AN EXCLUSIVE LITERARY RETREAT

Disconnect & Rewrite Your Rhythm

6-8 November

The Retreat Country House - Bandon

Escape to West Cork for a thoughtfully curated weekend of books, meaningful conversation and slow living, created for women who love to read. Read, rest and reconnect in beautiful surroundings with like-minded readers.

CULTIVATING MOMENTS OF CALM

Where Chapters Continue Over Dinner

Private Chef preparing fine dining

Private Chef & Fine Dining

Gather around the table for a memorable dining experience. Our private chef creates seasonal menus using the finest local Irish produce, served by candlelight in the historic dining room as conversations and book discussions continue into the evening.

Author reading in a library

An Afternoon with the guest Author

One of the highlights of the weekend: bestselling Cork crime writer Amy Jordan will join us in the drawing room for an engaging conversation about her book The Dark Hours, her writing journey and inspiration, followed by an open Q&A over afternoon tea.

Luxurious historic bedroom

A Timeless West Cork Escape

Your home for the weekend is a beautifully restored Georgian estate, The Retreat Country House in Bandon chosen for its warmth, character and peaceful surroundings. Sink into a comfortable armchair beside the fire, wander the gardens at your own pace, and enjoy elegant spaces that invite you to slow down, read and simply be.

ITINERARY

Your weekend,
in three chapters

Friday, 5pm

Chapter I

Arrival

  • Settle into your Georgian suite and collect your welcome bag filled with products from local makers and artisan businesses.
  • Meet & greet over prosecco in the drawing room. Mingle with fellow readers in a relaxed, convivial atmosphere.
  • Welcome supper prepared by our private chef. A candlelit dinner to set the weekend's tone.
Saturday

Chapter II

The Story Unfolds

  • A leisurely breakfast: Gather around the table to enjoy seasonal West Cork flavours before a day of books and slow moments.
  • Walk through the estate: Wander through the estate in the crisp autumn air, surrounded by golden leaves and seasonal colours, with nowhere you need to be.
  • Uninterrupted reading: Settle in, slow down and enjoy your book without distractions.
  • Author Q&A & afternoon tea: Join our featured author in the drawing room for an intimate conversation, followed by questions, discussion and a selection of homemade treats.
  • Unstructured reading hours: Settle into a cosy corner of the house, wander the gardens, or simply enjoy uninterrupted time with your book.
  • Candlelit dinner: End the day with another beautifully curated dining experience, where conversations continue long after dessert.
  • Unwind by the fireplace: Lose yourself in your latest read or enjoy relaxed conversation with fellow guests.
Sunday

Chapter III

The Final Page

  • A slow Sunday breakfast: Gather one last time around the table for a seasonal breakfast prepared.
  • A quiet closing hour: Finish your final chapter in the drawing room, beside the fire, or among the peaceful grounds of the estate.
  • Farewell & departure: Take home your signed book, new friendships, and a mind restored by a weekend of stories and slow living.
MEET YOUR HOST

Your Host

Mervé

Hi, I'm Mervé, founder of Coachford Book Club and Chapters Away.

What began as a small local book club has grown into a wonderful community of readers brought together by a shared love of books and meaningful conversation. After seeing the friendships formed around our monthly meetings, I wanted to create something even more special. A weekend where there's time to read, unwind and connect with fellow book lovers.

Chapters Away was created for women who have ever wished for more time to read, slow down and meet like-minded people. Whether you're arriving on your own or with a friend, my hope is that you'll leave feeling inspired, refreshed and already looking forward to the next chapter.

I can't wait to welcome you to West Cork.

See you by the fire,
Mervé

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

FAQs

Not at all. Many guests will be travelling solo, and Chapters Away is designed to be a warm, welcoming experience where it's easy to connect with fellow book lovers.

Absolutely. If you're booking with a friend, we'll ensure you're assigned to the same twin room.

Yes. Accommodation is in shared twin rooms, with two guests per room. If you’re booking with a friend, you can share together. If you’re coming solo, you’ll be paired with another guest.

Yes. Chapters Away retreats are currently created exclusively for women, offering a relaxed and welcoming space to read, unwind and connect with other book lovers. We may also introduce all-gender retreats in the future.

Your stay includes two nights' accommodation, all chef-prepared meals, afternoon tea, a curated welcome bag filled with local favourites, an exclusive author event, and plenty of time to read, relax and enjoy the estate.

The featured book and author will be announced before the retreat, giving everyone plenty of time to read it in advance.

Yes. We'll ask about any dietary requirements during the booking process, and our chef will happily accommodate them wherever possible.

Absolutely. Chapters Away is intentionally unhurried, with dedicated reading time built into the itinerary. You're welcome to spend those moments in the drawing room, by the fire, in the gardens or wherever you feel most comfortable.

The retreat takes place in a beautifully restored Georgian country house in Bandon, surrounded by peaceful gardens and countryside. Full directions will be provided after booking.

Transport isn't included, but we'll provide all the information you need to help you plan your journey.

Yes. If you're travelling by bus, I'd be happy to arrange collection from the nearest bus stop where possible. Just let me know your arrival details in advance, and I'll do my best to help.

Just yourself, comfortable clothing, and a cosy layer for autumn evenings. We'll take care of the rest.

Full details can be found in our terms and conditions

Once your place is confirmed, I'll be in touch with all the details. Around a month before the retreat, you'll be invited to a private WhatsApp group where guests can introduce themselves, ask questions and receive updates ahead of the weekend.

JOIN THE CLUB

Reserve Your Place

Your weekend of stories, slow living and meaningful conversation awaits. Reserve your place today and begin your next chapter.

Our retreats are kept intentionally small, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Click below to securely complete your reservation via Stripe.

Book Your Chapter