Bog and Thunder: Our Fermented Lives
Join hosts Bog and Thunder for a brand new writing retreat, delivered in collaboration with author and teacher Julia Skinner. This five day, four night retreat on the stunning West Coast of Ireland focuses on fermentation as a teacher for transformation.
Where: Common Knowledge, County Clare
When: September 9th to 13th, 2026
The Art of Fermentation
The art and craft of fermentation contains valuable lessons for writers - about letting things take their own time, connecting to place, and trusting the process. At this four night retreat, you'll recieve in-depth fermentation instruction, daily creative prompts, and lots of unstructured time to draw, write, or spend time in nature as we allow craft in the kitchen to spill out into the rest of our lives in creativity, connection and play.
Retreat Highlights
- Up close and personal: Expect guidance, teaching and support from Dr. Julia Skinner. Julia is a writer, creative coach and fermentation specialist whose work includes the award-winning, Our Fermented Lives. she is the founder of The Culinary Curiosity School, and also runs Root, a food-focused community and consulting organisation.
- Time to rest and reflect: Expect time in nature, space for rest and reflection and focused support for developing your creative practise.
- Wholesome meals and special guests: We offer 100% organic, home-cooked, top quality food throughout the retreat. Surprise guests will feature with skills and teaching to share.
- Cultivate wonder: Renew your sense of wonder. Leave feeling rested, rejuvenated and nourished - your inner creative ecosystem ready to bring the practice of fermentation and creative magic into your daily life.
What's included?
- Four days (five nights) stay at Common Knowledge, County Clare.
- All meals (including refreshments) for the duration of the retreat.
- All activities, such as creative coaching, fermentation masterclasses and space to breathe
- Butter making masterclass and Bog Butter exploration!
- All gratuities.
All inclusive rates
Bog and Thunder aim to accommodate intimate groups of up to 14 people in shared and private accommodations.
- Double ensuite: $2350 per person
- Single ensuite: $2300 per person
- Single semi-ensuite: $2250 per person
- Shared room (2 people) ensuite: $2000 per person
- Shared room (3 people) ensuite: $1800 per person
*Pricing is all inclusive (room and board, plus programming)
The itinerary is subject to change based on supplier availability and the number of participants. Bog and Thunder reserves the right to make necessary adjustments to ensure the best possible experience for their guests.