For over a decade, I have led a retreat in a magical location that holds special significance for C.S. Lewis. Staying at the hotel during his youth, this area of outstanding natural beauty became the landscape that influenced his vision of Narnia. As an adult, he returned often to The Old Inn to reflect, write, and speak with friends. Indeed, in 1958, he honeymooned here with the love of his life, Joy Davidman, shortly before her passing.

Dating back to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, The Old Inn has given shelter to figures such as Jonathan Swift, Anthony Trollope, Charles Dickens, Dick Turpin, and Peter the Great. Widely regarded as one of the most beautiful hotels in Ireland—with its award-winning restaurant and stunning outdoor spa that overlooks the forest—it has proven to be the perfect location for those seeking time to contemplate their lives.

The content

This year Spark will create a more embodied, reflective and relaxed space to contrast with my Wake festival. To faciliate that, there will be four main elements to the retreat:

1. I will be bringing in leading practitioners to create space for group psychoanalysis, decentering practices and art therapy

2. I’ll be teaching, alongside world-renowned colleagues, how to identify, understand and enjoy your symptoms

3. I’ll be building in a stream that will provide training for pastors who wish to integrate insights from pyrotheology into their congregations

4. There will be music and other entertainment that embodies the core principles of Pyrotheology

What’s included?

This is an all-inclusive event. Your ticket covers all accommodation, meals, activities, and receptions. You'll enjoy breakfast each morning, lunch every afternoon, and an incredible three-course meal each evening, all in the award-winning restaurant.

Tree Top Spa

The outdoor spa includes an open-air hydrotherapy pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, and relaxation area.