# Wild Blooms - Watercolor Botanical Art Retreat with Artist Harriet de Winton in Ireland Join watercolor artist Harriet de Winton for an unforgettable painting retreat set within one of Ireland's most magnificent historic estates. Throughout the trip, you will paint romantic botanical still lifes, lush floral arrangements, the beautiful estate gardens, and the simple cottages that dot the grounds. Harriet will guide you in capturing the grand landscape of County Monaghan as well as adding basic buildings and rustic stone architecture to your watercolor pages. Over the course of this immersive retreat, you will enjoy daily lessons and one-on-one guidance from Harriet, with personal demonstrations and individual feedback in a warm, supportive atmosphere that gives your creativity the space to flourish. By the end of the week, you will leave with a beautiful body of botanical watercolor work, a finished and decorated final composition, and the confidence to keep painting at home. Artists of all levels are warmly welcomed! Stay in a grand Irish manor estate continuously held by the same family since the seventeenth century, set within hundreds of acres of heritage woodland, private lakes, and formal parterre gardens, with the entire property rented solely for this retreat. Delight in chef-made meals and a traditional afternoon tea, and draw inspiration from the surrounding landscape with a visit to Monaghan Town's weekly farmer's market and a full day painting and sketching on location at the historic Castle Leslie estate. ## Details - **Dates:** June 30 - July 7, 2027 - **Location:** Clones, Ireland - **Starting Price:** $4,850 - **Currency:** USD - **Status:** open - **Group Size:** Max. 17 students - **Category:** [Painting](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/retreats/painting) · [Browse on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreats/painting) ## Overview **What's included** 1. Art classes, individual tuition, and demonstrations with artist Harriet de Winton 2. Art studio equipped with: tables, chairs, field easels, portable plein-air stools, paper towels, professional studio lights, glass jars, watercolor paper, and fresh flowers 3. Exclusive use of the entire historic 400-acre manor estate, including the Manor House, Cottage, Gatelodge, 2,500 sq. ft. studio, private lake, lakeside sauna, gardens, and private grounds 4. 7 nights of accommodation at a historic Irish manor 5. All meals: 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 7 dinners carefully prepared by a private chef 6. All diets catered for, including vegan and gluten-free 7. Wine and non-alcoholic beverages served during dinner service every day 8. Homemade snacks in the afternoon 9. Complimentary water, coffee, and tea available throughout the day 10. Art trip to Monaghan Town farmer's market, with opportunities for sketching and painting on location 11. Art trip to Castle Leslie Estate with opportunities for sketching and painting on location 12. Entrance ticket to Castle Leslie Estate 13. Afternoon tea with a tiered display of savory bites and hand-crafted sweets 14. Private transportation and chaperone for all planned trips and activities 15. Round-trip airport transfers from/to Dublin Airport (DUB) at prearranged times 16. All tourist taxes and fees 17. A dedicated UpTrek retreat coordinator available throughout the whole retreat 18. Fully staffed venue with drivers, cleaning and maintenance staff, and chef and kitchen staff 19. Access to a private Facebook group with artist Harriet de Winton and the other retreat participants four months before the retreat takes place **Not included** - Airfare - Travel insurance - One lunch during the full-day trip to Castle Leslie Estate - Art materials — you will receive a detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Harriet de Winton five months before the retreat takes place - Tips for staff - Other expenses guests might incur on their own ## Program ### Irish Watercolor Botanicals Art Retreat Join artist Harriet de Winton for a week of watercolor painting set in one of Ireland's best-preserved historic manors! Each day, you'll work closely with Harriet as she guides you through the art of botanical still life in watercolor, from choosing and arranging flowers to building a finished composition you'll be proud to hang on your wall. While working around the venue, you will also learn to capture the manor's beautiful gardens and the simple cottages on the property, giving you the perfect opportunity to practice incorporating basic buildings into your art. Through live demonstrations, personal feedback, and relaxed group sessions, she'll create a space where your creativity feels easy, joyful, and entirely your own. This retreat welcomes all levels of experience. Throughout the week, you'll focus on the flowers, botanicals, and still life subjects that Harriet is acclaimed for. She'll teach you how to study a bloom, how to compose an arrangement, and how to build color palettes that hold together across a painting. You'll visit Monaghan Town's farmer's market to bring fresh flowers and new reference material into your practice, and spend one morning exploring Castle Leslie, set on a thousand acres of ancient woodland and lakeside grounds. As you paint and sketch on location during this excursion, Harriet will further guide you in capturing the lush estate gardens and the charming, simple cottages that dot the broader property, showing you how to beautifully integrate these basic buildings into your watercolor scenes. Between sessions, wander the estate's woodland trails, sit in the parterre gardens, or take afternoon tea in the manor. Delight in chef-made meals each evening, and enjoy easy company with a group of artists who have come, like you, to slow down and make something beautiful. You'll leave with a body of watercolor work shaped by Ireland's landscape and light, a decorative final composition that captures the spirit of the week, and the confidence to keep painting when you get home. **During your workshops, you'll cover:** - The fundamentals of watercolor painting - Studying a plant or flower and knowing where to begin painting it - Choosing a color palette - Composing an arrangement on the page - Creating beautiful pieces of art that you can hang on the wall and be proud of - Observing and painting vases, vessels, and the patterns and details that make them unique - An introduction to plein-air sketching: capturing simple landscapes and architectural details outdoors - Incorporating simple cottages, basic buildings, and lush gardens into your scenes - An appreciation for observing nature - The therapeutic calm that watercolor painting can bring - To enjoy the pure joy of creation - ...and much more! Your venue for this art retreat is one of Ireland's rare continuously family-held manor estates, with roots reaching back to 1651 and the same family in residence since the 1730s. The entire property is rented solely for this retreat. Located in the peaceful countryside of County Monaghan, the estate spans hundreds of acres of heritage woodland and private lakes, with formal parterre gardens framing the house. Your classes will take place in a spacious art studio, and between painting sessions you can wander the walking trails or unwind in the sauna. Immerse yourself in Irish hospitality with chef-made meals and a traditional afternoon tea event, complete with a tiered display of savory bites and hand-crafted sweets. ### Day 1: Arrival Land at Dublin Airport Airport (DUB) and hop on the 2:00 PM transfer to the venue. Once there, unpack and unwind in your cozy room. Settle in, then meet artist Harriet de Winton, your instructor for the week, as well as your art group. Join a delightful tour of the historic manor, ancient woodlands, and elegant common spaces. As dusk settles, gather with your fellow participants for a delectable welcome dinner, each bite enhanced by a glass of wine. ### Day 2: Art classes at the venue Start your morning with a nourishing breakfast and gather with the group over coffee before stepping into the studio for the first time. Harriet will bring everyone to a shared starting point, whatever your experience level. She'll walk you through the fundamentals of watercolor: water control, paint consistency, color mixing, brushwork, and the basics of washes and layering. Her focus will be on your creative confidence, keeping the process exciting and releasing the pressure to get every mark right. Go through a range of exercises covering color value, wet-on-wet versus glazing, and color blending with primary colors before introducing a wider palette. By the end of the morning, you'll have a feel for the medium and a foundation to build on. Refuel with a satisfying lunch, then return to the studio for the afternoon session. Harriet will deepen your understanding of color and technique, guiding you through more nuanced exercises in translucency and color mixing to help you find the particular quality of light that makes watercolor unlike any other medium. She'll also help you prepare your materials and your travel kit ahead of tomorrow's trip. As the day winds down, explore the estate, rest, or continue painting at your own pace. Gather again for a chef-made dinner as the first full day of the retreat draws to a close. ### Day 3: Art trip to Monaghan Town farmer's market Start with breakfast and a relaxed coffee check-in, then head into Monaghan Town for the weekly farmer's market. This is a wonderful opportunity to move through a lively, color-filled environment with a sketchbook and an open eye. Pick up fresh flowers and local produce to bring back to the studio, and take reference photos of arrangements, textures, and the details that catch your attention. While you wander, let the town's rustic character inspire your plein-air practice, pausing to sketch the modest local architecture framing the market, the quaint rural homes along your path, and the charming green spaces tucked between the streets. Return to the venue for lunch, then reconvene in the studio with your new materials. In the afternoon, Harriet will shift your focus to plants and flowers in closer detail. You'll study how blooms and foliage relate to each other within a composition, how to choose flowers and colors for an arrangement, and how to build a palette that holds together across multiple botanical elements. Harriet will guide you through your first steps toward a vase or floral arrangement as a painting subject, helping you explore shape, color, and the relationship between elements on the page. Spend the early evening as you wish. Wander the grounds, find a quiet corner to continue sketching, then delight in a chef-made dinner paired with wine. ### Day 4: Art classes at the venue Enjoy a nourishing breakfast, then check in with Harriet and your fellow artists over coffee before heading into the morning class. In the morning session, Harriet will teach you how to approach still life composition. She'll show you how to read the shapes and patterns on vases and vessels, how different arrangements change the feel of a painting, and how to make considered decisions about what goes where on the page. You'll explore the visual weight of different objects, the relationship between foreground and background, and how to build a sense of depth and harmony within a single composition. Refuel with lunch, then spend the afternoon building on everything you've learned so far. Harriet will move through the studio, offering you individual guidance and encouragement as you bring your own arrangements to life in watercolor. Take the rest of the evening at your own pace. Wander the parterre gardens, continue painting, or simply sit and enjoy the stillness of the estate before gathering for dinner with the group. ### Day 5: Trip to Castle Leslie Kick off the day with a refreshing breakfast before a coffee check-in to chat about the day ahead. Gather your supplies and head out on an art trip to Castle Leslie. Castle Leslie is one of Ireland's most remarkable historic properties, boasting over a thousand acres of ancient woodland, rolling lakeside grounds, and heritage gardens still in the ownership of the same family that built it. Spend the morning painting and sketching on location, with Harriet guiding you in responding to the landscape around you. Practice capturing simplified architectural elements of Castle Leslie, along with the tree line reflected in the lake, the texture of old stone walls, and the beautiful shapes of the gardens. Work from life or from sketches as you move around the grounds at your own pace. Enjoy lunch on your own at the Castle, a chance to rest, compare sketchbooks, and take in the surroundings before heading back. Return to the venue in the afternoon and settle in for a traditional afternoon tea, a tiered display of savory bites and handmade sweets served in the manor. Spend the remaining hours of the evening resting, sketching, or walking the grounds before sitting down to dinner. The day wraps up with a three-course dinner prepared by your private chef and paired with a glass of wine. ### Day 6: Art classes at the venue Enjoy a nourishing breakfast, then check in with Harriet and your fellow artists as the retreat enters its final stretch. The morning is devoted to short one-on-one sessions with Harriet. She'll give you focused individual attention, talking through your personal style, addressing any technical questions that have come up across the week, and helping you apply finishing touches to your work so far. Together, you'll decide what you want to focus on for the final days, whether that means returning to a technique, refining a composition, or following a direction the week has opened up for you. Refuel with lunch, then spend the afternoon in an open working session. Harriet will move through the studio, offering you individual feedback and helping you push your work further. Your fundamentals are in place, your eye is now sharper, and there's still time to take things somewhere new. Spend the early evening as you wish before gathering for dinner. ### Day 7: Art classes at the venue Your final day at the retreat begins with a delicious breakfast, followed by a coffee check-in to reflect on your artistic journey. The morning continues with one-on-one time with Harriet. She'll answer any remaining technical questions and guide you through the finishing touches on your final composition. She'll also teach you one of the retreat's most distinctive flourishes: painting a decorative border around your completed piece using simplified motifs drawn from the week's subjects, flowers, leaves, and botanical details, to frame your work and give it the feel of something truly finished. Refuel with lunch, then come together as a group for a mini-exhibition. Lay your paintings out, walk through each other's work, and take time to appreciate what a single week of focused practice can produce. Harriet will be there with you, celebrating each artist's individual path through the week. Gather one final time for a farewell dinner: good food, good wine, and the particular warmth of a group of people who have made something amazing together. ### Day 8: Departure Enjoy breakfast together with Harriet and your fellow artists, exchange any last contacts, and catch the 10:00 AM transfer to Dublin Airport (DUB), arriving at the airport at around 11:45 AM. ## Instructors - [Harriet de Winton](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/instructors/harriet-de-winton) — Artist and watercolor teacher ## Accommodation ### Historic Irish Manor Estate Set against the emerald backdrop of County Monaghan's rolling drumlins, your venue for the retreat with Harriet de Winton is one of Ireland's rare continuously family-held manor estates, dating back to the mid-17th century. Established in 1651 and in the same family's hands since the 1730s, this historic Irish manor estate offers an exclusive glimpse into authentic Irish heritage. The entire 400-acre property will be exclusively rented for you and your art group, and is located within a sanctuary of ancient woodlands and sweeping meadows, with towering oaks scattered throughout. The Manor House serves as the heart of the estate, containing eight beautiful bedrooms and an elegant dining room where group meals are shared. Additional accommodation includes The Cottage, a four-bedroom home a short seven-minute walk from the Manor, and the Gatelodge, a two-bedroom residence ten minutes away on foot. For ease of travel across the 400 acres, a staff-driven golf cart is on hand to transport guests between the Gatelodge and the Manor. Outdoors, there are walks across the grounds and wild swimming in the freshwater lake. A wood-fired sauna sits on a private pebble beach at the water's edge. Wander through the organic walled gardens or rest beneath the canopy of veteran trees. Classes will take place in a spectacular 2,500 sq ft (230 m²) indoor studio found within the Manor. On the first floor, common areas include the study and the billiard room. The second floor houses most of the other shared spaces, including the dining room, the living room, and the drawing rooms. The manor retains its historic layout to maximize estate views. The studio is accessed via stairs (located in the central atrium of the Manor, on the first floor). The bedrooms of the Manor are found on the third floor. Navigating the venue will involve climbing stairs, so it may not suit participants with limited mobility. Officially accredited as a Wildlife Estate, this 17th-century Irish manor house anchors a 400-acre property where sustainable preservation is a way of life. The farm-to-fork dining ethos draws on produce harvested daily from the 4-acre kitchen garden, and a long-standing commitment to biodiversity shapes how the land is cared for. The entire estate is rented solely for the artist and their guests, offering the genuine, unhurried warmth of traditional Irish hospitality in a setting that harmonizes with its natural surroundings. ### Shared ensuite room (Lodge) One shared standard room with an ensuite bathroom in The Gatelodge is available for double occupancy, shared between two same-gender participants. Found on the second floor of The Gatelodge (stairs access), this twin room comes with two comfortable single beds. The room benefits from access to a private ensuite bathroom, featuring a spacious shower. Initially built in 1825, this uniquely designed lodge was restored and renovated for modern comfort. Situated atop a small hill (stairs access), it overlooks one of the entrances of the estate, the surrounding countryside, and the nearby forest. Guests staying here benefit from access to several shared spaces: a large patio area, an open-plan kitchen, a cozy living room with a wood-burning stove, and a private wild garden. ### Shared standard ensuite room (Cottage) You will share this room and its ensuite bathroom with another same-gender retreat participant. There are two shared standard rooms located on the first floor of the Cottage. Each room will be outfitted with twin beds and has access to a private, ensuite shower bathroom. The Cottage is tucked away within its own peaceful corner of the estate, right next to the natural lake, the sauna, and ancient woodland. The main building (alongside the workshop spaces) are a 5-minute stroll away. Guests staying here benefit from access to several shared spaces: a large patio area, an open-plan living room featuring a wood-burning stove and a TV, a kitchen, and a dining table. ### Shared superior room - adjacent bathroom (Manor) You will share this room and its adjacent bathroom with another same-gender retreat participant. The room is located on the third floor of the Manor (stairway access) and will be outfitted with twin beds. All rooms in the Manor retain their original décor, replete with antique furniture, ornate wallpapers, and family artifacts. The adjacent bathroom (located on the hallway, right next to the room) features a free-standing tub and a shower. The Manor is the main building of the estate; it includes the main dining room where meals will be served, the studio space, as well as other shared spaces (the drawing rooms, the study, and the billiard room). ### Single ensuite room (Lodge) One single ensuite room located in the Gatelodge is available for single occupancy. Found on the second floor (stairs access), the room contains a comfortable double bed. You'll have access to a private ensuite bathroom, featuring a spacious shower. Initially built in 1825, this uniquely designed lodge was restored and renovated for modern comfort. Situated atop a small hill (stairs access), it overlooks one of the entrances of the estate, the surrounding countryside, and the nearby forest. Guests staying here benefit from access to several shared spaces: a large patio area, an open-plan kitchen, a cozy living room with a wood-burning stove, and a private garden. ### Single room - adjacent bathroom (Cottage) One single ensuite room located in the Cottage is available for single occupancy. Found on the first floor, the room contains a comfortable double bed. You'll have access to a adjacent bathroom (located across the hallway), featuring a tub and an overhead shower. The Cottage is tucked away within its own peaceful corner of the estate, right next to the natural lake, the sauna, and ancient woodland. The main building (alongside the workshop spaces) are a 5-minute stroll away. Guests staying here benefit from access to several shared spaces: a large patio area, an open-plan living room featuring a wood-burning stove and a TV, a kitchen, and a dining table. ### Single standard ensuite room (Cottage) One single standard ensuite room is available for single occupancy. The room is located on the first floor of the Cottage and contains a small double bed. You will have access to a private, ensuite shower bathroom. The Cottage is tucked away within its own peaceful corner of the estate, right next to the natural lake, the sauna, and ancient woodland. The main building (alongside the workshop spaces) are a 5-minute stroll away. Guests staying here benefit from access to several shared spaces: a large patio area, an open-plan living room featuring a wood-burning stove and a TV, a kitchen, and a dining table. ### Single standard room - shared bathroom (Manor) You will share the bathroom with one other retreat participant, but you will have this room to yourself. This single-occupancy room shares a bathroom with another single-occupancy room nearby; two participants will share a spacious bathroom on site. Equipped with a comfortable double bed, the room is located on the third floor of the Manor (stairway access). There is a separate sink within the room as well. All rooms in the Manor retain their original décor, replete with antique furniture, ornate wallpapers, and family artifacts. The Manor is the main building of the estate; it includes the main dining room where meals will be served, the studio space, as well as other shared spaces (the drawing rooms, the study, and the billiard room). ### Single superior room - shared bathroom (Manor) You will share the bathroom with one other retreat participant, but you will have this room to yourself. This single-occupancy rooms share a bathroom with another single-occupancy room nearby; two participants will share a spacious bathroom on site. The superior single room is larger than the standard and features an antique half-tester bed. Located on the third floor of the Manor, the room has gorgeous views over the surrounding estate. The room also contains several separate seating areas. All rooms in the Manor retain their original décor, replete with antique furniture, ornate wallpapers, and family artifacts. The Manor is the main building of the estate; it includes the main dining room where meals will be served, the studio space, as well as other shared spaces (the drawing rooms, the study, and the billiard room). ### Single standard ensuite room (Manor) One single ensuite room located in the Manor is available for single occupancy. The room is located on the third floor of the Manor (stairway access) and will be outfitted with a double bed. The ensuite bathroom (with a shower) is accessible by climbing a 5-step stairway. All rooms in the Manor retain their original décor, replete with antique furniture, ornate wallpapers, and family artifacts. The Manor is the main building of the estate; it includes the main dining room where meals will be served, the studio space, as well as other shared spaces (the drawing rooms, the study, and the billiard room). ### Single superior ensuite room (Manor) Two single superior rooms located within the Manor are available for single occupancy. Found on the third floor, the rooms include a comfortable double bed. You'll have access to a private, ensuite bathroom (tub). All rooms in the Manor retain their original décor, replete with antique furniture, ornate wallpapers, and family artifacts. The Manor is the main building of the estate; it includes the main dining room where meals will be served, the studio space, as well as other shared spaces (the drawing rooms, the study, and the billiard room). ### Deluxe ensuite room (Manor) One single deluxe room located within the Manor is available for single occupancy. Found on the third floor, the room is equipped with a king bed (half-tester). You'll have access to a private, ensuite bathroom (tub with shower attachment). More spacious than the single superior ensuites, the deluxe room also includes a separate seating area, as well as an antique chaise longue. All rooms in the Manor retain their original décor, replete with antique furniture, ornate wallpapers, and family artifacts. The Manor is the main building of the estate; it includes the main dining room where meals will be served, the studio space, as well as other shared spaces (the drawing rooms, the study, and the billiard room). ## Food During your art retreat, indulge in meals prepared by a private chef, using the freshest ingredients. The curated menu combines traditional Irish dishes with international flavors, complemented by daily beverages and snacks. Start each day with a choice of hot dishes or a continental breakfast, featuring buttery pastries, fresh fruit, toast, yogurt, and a steaming cup of coffee or tea. For lunch, enjoy a single course with options like savory tarts served with garden greens, hearty seasonal salads with crusty bread, or homemade soup accompanied by traditional soda bread. In the evening, enjoy a delicious three-course dinner, with selections such as locally sourced fish with seasonal veggies, roasted vegetable dishes served with steaming grains, or flavorful meat dishes with flatbreads. Conclude on a sweet note with desserts like citrus pots with homemade shortbread, warm chocolate treats with vanilla ice cream, garden fruit crumble with fresh custard, or a selection of homemade sorbets. Experience authentic Irish hospitality with three-course welcome and farewell dinners, paired with flavorful wine. Throughout the retreat, enjoy fresh power juices during morning art classes. Coffee, tea, herbal teas, and mineral water will be readily available all day. Treat yourself to a mid-afternoon snack or grab some fruit from the snack bar for a quick pick-me-up. All meals are included except one lunch during the full-day trip to Castle Leslie Estate. The exact menu served will depend on the availability of the regional ingredients. For more details on the food offerings during the retreat, see the section below. Please inform us of any dietary requirements at least one month in advance. We may not be able to accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. Additionally, we cannot cater to dietary needs announced less than a month before the retreat, switch diets during the retreat, or accommodate last-minute requests made on the spot. ## Getting There The venue for your retreat with Harriet de Winton is a majestic 17th-century heritage Irish manor estate, hidden away in the rolling drumlins of County Monaghan, Ireland. This "undiscovered" region is a landscape of ancient secrets and artistic legacy, just minutes from the historic town of Clones, famous for its intricate lace-making tradition and monastic ruins, including a well-preserved 10th-century Round Tower. The area is steeped in a rich literary history, serving as the muse for the poet Patrick Kavanagh, whose verses immortalized these very stony grey soils and mist-covered hills. The manor estate itself is a fully enclosed, 400-acre sanctuary, celebrated as one of Ireland’s most romantic and secluded domains. Its grounds are a living tapestry of heritage woodlands, sweeping meadows, and grounds that have been cultivated by the same family for three centuries. Majestic oaks and towering beech trees form cathedral-like canopies over the walking paths, while the estate’s two private freshwater lakes offer a mirror-like stillness perfect for wild swimming or relaxation. As you sketch by the water’s edge, you might spot kingfishers flashing blue across the surface or red squirrels darting through the canopy. **To be transferred to the retreat venue, please arrive at Dublin Airport (DUB).** We strongly recommend planning more time for long-distance international travel. It is best to arrive in Ireland a day before the retreat starts to prevent any inconveniences caused by flight delays, rest after the long travel, and adjust to the new time zone. Please hold off booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed and you have been charged for your participation. **How to get from Dublin to the retreat venue:** Private airport transfers at prearranged times to and from Dublin Airport (DUB) are included. The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes by car. Check-in at the retreat venue starts at 4:00 PM on June 30, 2027. Check-out is at 10:00 AM on July 7, 2027. **Please note that we cannot accommodate early check-ins and late check-out requests, so we kindly ask that you plan your arrival and departure accordingly.** **Arrival transfer:** **June 30, 2027** — 2:00 PM (leaving from Dublin Airport DUB, arriving at the retreat venue at approximately 3:45 PM) **Departure transfer:** **July 7, 2027** — 10:00 AM (leaving from the retreat venue, arriving at Dublin Airport DUB at approximately 11:45 AM) **If your travel arrangements don't work with our pre-set transfer times, please consider the following options:** - Spend extra days at a hotel in Dublin before or after the retreat and catch the transfer shuttles to/from Dublin Airport (DUB). - Land in Dublin and take a taxi to the retreat venue (address: Hilton Park, Clones, Co. Monaghan, Ireland; approximate cost: €200 EUR). Taxi fares may vary. ## Reviews **Reviews from previous UpTrek retreats with artist Harriet de Winton:** - "Harriet de Winton was an absolute joy as she guided our group through the are of creating beautiful watercolor paintings. Her passion and teaching style made the entire experience unforgettable. By the end of our time together, we had formed meaningful friendships that made saying goodbye truly difficult. This was more than just a retreat-- it was the experience of a lifetime!" - "Learning from Harriet was an amazing opportunity. She is so warm, welcoming and encouraging. She is an excellent teacher and I would highly recommend going to a retreat with her!" - "I can’t say enough wonderful things! Harriet is the most positive and wonderful teacher! The best retreat I have ever been on! Thank you!!" - "Harriet was a patient, skilled teacher. She let us work at our own pace and encouraged us to try new things. She took us through the different ways to use watercolor in a logical order. She was prepared with the direct lessons and supportive of our work. As a group we were able to create a sense of community. All in all, it was a lovely experience and one in which I learned a lot but also felt that I made some new friends." - "Harriet is an outstanding teacher! Her demonstrations are thorough, and she provide excellent guidance. She's always positive even for those of us less experienced in watercolors. She was always 'one of us' outside the class. I plan to enroll in her class next year." - "Harriet is the best. A warm, generous and talented teacher. Her art is so wonderful. All of the women present were warm, kind and supportive. We laughed a lot. Friendships were formed. It was a gift of an experience in all ways." - "What an amazing experience from start to finish! Truly one of the best things I have done. Harriet is an inspiring and patient teacher who paced our classes perfectly for all levels to feel like they had really made progress and made great strides at the end of the week. We have made lifelong friendships with like minded people, an experience I will never forget. Thank you!!!" ## Frequently Asked Questions **Is the retreat available to all levels?** The retreat with Harriet de Winton is open to all levels of experience. **When is the retreat available?** The retreat with artist Harriet de Winton in Clones, Ireland, takes place between June 30 - July 7, 2027. **Are there any check-in and check-out hours?** Please make your travel arrangements to arrive after 4:00 PM on June 30, 2027. Check-out is after breakfast, by 10:00 AM, on the last day of the retreat, July 7, 2027. **Please note that we cannot accommodate early check-ins and late check-out requests, so we kindly ask that you plan your arrival and departure accordingly.** **Is Wi-Fi available?** Yes. Free Wi-Fi is available in the main reception space, dining and living rooms, workshop spaces, common areas, and all rooms. **I am vegetarian/vegan. Can I book this retreat?** Yes. Regular, vegetarian, vegan, diabetic, gluten-free, and lactose-free diets are catered for. Please get in touch in advance to discuss your dietary requirements. Please note, however, that we cannot accommodate severe, life-threatening allergies. **How do I get to the retreat venue?** Private airport transfers at prearranged times to and from Dublin Airport (DUB) are included. The transfer journey to the retreat venue takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes by car. We recommend allowing more time for international travel and arriving in Ireland a day before the retreat starts so that you may adapt to the new time zone ahead of the retreat. Please hold off booking flights until the retreat becomes guaranteed and you have been charged for your participation. For more information, please read the [Location tab](https://uptrek.com/retreat/irish-watercolor-botanicals-art-retreat-artist-harriet-de-winton-ireland#location). **What’s the weather like in Clones, Ireland, in late June/early July?** The weather in Clones, Ireland, in late June/early July is generally sunny and pleasant, though often changeable. You can expect average highs of 18°C / 64°F during the day that drop to around 10°C / 50°F at night. Clones enjoys long daylight hours (approx. 16 hours) and lush green landscapes during this season; the temperatures are comfortable for exploring the estate without being too hot or too cold. **What should I pack?** Please pack clothing suitable for layering (t-shirts, sweaters, and a rain jacket), as the weather can change quickly. We recommend sturdy walking shoes or boots for exploring the estate grounds, a swimsuit, sunscreen and sunglasses, insect repellent, personal care items, and any personal medication you might need. **Can I do laundry while on the retreat?** Yes, laundry facilities are available at the retreat venue. Washing machines, dryers, and laundry detergent are provided in all properties. Irons and ironing boards are also available for guest use. **What art supplies do I need for the workshops?** A detailed list of art materials recommended by artist Harried de Winton will be provided five months before the retreat takes place. Tables, chairs, field easels, portable plein-air stools, paper towels, professional studio lights, glass jars, watercolor paper (2 x Arches 12-sheet pads and 1 x Arches 20-sheet block per participant), and fresh flowers are included and will be available at the retreat venue. **Students are responsible for bringing their own art supplies, based on the instructor’s recommended list.** **How many people are to be expected on the retreat?** There is a maximum number of 17 participants. **Is the sauna free to use?** Yes. The sauna is available daily from 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM, and 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM. The sauna takes approximately 45 minutes to heat up, so please plan accordingly within these times (though times can be flexible upon request). It can accommodate up to 8 guests at once. **Do I need a visa?** Guests traveling from the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the EU may enter Ireland for tourist purposes without a visa. If your flight connects through the UK (e.g., London Heathrow), you generally do not need a UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) if your layover is under 24 hours and you do not pass through border control. However, we strongly recommend confirming your specific transit requirements [here](https://www.gov.uk/uk-border-control/layovers-and-transiting). **Please contact us for further guidance.** **Is there a local currency I should acquire before arriving?** The currency is the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards (Visa and Mastercard) are widely accepted throughout Ireland, including in local towns like Clones, and for most services at the venue. Make sure you notify your bank that you'll be using your card in Ireland. However, we recommend carrying some cash for smaller local pubs, taxis, or small purchases in rural shops. ATMs are available in Clones town and at the airport. Tipping is customary in Ireland. **Are there any age restrictions?** There are no restrictions whatsoever. Please keep in mind that you must be 18 years of age to travel independently. **Is the retreat available to guests with limited mobility?** Unfortunately, the retreat venue and trips are not well suited for people with limited mobility. The trips involve plenty of walking on uneven streets. Getting around the accommodation spaces, the studio, and the relaxation areas requires a short walk and climbing stairs. **What language is used during the workshops and other activities?** The retreat is available in English. **What happens if I need to cancel?** Once the retreat is guaranteed, all payments are final and nonrefundable. Bookings are nonrefundable under any circumstances. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. After your payment is processed, you may purchase insurance through the following link: [Purchase insurance](https://uptrek.com/protect-your-trip). Please review our [cancellation policy.](https://uptrek.com/cancellation-policy) **Do I need travel insurance?** Yes. Since all bookings are nonrefundable, travel insurance is mandatory for all UpTrek travelers. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. We strongly advise that your chosen policy provides cover against lost or delayed baggage, loss of personal belongings, trip cancellation, trip interruption, accidents, illness, injury, medical expenses, death, and emergency repatriation. For your convenience, UpTrek is affiliated with Allianz Travel and is a Registered Travel Retailer under AGA license. [Click here to purchase your insurance plan.](https://uptrek.com/protect-your-trip) Please note that UpTrek is not qualified or authorized to answer questions about coverage, benefits, exclusions, or conditions of any Allianz Travel Insurance plan. If you have questions about your plan, please contact Allianz Global Assistance directly at [CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com](mailto:CustomerService@AllianzAssistance.com) or by phone at 1-800-284-8300. Be sure to provide the **reference code F215276** so Allianz knows you are purchasing protection for an UpTrek trip. We strongly recommend reviewing the terms and conditions of any insurance policy you purchase to fully understand the coverage, benefits, and claims process. We will gladly provide the essential documentation to support refund claims with the insurance provider. **Do I have to pay a deposit?** No. Once the number of guest reservations reaches the minimum number required for the retreat to become guaranteed, UpTrek charges the guests the cost of the retreat. Guests who reserved will be notified 48 hours in advance that their payment method on file is about to be charged. **Will I receive a full refund if the retreat is not guaranteed?** UpTrek does not charge the payment method we collect until the retreat becomes guaranteed. Once the retreat is guaranteed, there will be no reimbursement. Participants are required to purchase travel, medical, and cancellation insurance for protection against any circumstances that might require cancellation or change of travel arrangements. **Will I receive a full refund if the guaranteed retreat is canceled by the instructor or by UpTrek?** If the retreat is canceled due to force majeure events or circumstances out of UpTrek's and/or the instructor's control, UpTrek will let you know as soon as possible, refund the total cost of the retreat, and help you find another option for your vacation. ## Book This Retreat 👉 **[Reserve your spot on uptrek.com](https://uptrek.com/retreat/wild-blooms-watercolor-botanical-art-retreat-artist-harriet-de-winton-ireland#book)** — no deposit required. See [cancellation policy](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/cancellation-policy) and [travel insurance requirements](https://uptrek.com/ai/content/insurance). --- **Canonical URL:** https://uptrek.com/retreat/wild-blooms-watercolor-botanical-art-retreat-artist-harriet-de-winton-ireland **Last updated:** 2026-05-27