Nature’s Narratives

On Saturday February 24th 9am, Johnstown Castle plays host to a nature inspired creative writing workshop. The workshop, hosted by Sheila Forsey will allow you to unleash your creativity in the heart of nature and history.

Nature serves as an abundant source of creativity for writers. If you are interested in writing poetry, novels, essays or memoir the richness, complexity and beauty of nature can spark creativity and offer an abundance of themes, metaphors and symbols to draw inspiration from.

This one day workshop will allow you to submerge yourself in the sublime beauty of the gardens that surround the castle while being immersed by the rich history and charm of this historic place.

Explore the fundamentals of nature writing including sensory exploration, personal reflection, ecological awareness and observation techniques whilst capturing the essence of the natural world with words. Explore the philosophical power and harmony of nature through observing the sublime beauty of it whilst depicting it with pen and paper.

Be exposed to the writing of nature writers who excel at this genre such as Poet Mary Oliver to further develop the craft.

This workshop is led by Irish Times best- selling historical fiction novelist Sheila Forsey. Sheila’s last novel was inspired by Johnstown Castle. Sheila is a graduate from Maynooth in creative writing and most recently completed postgraduate studies at Trinity College Dublin. She is a heritage expert with The Heritage Council and an experienced tutor in creative writing.

‘Tell me what will you do with your one wild and precious life’ Mary Oliver Poet.

** NOTE: The workshop takes place from 9am – 4pm and will include Soup and a Sandwich **