 motorway northbound.

    • Exit onto the A8 towards Larne.

    • Approaching Larne, turn left onto Pound Street, signposted near the high-rise flats.

    • Continue straight through three sets of traffic lights onto Victoria Road.

    • At the end of Victoria Road, you'll find the gates of Drumalis directly opposite across Glenarm Road.

      Drumalis

By Public Transport:

  • Bus:

    • Regular bus services operate from Belfast Europa Bus Centre to Larne.

    • For schedules and routes, consult the Translink website.

  • Train:

    • Trains run from Belfast Central Station to Larne.

    • Timetables and ticket information are available on the Translink website.

 

By Sea:

  • P&O Irish Ferries provide regular sailings from Scotland to Larne.

  • Please note: From 2016, there is no longer a Troon-Larne ferry service.

    Drumalis

 

By Air:

  • Northern Ireland is served by two main airports:

    • Belfast International Airport (near Templepatrick, County Antrim)

    • Belfast City Airport (in East Belfast)

  • Taxis from either airport to Drumalis cost approximately £25-£30.

  • Alternatively, both airports offer bus services to Belfast, where you can connect to Larne via train or bus.

     

  • Drumalis

  • For detailed travel planning, including timetables and ticketing, please visit the Translink website.

Mythic Retreat at Drumalis
Mythic Retreat at Drumalis
28 Mar 2025, 17:00
Larne

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Tale Time Stories

Victoria McFarland

41 Victoria Road, Larne, BT40 1RT

Northern Ireland

Tel:07855 289757

Email: taletime@gmail.com

©2021 by Tale Time Stories.

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