Irish Castles & Coastlines Art Retreat with Artist Sebastian Thommen in West Cork - September 2026 SOLD OUT - Please Email to be put on waitlist: art@sebastianthommen.com
The perfect mix of learning, exploration, and relaxation. Let Ireland’s castles, seascapes, and warm hospitality become your muse.
Embark on an inspiring week-long retreat with watercolor artist Sebastian Thommen on the breathtaking coast of West Cork, Ireland. Designed for those eager to deepen their watercolor practice, this experience blends expert morning tuition with unforgettable excursions to Blarney Castle, the historic Charles Fort in Kinsale, and the enchanting gardens of Garnish Island.
Between sketching tours and cultural discoveries, enjoy invigorating sea swims and sauna sessions, all while soaking up the raw beauty of Ireland’s southern coast. Evenings bring community and connection with a canapés and bubbles reception, shared meals, and plenty of time to reflect on the day’s adventures.
Some topics covered in your classes with Sebastian Thommen include:
Simplifying a scene
Painting En Plein Air
Explore with various watercolor techniques including wet on wet, expressive painting with brushes
Create a compelling composition and layout
Paint nature and your surroundings
Take reference pictures and use them to create beautiful paintings
Use your sketchbook to help plan your painting
Learn to create value sketches
Focus for mindfulness and quality of experience , not perfectionism
...and many more.
What's included:
Art classes, individual instruction, and demonstrations with artist Sebastian Thommen
6 nights of accommodation at Courtmacsherry Hotel
Exclusive use of the indoor art space, outdoor sauna by the beach, and garden.
Meals prepared at the hotel
6 breakfasts, 5 dinners
A tour coordinator so Sebastian can focus his energy on his students
Coffee, tea, water, and homemade snacks available throughout the day
Welcome with wine and canapés
Art trip to Kinsale
Art trip to Garnish Island
Art trip to Blarney Castle
Whale Watching Sea Cruise
Private transportation and chaperone for all trips and planned activities
Roundtrip airport transfers from/to Cork Airport at prearranged times
Venue host available throughout the day
All local tourist taxes and fees
Indoor Tables, water containers, paper towels
Gala Night with musician
Gain access to a private Facebook group with Sebastian Thommen and fellow retreat participants starting four months before the retreat.
Not included
Airfare/transportation to Cork City/Airport
Travel insurance
Art supplies: easel, pencils, rubber, tape, paint, a palette, a sketchbook and paper, and your personal watercolor brushes (especially big sizes) - a detailed list of art materials recommended by Sebastian Thommen will be provided well in advance of the retreat
Lunches
Tips and gratuities
Personal expenses
West Cork Art Retreat Itinerary
Day 1 – Sunday: Arrival & Welcome
You’ll be collected in Cork City and brought to the charming Courtmacsherry Hotel to settle into your room and unwind after your journey. In the evening, enjoy canapés and bubbles at our welcome reception, where Sebastian will give an introduction to the retreat and what to expect in the days ahead.
Day 2 – Monday: Boats & Headlands
After a hearty Irish breakfast, begin the day with a warm-up sketching session with Sebastian before heading down to the pier to paint the colourful fishing boats. After lunch, we’ll travel to the dramatic Seven Heads Peninsula, where rugged cliffs, sweeping views, and Atlantic light provide the perfect backdrop for an afternoon of plein air painting. The day concludes with a three-course dinner at the hotel.
Day 3 – Tuesday: Historic Kinsale
This morning we travel by private bus to the impressive Charles Fort, a star-shaped stronghold with over 1,600 years of history. We’ll paint and sketch around its dramatic walls before enjoying lunch at the infamous Bullman Bar in Summercove (not included, payable locally). Afterwards, we’ll explore the winding, colourful streets of Kinsale, capturing the character of Ireland’s gourmet capital, before returning for dinner at the hotel.
Day 4 – Wednesday: Gardens of Garnish Island
After breakfast, we ride the bus to Glengarriff Bay and take the short boat trip to Garnish Island, famed for its lush gardens and exotic plant life. We’ll spend the morning exploring and painting among the greenery, with time for lunch at a nearby café. The afternoon is free to relax or continue sketching before dinner at the hotel.
Day 5 – Thursday: Blarney Castle & Gardens
Today’s highlight is a trip to the world-famous Blarney Castle, home of the legendary stone said to bestow the gift of eloquence. After a painting lesson in the castle grounds, you’ll have time to explore the romantic gardens, waterfalls, and hidden nooks. Lunch will be enjoyed on-site, with more sketching opportunities before we return for dinner at the hotel.
Day 6 – Friday: Bluebell Woods & Gala Evening
Our final day begins with a morning painting session in the magical Bluebell Woods, where Sebastian will guide you through techniques and offer personal critique and notes to help you continue your artistic journey beyond the retreat. In the afternoon, we’ll return to the sea for one last whale-watching and sketching trip, before celebrating together at a four-course Gala Dinner with live music.
Day 7 – Saturday: Departure
After breakfast, transfers will bring you back to Cork City, filled with memories, sketches, and new friendships.
Please note: All activities are weather dependent and the schedule may be adjusted to best suit the local climate and ensure the most enjoyable experience.
West Cork Art Retreat — Sept 20–26, 2026
Participant
All painting sessions + excursions + breakfasts & dinners. Perfect if you want focused watercolor instruction each morning, then explore West Cork together in the afternoons.
- Morning watercolor tuition & demos with Sebastian
- Private bus to Blarney Castle, Charles Fort (Kinsale), and Garnish Island
- Daily breakfasts & dinners (including Gala final evening)
- Welcome canapés & bubbles reception
- Sketching stops, sea swim & sauna options
- Laundry facilities; group transfers Cork City ⇄ hotel
Deposit: €500 secures your place. Balance due: 120 days before arrival.
Save My Place — Pay €500 DepositNon-Participant Guest
Join all excursions, breakfasts & dinners, and social events — skip the painting sessions. Ideal for partners who want castles, coastline & cuisine at a relaxed pace.
- All cultural excursions & group activities
- Daily breakfasts & dinners (including Gala final evening)
- Welcome canapés & bubbles reception
- Sea swim & sauna options; free time to explore
- Shared transfers with the group
Deposit: €300 secures their place. Balance due: 120 days before arrival.
Add Non-Participant — Pay €300 DepositNot included: flights, travel insurance, one lunch in Kinsale, and extra drinks. All activities are weather-dependent; schedule may be adjusted to suit local conditions.
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Frequently Asked Questions – West Cork Art Retreat with Sebastian Thommen
When and where does the retreat take place?
The retreat runs from September 20–26, 2026 in West Cork, Ireland, based at the charming Courtmacsherry Hotel.
Who is leading the retreat?
The retreat is led by Sebastian Thommen, award-winning Irish watercolor artist and instructor, known for his plein air landscapes and sketchbook work (I’ll just drop that in there). However, Sebastian will have a helping hand to facilitate the groups needs and co ordinate outings.
Do I need to be physically fit to join?
A general level of mobility and agility is needed to get the most out of this retreat. While there’s nothing extreme, some of our activities involve walking around historic sites like Blarney Castle, gentle treks through the Bluebell Woods, and boarding a sea cruise. If you’re comfortable with light to moderate walking, stairs, and being on your feet for periods of time, you’ll be absolutely fine. The aim is to enjoy Ireland’s beauty at a relaxed pace — but it does help if participants are able to move around with ease.
What is included in the retreat price?
Accommodation at Courtmacsherry Hotel
Daily breakfasts, and dinners (see itinerary for details)
Morning watercolor demonstrations and instruction with Sebastian, sketching together in the afternoons.
Cultural excursions to Blarney Castle, Charles Fort in Kinsale, Garnish Island, and the Seven Heads Peninsula
Sea cruise (depending on weather)
Group transfers from Cork City to the hotel on arrival and departure day
Welcome canapés and bubbles reception, and a Gala dinner with live music
Laundry facilities at the hotel
What is not included?
Flights to and from Cork
Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
Lunch in hotel and when out on a trip.
Drinks other than welcome reception
How many participants will there be?
The retreat is limited to a maximum of 16 participants, ensuring plenty of personal guidance and a warm, intimate atmosphere.
Can I bring a non-painting guest?
Yes! Non-participating guests are welcome. They can join all excursions, meals, and leisure activities, but won’t take part in the painting instruction.
How much is the deposit?
A €500 deposit is required to secure your spot. For non-participating guests, the deposit is €300.
How do I get there?
The nearest airport is Cork Airport (ORK), which has direct connections to London, Amsterdam, Paris, and several other European cities. Transfers will be arranged from Cork City to the hotel on arrival and departure day.
Do I need to bring my own art supplies?
Yes, please bring your personal watercolor materials. A suggested supply list will be provided after booking, and Sebastian will also share his own recommended favorites.
What level of experience do I need?
This retreat is open to all levels. Whether you’re a beginner eager to explore watercolor or an experienced painter looking to refine your plein air practice, however Sebastian recommends to do his reasonably priced intro course. Find details here
Will there be free time?
Yes. While the mornings focus on art instruction and afternoons include cultural excursions, there will be time to relax, enjoy sea swims and sauna sessions, or simply soak up the atmosphere of West Cork.
What if the weather is bad?
This is Ireland — so a little rain is part of the charm! 🌦️ All activities are weather-dependent and may be adjusted to suit the climate, ensuring the best possible experience each day.
Is laundry available?
Yes, laundry facilities are available at the hotel.
How do I book?
Click the “Add to Cart” button at the bottom of the page to secure your place. Spaces are limited, so early booking is recommended. If you are booking for two you can ad that option. Any more and you contact me directly for a group discount.
For is also an option to add non participating partners.
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I know plans can change and life can throw surprises, but hosting an art retreat involves a lot of advance preparation — from securing hotels and buses to booking cultural activities. With that in mind, here’s how my refund policy works:
Retreats
A non-refundable deposit (€500 per participant / €300 for non-painting guests) is required to secure your place.
The balance is due 120 days before the retreat start date.
If you need to cancel:
More than 120 days before the retreat: you’ll receive a full refund minus your deposit.
Between 90–120 days before the retreat: 50% refund of the balance paid (deposit non-refundable).
Less than 90 days before the retreat: unfortunately, no refunds are possible.
If I ever have to cancel a retreat (for reasons beyond my control, such as travel restrictions or venue closure), you’ll receive a full refund of all payments made, including your deposit.
Travel Insurance
I strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance. It can protect you if you need to cancel, face medical emergencies, or encounter other unexpected events that affect your plans.
In short: I want you to feel safe and supported when booking, but I also need to protect the commitments I make to hotels, transport, and local partners. Thanks for understanding and for supporting my work as an artist and teacher.
Stay hydrated,
Sebastian