Hey, you -- want a retreat that will challenge you artistically, physically and professionally?

Slow down, do less, be more

Acting & Surfing
Retreat Ireland

Join Benjamin Mathes and Helena Walsh for an immersive three-week acting retreat in the heart of West Cork in Clonakilty, Ireland. This one-of-a-kind training is designed for actors seeking to deepen their artistry through Crash Acting’s Non-Dominant Approach and Helena Walsh’s Actor's Practice®, the creative path to the art of being human.

Yes, I need this!

Imagine...

How would your acting evolve if you were more present?
How would your practice evolve if you were more inspired?
How would your relationship with the other actor evolve if you were more receptive?
How would your relationships on set evolve if you were more resilient?
How would your presence evolve if you were more empowered?

What if you could navigate any circumstance creatively and with deeply empowered presence?

INTRODUCING...

3-week immersive retreat experience taught by two of the world's leading acting coaches, Helena Walsh and Benjamin Mathes.

Your acting adventure awaits
September 4th to 25th 2027

Clonakilty, Ireland

Apply to join

This retreat is a compassionate and deeply transformative experience, moving the actor's practice to a whole new level. It is a radical rethinking of traditional acting methodologies.

How Helena works with you?

The Actor's Practice™: The Creative Path to the Art of Being Human
Created by Helena Walsh, this unique, holistic approach to acting unites 30 years of experience with somatic awareness, emotional resilience, and creative freedom. Designed to help actors not just survive but to thrive in their life and art. This method supports nervous system regulation, enabling actors to stay grounded, present, and expressive in highly pressurised environments.
Through daily practices, actors awaken their sensory awareness and connect with breath, body, and imagination—unlocking a deeply rooted pathway into their acting and storytelling. Rather than pushing through emotion or technique, actors learn to integrate their creative mind and body and their inner and outer worlds, becoming more present to subtle impulses that lead to greater complexity in their acting.
This work deepens relational intelligence, allowing for stronger ensemble connection and richer storytelling. It also nurtures personal growth, helping actors rebalance, restore and remember their purpose in their life and art and what is most meaningful at this stage in their career.
Sustainable and transformational, The Actor's Practice™ empowers actors to move beyond acting as “product” and into artistry rooted in presence, truth, and relationship.

How Ben works with you?
The Non-Dominant Approach to Acting
Created by Benjamin Mathes, The Non-Dominant Approach to Acting is an invitation to let go of control and return to presence. Rather than chasing results or managing outcomes, this approach asks the actor to listen more deeply—to the text, the body, the imagination, and to Creativity itself. It is a practice of unlearning performance habits, unlearning the need to prove, unlearning the belief that more effort means more truth.

In its place, something quieter and more essential emerges. The work becomes less about performing and more about revealing; less about pushing, and more about allowing. It is through this gentle undoing that the actor rediscovers their creative instinct, reclaims their voice, and begins to trust the artistry that’s already within them.

Through this approach, acting becomes not just a craft, but a path back to the actor themselves.
Scene Work
With Ben, scene work becomes a space of discovery—where the goal isn’t performance, but the deepening of process. As such, scenes are not seen as an end in and of themselves but are used to further explore the Non-Dominant Approach to Acting and help to deepen the actor’s process. Often emerging out of Non-Dominate exercise-ritual work, scenes are assigned and used as the central exercise throughout the workshop.
Exercise Ritual
As part of The Non-Dominant Approach, Ben has developed a series of “exercise rituals”—intentional, repeatable practices designed to open the actor to a deeper sense of presence, play, and belief. These rituals invite you to engage with story not just intellectually, but energetically and imaginatively—to honor both the creative structure and the mystical nature of story. In doing so, actors foster a more integrated relationship with character, one that is felt rather than forced, discovered rather than imposed. The result is a performance that is free, embodied, and alive.

This work is for actors ready to challenge conventions, rediscover their artistic power, and create deeper, more meaningful performances. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a dedicated student, this experience is designed to elevate your craft.

This 3-week deep dive retreat is an enjoyable, playful, transformative, empowering couple of weeks together. If this sounds like something that you would love, then come join us!

HERE'S WHAT'S INSIDE:

You're going to

love

these

SURFING THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY

You'll get to surf the mystical magical waves of Inchydoney Beach, West Cork under the careful guidance of highly experienced instructors.

NIGHT KAYAKING

This trip provides a unique experience of being on the water from dusk into darkness. The bioluminescent waters and the panoply of stars overhead are truly a magical feat.

Live Music
Pub session

After a day of surf, acting workshops, local hike / walk watching the sun set along the stunning cliff walk at Warren Point, it's time for some quality live music, sing songs and dancing together in Ben's favourite Irish Pub, Shanley's Bar.

Join The Acting & Surfing Retreat!

Apply now to join ➡

"HIGHLY RECOMMEND WORKING WITH THIS MASTER CRAFTSWOMAN"

"Helena assisted me in opening up doors to my character’s history & helped to unlock elements to their story. Her work is extraordinary and drives you to build a world around your character through narrative and imagination. Her help and support is like no other. Highly recommend working with this master craftswoman."

LAURENCE O' FUARAIN
ACTOR | THE WITCHER: BLOOD ORIGN
NETFLIX TV SERIES (2022)

“Benjamin Mathes creates and hosts an environment that encourages artists to dive into what I think is one of the most (if not, the most) important thing about being a storyteller- the truth. Now, I can go on and on about the “tactics” or “technicalities” that he “teaches” but that would limit his greatness. As a working actor I continue to seek for his wisdom and collaboration- I am lucky to have him on my side. Work with him. You won’t regret it." .'

Louriza Tronco
Actress | The Order | Night at the Museum | Zapped | Make it Pop

"Ben Mathes is a wonderful teacher and mentor. I can honestly say he has fundamentally changed how I view my career, my work and the business as a whole. We have worked on numerous projects together and every time his observations and perspective have changed the depth of my work and how much I enjoy it. His classes are truthful, inspiring and much needed in world of quick fixes and shallow promises. I’m glad to know him and glad he’s teaching. It’s a relief to know that many more actors will be transformed by his approach, experience and insights.”

Daniel Sharman
Actor | "cursed" netflix tv series | Medici

And just who will also be teaching you The Acting & Surfing Retreat?

Me! I'm Helena Walsh

Voice, Acting and Human Empowerment & Resiliency Organic Intelligence® Coach | Teacher | Mentor. working internationally with conflict resolution

Helena Walsh is an internationally recognized voice, acting and empowerment coach with over 30 years of experience. As founder of Helena Walsh Empowerment Studios, she blends the performing arts with Organic Intelligence® and Neurosystemics™ to help individuals access greater truth, resilience, and creative freedom. She also works with people on the ground in areas of conflict.

Creator of "The Actor's Practice™: The Creative Path to the Integrated Actor", Helena’s methodology integrates nervous system intelligence, from a system's perspective with artistic and relational awareness. She has established an international creative hub with artists from different continents across the world, empowering their voices and creative process to be rebalanced, restored and inspired from a place of conscious, social and environmental awareness.

Helena also designs empowerment and resiliency programs, working with activists and people who wish to establish systemic change in the world. She works with people from all over the world coaching and teaching frameworks to support people living in areas of clonflict, both in countries at war and within organisations, who wish to affect change in the world. Helena's work is a practice in the art of conflict resolution towards peace and reconciliation within one's own human neurobiology, one's own relationships, within society and towards our planet. All dimensions of reality experienced through the lens of the creative process.

She is co-founder of The Actor’s Practice and holds certifications in multiple somatic and voice methodologies. Whether working with artists or changemakers, Helena empowers people to live, create, and lead with clarity, compassion, depth and connection.

And who else will also be teaching you The Acting & Surfing Retreat?

Me! I'm Benjamin Mathes

Acting coach and teacher | author | Founder of Urban Confessional: A Free Listening Movement

Benjamin has been an actor for over 25 years. On film, television, and stage he has worked with artists such as Academy Award-winning director Clint Eastwood, Academy Award-winning actor Alan Arkin, Sam Raimi, Bradley Cooper, Andy Garcia, Chris Rock, and Academy Award-winning producer Brian Grazer. He received his MFA in Acting from the University of California, Irvine.

His acting studio, CRASH ACTING, inspires a Non-Dominant Approach to Acting that teaches actors a process they can take with them from the camera to the stage. His students have won or been nominated for Tony, Emmy, Grammy, and Ovation Awards, and have appeared on Broadway, as guest stars and series regulars on television, and in major motion pictures. He has served as an acting coach for Warner Brothers, HBO, and currently for Netflix. Internationally, he runs acting retreats in Ireland, and has run Crash Acting workshops in Lima, Dublin, Los Angeles, and Atlanta. He is a certified Associate Teacher of Fitzmaurice Voicework® and has served as a vocal and dialect coach for major motion pictures, network television, and theaters around the country.

Benjamin is the author of 5 books detailing and investigating the creative process. Thought Lozenges for Artists, is a daringly optimistic, “open-where-you-want” look into the creative process. CRASH {Unstuck Yourself}, is a guided journal designed to directly combat the blocks holding us from our creative potential. Short Paragraphs on Listening will change the way you think about listening and offer nuggets of wisdom gained from years of Free Listening on street corners around the world. You, the Career revolutionizes the way actors relate to the hustle, the industry, and the who they want to become. Take This Daily is his newest book filled.

Benjamin served as Head of Production for Hollywood’s Seine Pictures, overseeing the creative development and production of each film. He Executive Produced the dark comedy Murder of a Cat (starring Greg Kinnear, J.K. Simmons, and Nikki Reed), and the biopic Pelé: Birth of A Legend (in partnership with Brian Grazer and Ron Howard’s Imagine Entertainment). Both films premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival and were released internationally. He also produced the documentary Listening is Loving about the power of listening to people with dementia, which was distributed internationally in 2018.

Benjamin is also the founder of Urban Confessional: A Free Listening Movement. Currently in over 80 countries, their volunteers stand on street corners with signs that say "Free Listening" and provide compassionate, non-judgmental listening for anyone who needs to talk. Their work has been featured in over 40 national publications including the Huffington Post, The Atlantic, Fast Company, and The Big Think, as well as in over 30 international publications across 15 languages.

“Most human I've ever felt. If you're ready to fully step inside yourself and rediscover what's been lost from the betrayals of pursuing a life of acting, this is the place. I found love, friendship and acceptance at this course and it brought back the simplicity of my passion and brought me back to the time when it was only about the joy of playing pretent without the judgement of getting it right. That to me is the art and you'll learn how to do that here. Get back to the joy and the rest is child's play. Literally“

Jonathan Chirrona
Actor

"I had an incredible time on the Actors Retreat. It was so much more than I ever could have imagined. The environment was so empowering and creative. There was such a supportive atmosphere that gave you confidence to be a little braver and go beyond where you'd been before. I definitely left there changed and more of the person I was created to be.”

Miriam Babooram
Actress & voiceover artist

I have done other retreats and classes with Helena, though there was something truly special about the surfing retreat. Not only did I have Helena and Ben, but I had the ocean as my teacher as well. Navigating the waves was an incredibly effective way to make me reflect on how I also navigate my craft, and it was beautiful to have such a supportive community with me through that process. I’m finally finding my way back to myself and to the joy in acting, and this experience played a significant part in that.

Rachel Zapata
Actress

I attended the 2023 Greece retreat with Helena and words fall short when I try to describe what a sublime experience it was. There's absolutely no other studio in the world doing what Helena Walsh Empowerment is! Run, don't walk, to work with this incredible team ❤️.

Shivani Desai
Actress

There is nothing more beneficial than taking an actor out of their comfort zone in every way imaginably possible. That is what Helena and Ben did for me. They created a space and permission to just be a vessel, and dive in deep. I was challenged mentally, physically and spiritually; and to be in a small little Irish beach town while doing this was just wonderful. Throughout the retreat i found pieces of myself i thought where missing. I also found a whole new community of loving supporting amazing people. The retreat has changed me in so many ways through breath work to thinking about the industry and acting in a whole new way. learning to surf in freezing cold water to self exploring conversations, and scene work i found my love for being an artist again. I guess i just had to go all the way to Ireland to find it. So grateful for the retreat and my new Irish/la family. If your feeling like i was feeling go! You will be forever changed!

Julia Faye Fisher
Actress

The acting and surfing retreat was not only a week-long masterclass in acting but also an invigorating experience for the mind, body and soul with a group of beautiful people against the backdrop of a most charming town. What more could you ask for?

Conor O' Dwyer
Actor

A truly transformational experience. The environment was safe enough to allow me to feel vulnerable and challenged me to keep pushing through. It allowed me to fully experience the power of my body and connect to myself. I was able find a new breath in my body, my life, and in my work. I gained a new perspective of seeing beauty through the chaos feel more receptive to all that’s around. I would encourage anyone seeking artistic growth and connection to join this workshop. It’s a once and a lifetime opportunity.

Diedra Hart
Actress

Oh my goodness! Helena and Ben are an incredible team and they guided us to a deeper understanding of ourselves both in our work, and in the world. I was so inspired by the workshop and have continued to process everything we worked on as I pursue my acting career in LA. I feel a stronger connection to the world around me and I am grounded in the unshakable idea that I am enough. I’m so grateful for this workshop, the community we created and a beautiful experience I will remember forever.

Emilia Ray
Actress & Singer

One of the best experiences of my life. Helena Walsh and Benjamin Mathes are master coaches. The workshop consisted of a full week of body and breath connection, scene study, and great practical advise on how to approach the business side of the industry. I learned so much about my own body and breath, and how everything applies to my life and work. Having the opportunity to work with actors from Ireland was a dream come true! All of the actors were willing to take risks and be vulnerable, which created a safe space for everyone and allowed everyone to learn more about the craft and connect deeply with one another. By the end of the week, we were all a family. I highly recommend this workshop for anyone who is looking to deepen their connection with themselves, with others, and with their craft. This was an experience that will always be dear to my heart.“

Chiara McCarthy
Actress

“For me the acting retreat was transformative, truly something I will cherish for the rest of my life. A journey that reawakens/awakens things within you. Beautiful, transformative, effective and powerful! Will stay in the depths of my heart forever…. I can go on and on. Hard to find the right verbiage for the experience. It was damn magical!”

Karina Gardea
Actress

The Acting and Surfing Retreat with Helena Walsh is a life-changing week of surfing, acting, EATING, and feeling like you are breathing for the first time. Maybe the greatest lesson I received was finding beauty in my everyday life even after leaving the idyllic town of Clonakilty. The experience is unparalleled.

Aidan Rees
Actress

This retreat broke walls down that I wasn’t even aware of. My eyes were opened to things within myself that needed to be uncovered, and in turn allowed me to be open to the people and the experiences that were right in front of me. Helena and Ben are life changers if you’re willing to be open to what they have to offer. It may be scary, but it’s something I will never regret.

Madisson Brown
Actress & Model

3-Week Acting & Surfing Retreat, Ireland

Register now!

This unique opportunity brings actors together from across the world to grow, breathe, and reflect with the guidance of instructors Benjamin Mathes and Helena Walsh. Set in one of Ireland’s most beautiful coastal towns, the retreat consists of 3 weeks of scene study, voice and body work, awareness and presence training, night kayaking in castle-surrounded, bioluminescent waters, and—oh yeah—SURFING! This retreat will challenge you artistically, physically, and professionally.
Inspired by Fitzmaurice Voicework, Organic Intelligence,Neurosystemic™ and traditional acting methodologies, the work is a journey into the alignment of the imagination, body, and breath. By exploring the subtle nuances in our rich vulnerability, your characters become more embodied and alive, and you will enjoy the present moment with greater insight and creativity.
We begin with a journey to one of Ireland’s most beautiful beaches, Inchydoney Beach, where surfing instructors are waiting with boards, wetsuits, and a love of adventure. After an hour of surfing in the Irish Sea, Benjamin and Helena lead you back to your apartments to clean up and head into town for lunch.
On two of the mornings, you will have some free time for R&R as well as time to explore the town of Clonakilty.
After lunch, the workshop begins. Held in a medieval-era, stoned-walled studio, the workshop consists of 5 hours of voice, body and character integration, acting, and scene study work with Helena and Benjamin. American actors will work with Irish and international actors as scene partners to encourage a rich cultural and artistic exchange.

Sign me up

Let's talk Clonakilty

The retreat experience

Surf Lessons

Inchydoney Beach, Clonakilty, West Cork

On arrival at Inchydoney Surf School, your instructor will allocate a wetsuit (boots, hoods and gloves if needed) and surf board, then guide you down to the beach where you will be briefed on equipment, beach safety and the basic surfing techniques.

Next it’s into the surf to practice these skills under the safe guidance of your instructor.
Students are required to be present at the surf school 10 minutes before the lesson begins to allow time to get suited up and to have maximum time in the water. Lessons begin and finish at the surf school building. All equipment Surfboards and Wetsuits are provided, so all students need to bring is their swimwear, towel and sun screen.

An idyllic retreat location

Medieval-era, stoned-walled studio

A beautiful, bright, charming, cozy, magical, spacious, warm yoga studio with real wood floors, traditional stone walls, high ceilings, and skylights on the top. The room itself is south facing on the 2nd floor, the penthouse, of an historic building. It is located on Spillers Lane, a quiet pedestrianised area in the Anahata (heart) chakra of Clonakilty, Ireland.

The Night Kayaking

Watch in wonder

This trip provides a unique experience of being on the water from dusk into darkness. There is always something to make you gasp on this trip, the sparkle of bioluminescence, the sounds of seabirds coming in to roost, the sunset, the rising moon, the aromas of honeysuckle and gorse on the breeze, the panoply of stars overhead, and the deep, dark peace and serenity of night. It is a trip which feeds body and soul.

Lough Hyne is a uniquely beautiful salt water lake, the only one of its kind in Europe, and Ireland’s first marine reserve since 1981.

The Accommodation at Clonakilty

Coffee is at the heart of everything

All participants will be staying together in self-catering houses at Clonakilty Park Hotel, Clonakilty Village.

Price includes accommodation of SINGLE ROOM with shared bathroom (shared between 2 or 3 people).

A 20m pool, sauna, jacuzzi & steam room is available to all residents. The extensive gym is also available.

Clonakilty is one of Ireland’s most culinarily diverse towns with numerous vegetarian, gluten-free, local and international lunch options. Plus, amazing coffee and award winning bakery is only around the corner!!!

I'm ready to join

I'M IN

Still Got Questions?

What are the logistics?

HOW MUCH IT COSTS?

WHAT IS FITZMAURICE VOICEWORK?

What is Fitzmaurice Voicework®?
The purpose of Fitzmaurice Voicework® is to support people in finding and using their unique voices—in healthy, clear, and creative ways—while developing greater freedom and presence.

Fitzmaurice Voicework® combines adaptations of classical voice training techniques with modifications of yoga, shiatsu, bioenergetics, energy work, and many other disciplines (see primary sources for more information). This integration serves to harmonize the voluntary and involuntary aspects of the nervous system, and the voice.

Through deep and practical explorations of the dynamics between body, breath, voice, imagination, and language, the work develops vibrant voices that communicate intention and feeling without excess effort.

Fitzmaurice Voicework focuses on the whole human voice, and can support speaking for performance, public speaking, singing, voice with movement, vocal rehabilitation, and developing greater presence. Since breath and voice lie at the intersection of the material and the non-material, this work can also assist in creative, intellectual, and spiritual growth. Visit Writings to explore further.

Where is it taught?
Fitzmaurice Voicework® is taught at Yale School of Drama, Harvard University/American Repertory Theatre's Institute for Advanced Theatre Training, New York University's Graduate Acting Program (and some NYU undergraduate studios), the University of California-Irvine, and hundreds of other institutions around the world.

Fitzmaurice Voicework® includes:

Destructuring
Destructuring promotes awareness and aliveness in the body, spontaneous and free breathing, and wide-ranging vocal expressivity—using Tremorwork®, a variety of other dynamic exercises, and hands-on work.

Restructuring
Restructuring encourages a healthy economy of effort while speaking or singing—and a deep connection to language and listener—using modified bel canto techniques and the "focus line."

Presence
Presence work develops natural vibrancy and the capacity to be open to the world while still having healthy boundaries. It is rooted in being fluidly aware of internal and external experiences while focusing on what matters in the moment.

Play
Play invites you to bring your whole spirit and curiosity to whatever you're engaging with. Within the context of play, you can explore all applications of Fitzmaurice Voicework.

What is Organic Intelligence®?

What is Neurosystemics?

What is NeuroSystemics

NeuroSystemics is a mindfulness-based and relational method for people's personal and collective development towards greater levels of well-being, resilience, and empowerment in dealing with the challenges of daily life (work, relationships, community, culture). So that we can begin to meet and master life's challenges, which deepens our experience of meaning, aliveness and belonging.

How does NeuroSystemics work

Neuro = nervous system (which organizes the way we process information and experiences)

Systems = the many layers of systems (relational, cultural, societal, ecological) that we live within

NeuroSystemics session = we have a free and unstructured conversation in which we'll talk about whatever is at the foreground of your life's unfolding that day (personally or as a group). As a Neurosystemics practictioner, I will help you explore your here-and-now experience that goes along with the content of our conversation. As we'll begin to explore and expand on -- often unnoticed -- signals that are coming from your body and mind, we find that when these signals are noticed and nurtured by our shared attention, they will begin to bring new insights and resources for meeting and mastering your challenges and goals in life.

What's different about the approach

Working with the whole nervous system (MOSAIC) instead of one channel (like CBT, or emotion-focused, or hypnotherapy with imagery, etc.)
A positive reinforcement and non-pathologizing framework (looking for signs of health and healing instead of disease and disorder)
Going beyond Resiliency (phase 2) towards Prosilience / Coherence (phase 3). Prosilience (and coherence) mean our capacity to grow in many ways. This happens by meeting and mastering life's challenges. We therefore hold the possibility of living a full life, with on-going exploration of our human experience and an ever-increasing curiosity that fuels learning, growth and (spiritual) development.
Leaving behind the excessive reductionism and individualism of traditional therapy. We rather include all systems that we (and our clients) live in and engage with (i.e. Sense, Self, Social, Societal, Soil, Stars, what have you). To do that we offer different practices (self-regulation, 1on1, circles, forums)
We are utilizing the importance of the healing relationship and actively engaging as therapist/facilitator as compared to ‘doing a protocol’.

CANCELLATION POLICY?

1. Cancellations: (a) Due to the limited number of places on our retreats and workshops, deposits are non-refundable for any cancellations after December 31st 2026 If you cancel before December 31st 2026 of the retreat / workshop / course start date we will refund your deposit minus a €55 administration fee and standard stripe / bank fees apply per transaction per space cancelled. If you opt to pay for your retreat / workshop / course in full prior to your arrival, conditions (a) and (b) still apply.
(b) Should you cancel your place before June 1st 2026, your deposit can be transferred to another retreat / workshop / course. An additional deposit must be made to secure the new retreat / workshop / course date. Only one transfer is allowed.
(c) Retreat, Workshop and Courses Experience Cancellations: Retreat / Workshop / Courses Experiences are paid in full at the time of booking. Due to the limited number of spaces, the full cost is non-refundable. If you cancel before December 31st 2026, we will refund the amount originally paid, minus a €55 per person cancellation fee and standard stripe / bank fees apply per transaction. Should you cancel before December 31st 2026, we will transfer your balance to another Acting Retreat / Workshop / Course (only one transfer allowed).
2. If you are travelling to Italy from outside the country:
Before you come on the retreat / workshop / course you must be covered by insurance, which must include adequate cover for baggage, medical expenses and the cost of repatriation should you become too ill to continue, including helicopter rescue and air ambulance. It is up to each individual to ensure that their insurance is adequate for the retreat they have booked. Any claims concerning matters for which you are insured must be directed to your insurers.
If you participate in any extra activities that may be available on the retreat / workshop / course such as Surfing, Trekking, Kayaking, Yoga etc you must have insurance that will cover these activities. Helena Walsh Empowerment Studios and Crash Creative Studios are are not liable for non compliance to this and the participants accepts responsibility for obtaining any travel insurance required for the holiday and the activities you wish to do while on holiday.
3. Any information or advice provided by Helena Walsh Empowerment Studios and Crash Creative Studios on matters such as permits, visas, vaccinations, climate, clothing, baggage, special equipment, airlines and travel connections etc. is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of either studio, and the participants accepts responsibility for obtaining any necessary visas and travel documents required for the retreat / workshop / course.
4. We will let you know as soon as we can if, through no fault of your own, we are forced to significantly alter or cancel your retreat. In these circumstances you can choose one of the following options: a) accept our offer of a replacement retreat of lower cost (if available) and we will refund the difference in cost; or b) accept our offer of a replacement retreat / workshop / course of equivalent cost or c) ask us for a refund of the money you have paid.
5. Your booking is accepted on the understanding that you realise the possible hazards involved in our retreat / workshop / course, including injury, disease, loss or damage to property, inconvenience and discomfort.
Changes in planned holidays may be caused by flight cancellations, weather, sickness, or other unforeseeable circumstances. No refunds will be given for services not utilised. If a participant of our Retreat / Workshop / course is unable, or does not choose, to complete an itinerary on their
retreat, Helena Walsh Empowerment Studios and Crash Creative Studios are not liable to supply alternative itineraries, excursions, accommodations, services or staff for the period when the participant is not present with the group.
6. Any activities participated in on our retreats / workshops / courses that are not run by Helena Walsh Empowerment Studios nor Crash Creative Studios but in conjunction with a local company offering surfing, climbing, hiking, biking and touring etc, are of the responsibility of the participant and the company involved and neither Helena Walsh Empowerment Studios nor Crash Creative Studios. Participants must adhere to the involved company’s terms and conditions and neither Helena Walsh Empowerment Studios nor Crash Creative Studios are liable for anything on the part of these companies.
7. We are responsible to you for the proper performance of our obligations under the contract. We are liable to you for any damage caused to you by our failure to perform the contract or by our improper performance of the contract, unless that failure is:
a) attributable to you;
b) attributable to a third party unconnected with the provision of the services and are unforeseeable or unavoidable;
c) due to unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control and could not have been avoided even if all due care had been taken
d) due to an event which even with all due care we could not foresee or forestall.
8. Commitment to Data Security. Your personally identifiable information is kept secure. Only authorized employees, agents and contractors (who have agreed to keep information secure and confidential) have access to this information. All emails and newsletters from our sites allow you to opt out of further mailings. Helena Walsh Empowerment Studios will never sell trade, rent, exchange or otherwise share your personal information with any other person, company or organisation.
11. This contract is governed by the laws of the Republic of Ireland. Any conflict between the terms and conditions of the contract and the law of the Republic of Ireland, then the law of the Republic of Ireland shall prevail.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns or complaints about these terms and conditions, please contact us: [email protected]

How do I get there?

Getting Here!

4–25 September 2027 | Clonakilty, West Cork, Ireland

We're so excited to welcome you to Clonakilty for 3 weeks of acting, surfing, creativity, connection and adventures!

Our retreat takes place in the beautiful coastal town of Clonakilty, West Cork, with accommodation at Clonakilty Park Hotel.

Here's everything you need to know to help make your journey as easy as possible.

✈️ Flying to Ireland – Cork Airport

Cork Airport is the closest airport to Clonakilty and the most convenient option for international guests.

It's approximately a 45–55-minute drive from the airport to Clonakilty Park Hotel.

You can hire a car directly from the airport, arrange a taxi or private transfer, or take public transport via Cork City.

We recommend hiring or sharing a car where possible, as this will give you greater flexibility throughout the retreat.

🚗 Travelling from Dublin

If you're flying into Dublin Airport or travelling from Dublin City, you have a few options.

By car: The journey takes approximately 3.5–4 hours via the M7/M8 motorway towards Cork, followed by the N71 to Clonakilty.

By train: Take the train from Dublin Heuston Station to Cork Kent Station (approximately 2.5–3 hours), followed by a bus from Cork City to Clonakilty (approximately 1–1.5 hours). Allow extra time for connections.

By bus: You can travel from Dublin Airport or Dublin City to Cork and then connect with a local bus to Clonakilty.

💛 Good to Know – Car Sharing & Getting Around

One of the loveliest parts of our retreat is the community we create, and that can begin before you even arrive!

To ensure everyone can make the most of the week, including our surfing sessions, coastal adventures and excursions around West Cork, we encourage participants to organise shared transport.

Ideally, we aim to have one car for every 3–4 participants.

Often, guests travelling individually or in smaller groups come together to hire a car for the duration of the retreat. This allows everyone greater flexibility while keeping travel costs down.

Travelling alone? No problem!

Approximately one week before the retreat, we'll create a dedicated Signal group chat where everyone can connect, introduce themselves and coordinate travel plans.

This is a great opportunity to:

Connect with other actors before the retreat begins.
Share flight details and arrival times.
Organise car sharing or shared car hire.
Coordinate possible airport, train station or bus pickups.
Make plans to travel together.

Where you can be picked up will depend on where you're travelling from and the arrangements made with your fellow participants.

While individual pickups and transfers cannot be guaranteed, we'll help put everyone in touch so you can organise the most convenient arrangements together.

Please note: Flights, individual transfers and car hire are not included in the retreat fee.

🏨 Arrival & Accommodation

Clonakilty Park Hotel
Park Road, Clonakilty
County Cork, Ireland

Arrival: Saturday, 4 September 2027, at 3pm
Departure: Saturday, 25 September 2027, at 10am

We'll be staying together in self-catering accommodation at Clonakilty Park Hotel, giving us a lovely shared base for the week.

🔗 Helpful Travel Links

Cork Airport: https://www.corkairport.com

Irish Rail: https://www.irishrail.ie

Bus Éireann: https://www.buseireann.ie

Clonakilty Park Hotel: https://www.clonakiltyparkhotel.ie

We recommend booking your flights and travel arrangements well in advance, particularly if you're coming from overseas.

🌊 Your Adventure Awaits!

From the waves of Inchydoney Beach to our acting workshops, coastal adventures and evenings together, we're looking forward to sharing a truly special week with you.

Give yourself plenty of time to arrive, settle in and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of West Cork.

We can't wait to welcome you to Clonakilty!

Helena & Ben 💛

MY LAST PIECE OF ADVICE

The embodied character is the most intimate expression of the human experience.

To truly offer an authentic, moving human experience in your storytelling requires a nuanced, subtle, flexible and pleasurable connection to your voice. The voice is the most intimate expression of the self and can convey ten thousand intimacies through a freely expressive, present actor.