Feast in the Flame
A Creative Writing, Song & Nature Retreat
in the wild heart of Donegal, Ireland
19-23 June 2026
‘Dancing around the fire of love,
merge with the essence of the beloved.
Learning to see with the eye of the heart,
divine direction, your life is your art.
Open your eyes, know you belong
You are a poem, you are a song.
An unfinished book, a white blank page,
blossoming, unfolding as you age.
Nowhere to go, you're already here
Sacred each smile and sacred each tear
Run with the wolves, soar with the birds
Sing your own song and know that it's heard.
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The courage to be me
Dance wild and free
Feast in the flame that burns in your heart
Come back to life, let's go back to the start.
― lyrics from 'Feast in the Flame', original song by Jeska
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This is a warm invitation to dance with the creative fire in your heart during the summer solstice, in the wild heart of Donegal, Ireland from June 19-23, 2026.
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Feeding the Creative Flame
We each have a flame of love, truth and creativity burning in our hearts. At times it burns brighter, at times it is calm, yet we have a sacred responseability to keep it alive at all times. When the flame dies, our soul light diminishes and we forget the beauty of our unique radiance and expression. Our flame is sacred, it is the spark of our soul lighthing the way. Each season and each person has their own way to feed the flame, at times through silence and rest, at other times through creative expression and exploration.
Feast in the Flame is a long weekend retreat in the wild nature of Donegal, in which both the stillness and the creativity that springs from the depth of our hearts can be welcomed. When we come together to feed our flames, we encourage the creative fire to burn brighter. We write, we sing, we move. We speak, we dream, we dance with that flame. What does your heart's fire want to share with you? What ignites it? How fully alive can it be; breathing warmth, joy and enthusiasm back into your bones? These are the themes we will journey with; exploring creative writing, singing & movement as tools to help us tend to our sacred soul spark, listen to it and create from its warmth and inspiration.
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​The Wild Nature of Donegal, Ireland​
Our creative explorations will be nourished by the wild, rugged landscape of County Donegal in the northwest of Ireland. Surrounded by mountains, rivers and the Atlantic sea we will let ourselves be inspired by the wild nature around us. Each day you will have free time to explore the surroundings and take your writing or other creative work with you. Whether you'd like to go walking or swimming at the beach, watch the ever-changing open skies, hike in the closeby Glenvaegh National Park or climb up Muckish mountain, there is a lot of wild beauty to explore. Nature will be the backdrop for our creative group sessions too, when weather allows we will dance, sing and write outdoors. Many poets, artists and writers originate in Ireland and it is not surprising with the elemental inspiration of nature so strongly all around. Donegal holds a unique place in Ireland’s cultural life, as the Irish language is here still widely spoken. During our time together we will experience traditional Irish music and let ourselves be inspired by the stories and songs of the land.
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Daily schedule
Morning silence
​08:00 - 09:00 Breakfast
09:00 – 13:00: Creative morning workshop:
writing, song & movement sessions on-site
13:00 – 14:00: Lunch
14:30 – 17:30: Free time afternoon activities:
hiking, swimming, writing, reading, resting
18:00: Dinner
19:30 – 21:30: Evening Program:
In-House Concert ~ Fire Evening ~ Traditional Irish Music ~ Oceanside Sauna​
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Accommodation
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We will be staying in The Song House, located along the Wild Atlantic Way, at a 10-minute drive from the sea. Formerly known as The Poets’ House, it served for over twenty years as an international hub of literary activity, offering the first master in Creative Writing in Ireland and welcoming celebrated Irish poets such as Seamus Heaney. Now under musical stewardship, the house continues to share its unique character as a sanctuary of creativity, rest and learning.
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The Song House rests at the foot of Muckish Mountain, its organic garden flowing naturally into the surrounding views.
Recently restored to high environmental standards, the house is both warm and welcoming, with wide views across the countryside. It will serve as our home base for the weekend, offering a spacious workshop room, comfortable accommodation, a shared dining space, and a flourishing organic garden filled with flowers and herbs.
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Shared rooms for two or three are available, each room with a beautiful view on the surrounding nature. The retreat is open to all genders, yet roommates will be same-sex, unless indicated otherwise in your registration form as a couple or friends who wish to share a room. Alternatively, camping in your own tent or campervan on the grounds of the Song House is also an option.
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Retreat Team
Jeska Onderwater
Jeska Onderwater is an artist, singer, (song) writer, yoga teacher, creative workshop & ceremony leader. Fascinated by the beauty of the natural world, the magic of creative expression and the mysterious journey of life she creates her offerings from and for the heart.​
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Writing has always been a way for her to express, distill and give meaning to the variety of life experiences. From songs to poems to articles and diary entries, Jeska loves to write and has witnessed the healing power of creative expression in all kinds of settings. With gentleness and clarity, she encourages others to share their unique voice with the world.
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Jeska has been sharing her music and creative guidance in yoga classes, retreats, workshops, concerts & ceremonies all over Europe for the last 10 years. In deep attunement with the whispers of the Earth and those of her own heart she creates safe, loving spaces for deep remembering and creativity to flow through.
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Romain Gauthier
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For the past 15 years, Romain has been involved in social, innovative projects around the world, from education to health and eco-living.
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In 2021, after 6 months of pilgrimage on the Santiago Way in France, he decided to start a positive media platform to highlight transition stories and inspirational experiences and called it: Réenchantons la Terre. With this platform, he is supporting people and projects who offer alternative solutions to living in harmony with each other and the planet. He also facilitates ceremonial gatherings with Jeska;singing circles, concerts and workshops.
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During the retreat Romain will guide various excercises with his humorous and poetic view on the world. With kindness and playfulness, Romain invites participants to explore new avenues of expression. Improv theatre, movement and writing are the tools he brings, together with a good dose of laughter.
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More info via: https://www.romaingauthier.org/
What others say:
about previous retreats with Jeska
Jeska offers a warm, safe space with thoughtful guidance that awakens your imagination and helps you (re)connect with your own voice. Each session is beautifully structured, using music, dancing, and stories, to inspire emotion and nurture your creative spark.​​​
~ Celandine (Belgium)
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What a magical weekend it was! Jeska her music has traveled with me in my journey for quite some years now and it has always been so empowering. It was really amazing to hear her music live again this weekend and to be taken on an inner journey throughout this weekend. Many shifts have taken place that I now get to integrate. Thank you!​​​
~ Eva (The Netherlands)
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Thank you Jeska for another opportunity for me to softly and tenderly open my heart to my life as it is. I am grateful for the way you offer creativity as a tool for investigating the depths of my soul. My body, mind and soul appreciate your work. I love how these offerings you bring to us shed so much light on my human experience. Feels great to process my thoughts and feelings this way.
~ Cindy (United States)
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Carefully designed and beautifully led with sensitivity, warmth and, of course, creativity! Jeska offered various ways to spark our writing process, the prompts ranging from words to dancing. It was surprising, fun and touching, very intimate ad community-building. Perfect for total beginners and more experienced writers. You could write in English or your own language, and share the result or keep it for yourself. I feel privileged to have shared this adventure with others and inspired to continue. Thank you so much!​
~ Justyna (Poland)
Investment*
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Option 1: 1222 euro (6 spots) -
bed in twin room with shared bathroom
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Option 2: 999 euro (3 spots ) -
bed in shared room for 3 with shared bathroom​ ​
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Option 3: 888 euro (2 spots) -
camping in your own tent or campervan
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Deposit to reserve your spot: 333 EUR
Balance due by the 1st of June 2026
Payment plans available upon request​​
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Cancellation policy
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If you cancel before the 1st of May, you will receive a 90% refund
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If you cancel between the 1st of May and the 1st of June, you will receive a 50% refund
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After June 1st, we're unable to give any refunds, but you can transfer your spot to a friend
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What's included?
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4 nights accommodation at the Song House
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Three delicious vegetarian meals a day
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Full Retreat program with Jeska & Romain
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Feast in the Flame retreat program*:
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Live Concert for the Heart with Jeska & Romain
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Creative Writing, Movement & Voice Awakening
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Intuitive Dance, Singing Circle & Storytelling
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Irish Pub evening with traditional sean-nos singing
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Oceanside Sauna & Wild Ocean Swimming
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Summer Solstice Fire & Song Ceremony
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​Theatre Improvisation & Expression
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And a whole lot of magic & nourishment!
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*Note that the program may be changed or adapted
depending on the weather as well as intuitive guidance during the weekend
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What's not included?
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Travel to and from The Song House
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Additional snacks or meals in local restaurants
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Any other expenses outside of the retreat program
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How to get to The Song House?
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By ferry/flight/bus:
Flying into or traveling from Belfast airport or ferry terminal is closest to the Song House. There is a bus going to Falcarragh every 2,5 hours from Belfast, a journey that takes about 3 hours. We recommend renting a car to make the journey easier and give you freedom to move around during the retreat as well. Alternatively, we can try to team up those who come without a car to drive together with those who do. Flying into Dublin is another option, you will then have to take a bus of about 4 hours, yet it goes directly from Dublin Airport or the city centre to Falcarragh. Once you register, Jeska will ask you for your travel details and organize travel groups from both airports and or ferry terminals where possible.
Find more information about travel options via the Song House website
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By car:
The Song House, Clonbara, Co. Donegal, F92 D4EX, Ireland
You can park at the parking of the Song House for free. Once you sign up, you can indicate whether you're coming by car and let us know if you are open to share a ride with other participants in their travel to the Song House.
Arrival & Departure
You are welcome at The Song House on Friday the 19th of June from 3pm onwards to land and install in your room.
The program will officially start with dinner at 6:00 pm followed by a welcome circle & in-house concert at 7:30pm.
On Tuesday morning June 23, check out will be at 10:00, with breakfast being served from 8am to 9am. ​
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Questions?
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Feel free to contact me directly for any questions or to schedule a call if you're wondering whether this retreat is for you. I'm happy to connect with you!
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Mail: jeska.onderwater@gmail.com
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Follow me on Instagram for more sharings on the retreat via stories & posts or sign up to my monthly newsletter here
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With love,
Jeska