Step into the pages of Victoria’s forthcoming hardcover volume Our Hearts Are in Ireland and become immersed in the natural beauty and vibrant culture of the Emerald Isle. Our sojourn begins and ends in Dublin at five-star luxury hotel The Merrion, where we will enjoy the hotel’s famed Art Tea. From there we will traverse this beloved country to savor historic sites, creative workshops, and shopping amid verdant landscapes, finding repose in the sumptuous environs of Ashford Castle.

Accommodations are provided at five-star properties, including The Merrion and Ashford Castle.

This retreat is limited to 18 participants.

Each registered workshop participant will receive a one-year subscription to Victoria. Current subscribers may choose to extend their subscription or gift it to someone special.

Settle in at The Merrion, nestled in the heart of Dublin and the capital’s most luxurious hotel. Grand interiors offer an ideal backdrop for showcasing an impressive private collection of nineteenth- and twentieth-century art. To begin this Live Your Bliss Retreat, we cordially invite you to join us for the Art Tea, an elegant afternoon tea that culminates with an array of sweets inspired by the works of J. B. Yeats, William Scott, Louis Le Brocquy, and other artists. At this delightful teatime occasion, meet Editor Melissa Lester and your fellow travelers.

Savor a morning of rest, sightseeing, or shopping before gathering for a creative workshop with Nell Stritch of Pressed Flowers by Nell, featured in the March/April 2026 issue of Victoria magazine. Many of this botanical artist’s bespoke pieces are fashioned from bridal bouquets. In addition to wedding keepsakes, the artisan also creates coasters, notebooks, and a fine art print collection. Nell will bring a gallery of her work, guide us through her artistic process, and lead us in making a freeform design using an array of blooms harvested from her own garden. Following this workshop, the day is yours to explore Dublin, with dinner on your own.

Depart for Ashford Castle, an estate originally constructed in 1228 and now an esteemed Red Carnation Hotel. One hundred thirty crystal chandeliers shower light upon opulent interiors, where richly hued carpets cushion footfall, and eyes are drawn up to ornately carved oak ceilings. Enjoy afternoon tea in the Connaught Room, a tradition that began within these sumptuous environs in 1868, when Lord and Lady Ardilaun would enjoy daily refreshments here. Today, guests are served a selection of traditional finger sandwiches and fresh-baked scones, along with cream and homemade jams. Following teatime, the day is yours.

As our first special activity for the day, join the group for a culinary workshop with Paula Pastry, Ashford Castle’s Global Director of Chocolate and Pâtisserie. Featuring live-plated desserts with estate-sourced seasonal ingredients and foraged delights, this experience is perfect for chocolate lovers. We will also enjoy a plein air painting workshop with Trish Findlater, an Irish artist known for her landscapes. This day of indulgence and creativity culminates with dinner together at Ashford Castle.

Enjoy some time on your own, perhaps planning a visit to the property’s spa, which has claimed the title of Ireland’s Best Hotel Spa for the past decade. Set out to explore the Wild Atlantic Way and scenic Sky Road, pausing at picturesque landmarks, on our way to Kylemore Abbey. This Victorian castle is a haven of history, beauty and serenity. Home to a Benedictine order of nuns for the past century, this lovely property features on the cover of Our Hearts Are in Ireland. Here, we will enjoy a private tour, with time for lunch and shopping. We will conclude the day with dinner together at Ashford Castle.

Depart Ashford Castle for The Merrion, where we will settle in for our final afternoon of activities. Enjoy a guided tour of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, the national cathedral of the Church of Ireland. As the largest cathedral and one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the country, Saint Patrick’s has been at the heart of Dublin and Ireland’s history and culture for more than 800 years. Following our guided tour, our group will enjoy a private choral performance by the Cathedral Choir. When we return to the hotel, the day is yours.

Depart for home with a heart full of memories and a suitcase brimming with pressed-floral artwork and beautiful finds.

• 3 nights at the five-star hotel, The Merrion

• 3 nights at the five-star hotel, Ashford Castle

• Welcome Art Tea at The Merrion, featuring the hotel’s celebrated afternoon tea experience

• Creative workshop with botanical artist Nell Stritch of Pressed Flowers by Nell

• Afternoon tea at Ashford Castle in the historic Connaught Room

• Culinary workshop with Paula Pastry, Global Director of Chocolate and Pâtisserie at Ashford Castle

• Plein air painting workshop with Irish artist Trish Findlater

• Private guided tour of Kylemore Abbey

• Guided tour of St. Patrick’s Cathedral, including a private choral performance by the Cathedral Choir

• Select group meals, including breakfast daily, afternoon teas, and dinners at Ashford Castle on Saturday and Sunday evenings

• Transportation by private coach to and from schedule retreat activities

• Private round-trip airport transfers

• One-year subscription to Victoria

• Airfare to and from Dublin

• Some meals

• 3 nights at the five-star hotel, The Merrion

• 3 nights at the five-star hotel, Ashford Castle

• Some meals, including breakfast daily, afternoon teas, and dinners at Ashford Castle Saturday and Sunday evenings

• St. Patrick’s Cathedral tour and private choral performance

• Private round-trip airport transfers

• Airfare to and from Dublin

• Some meals

• Workshops and excursions

• One-year subscription to Victoria

The Merrion
The Merrion is a five-star hotel in the heart of Ireland’s capital, set within a collection of restored Georgian townhouses. Renowned for its gracious service and notable collection of nineteenth- and twentieth-century Irish art, the hotel offers refined accommodations, serene garden spaces, and Michelin-starred dining, providing an elegant setting for our stay in Dublin.

Ashford Castle
Ashford Castle is a five-star estate originally constructed in 1228 and now part of the Red Carnation Hotel Collection. Set amid woodlands and lakes in western Ireland, the historic castle is celebrated for its opulent interiors, impeccable hospitality, and timeless atmosphere, offering an unforgettable setting for our stay in the Irish countryside.

You’ll fly into Dublin Airport (DUB), which is serviced from most hubs in the United States. Transportation for all schedule retreat activities is included.

The Victoria team is available to assist with travel planning and helping you find the best route. Email victoriaevents@hoffmanemedia.com for assistance.

Participant Single Occupancy

• $12,000 per Participant

• 1 Participant | 1 Private Hotel Room

Shared Participant Double Occupancy

• $10,500 per Participant

• 2 Participants | 1 Hotel Room

Participant & Travel Companion

• $14,500 per Participant & Travel Companion

• 1 Participant + Travel Companion | 1 Shared Hotel Room

• A 50% deposit is due within 48 hours of confirmation, along with signed travel waiver and cancellation policy acknowledgment

• The remaining 50% balance is due April 15, 2026

• Payments accepted: ACH direct deposit, Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, JCB, Diners Club, and Union Pay

• All prices are listed in U.S. dollars

All bookings for this retreat are final and nonrefundable under all circumstances. For this reason, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers trip cancellation, interruption, illness, and other unexpected events. You agree that you will not initiate a charge-back or payment dispute for amounts properly charged in accordance with this policy.

If you choose not to purchase travel insurance, you understand and agree that you are responsible for all costs or losses related to trip interruptions.

Changes, Cancellations & Unforeseen Events

We are not responsible for expenses related to travel delays, cancellations, illness, injury, or other events beyond our control, including but not limited to weather, government actions, and airline or transportation issues.

In the event that we must cancel this retreat due to circumstances beyond our control, our liability will be limited to a refund of amounts paid to us, or a credit toward a future retreat, at our discretion. We are not responsible for additional expenses such as airfare, lodging, or other travel costs.

Health & Travel Risks

Travel involves inherent risks, including the risk of exposure to communicable illnesses. By booking this retreat, you acknowledge these risks and agree to assume responsibility for your own health and safety during the trip.

If you become ill during the retreat, particularly with a suspected or confirmed contagious condition, the group leaders may require you to modify or end your participation if they reasonably believe your presence poses a health or safety risk to other participants. In such cases, no refund or credit will be provided. 

Program Changes

Due to circumstances beyond our control, certain activities, instructors, services, or amenities may be modified, substituted, or unavailable. Such changes do not constitute grounds for a refund, but we will work tirelessly to make sure you have the best experience possible. 

Acknowledgment

By booking this retreat, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to this Trip Cancellation & Travel Risk Policy.

What airport should I fly into?
We recommend flying into Dublin Airport (DUB). Guests are responsible for arranging their own airfare.

Are airport transfers included?
Airport transfers are included.

Can I arrive early or extend my stay?
If you would like to inquire about additional nights at The Merrion or Ashford Castle, please email victoriaevents@hoffmanmedia.com. Requests for early check-in or late check-out will be made on your behalf but cannot be guaranteed.

Is breakfast included?
Daily breakfast is included at both hotels.

Are children able to attend this retreat? All participants must be 18 years old or older to attend this retreat.

Will there be free time during the retreat?
The itinerary has been thoughtfully designed to allow for leisure time in both Dublin and Ashford Castle. Guests are encouraged to explore, relax, shop, or enjoy optional experiences such as spa services.

What should I pack for the retreat?
We recommend smart casual attire with comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing and excursions. For creative workshops, wear comfortable clothing suitable for hands-on activities. For group dinners at Ashford Castle, dressy or cocktail attire is encouraged.

Is this retreat suitable for guests with limited mobility?
Some activities include walking on uneven surfaces, historic sites, and outdoor paths. While we do our best to accommodate all guests, participants should be comfortable with moderate walking. Please contact victoriaevents@hoffmanmedia.com with specific questions or needs.

Are spa services included?
Spa services at Ashford Castle are not included and must be booked separately. We recommend reserving treatments in advance due to limited availability.

Are meals included?
Select meals are included, including afternoon teas and group dinners at Ashford Castle. Most lunches and some dinners are on your own, allowing flexibility to explore local dining.

Is travel insurance required?
Travel insurance is not required but is strongly recommended. The retreat is nonrefundable, and travel insurance may help protect against unforeseen changes or interruptions.

Is this retreat limited in size?
This retreat is limited to 18 participants to ensure an intimate and enriching experience.

Will I receive a subscription to Victoria?
Each registered participant will receive a one-year subscription to Victoria. Current subscribers may choose to extend their subscription or gift it to someone special.

Who should I contact if I have questions?
Please email victoriaevents@hoffmanmedia.com with any questions about the retreat.