The Burren Retreat Throwing Shapes X Common Knowledge

The Burren Retreat Throwing Shapes X Common KnowledgeWe're thrilled to invite you to the 2026 Throwing Shapes Burren Retreat at Common Knowledge Centre in The Burren, County Clare. This is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in a weekend of ceramics, creativity, nature and community in the UNESCO Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark. Over four (25 28 September 2026) unforgettable days, participants will explore wood, salt, and barrel firings, learn to process wild clay, create natural glazes, build kilns

We're thrilled to invite you to the 2026 Throwing Shapes Burren Retreat at Common Knowledge Centre in The Burren, County Clare. This is a rare opportunity to immerse yourself in a weekend of ceramics, creativity, nature and community in the UNESCO Burren & Cliffs of Moher Geopark.

Over four (25-28 September 2026) unforgettable days, participants will explore wood, salt, and barrel firings, learn to process wild clay, create natural glazes, build kilns and make handmade tools. Whether you're an experienced ceramicist or completely new to clay, this retreat is designed to encourage experimentation, slowing down and connection.

To book this retreat you need to bring 12 pieces of bisqueware which should be fired independently. Throwing Shapes will not bisque fire your work.

What to expect:

FRIDAY - 25 SEPT:  Arrival & Connection. Arrive at 2pm and settle into retreat life with a biodiversity walk, glazing workshop, breathwork and a shared dinner designed to help everyone slow down, connect and arrive fully into the weekend.

SATURDAY - 26 SEPT:  Fire & Celebration. A hands-on day of kiln building and wood and salt firings, balanced with sauna time, shared meals, céilí dancing and Irish storytelling by the fire.

SUNDAY - 27 SEPT:  Making & Exploration. A slower day focused on creativity and learning through yoga, tool making, wild clay processing, natural glazes and evening barrel firings.

MONDAY - 28 SEPT : Reflection & Departure. We'll unload the kilns together, reflect on the weekend's work and experiences and close with a final circle before heading home at 1pm inspired and recharged.

EXPLORE & RELAX:  Enjoy the peaceful surroundings of Common Knowledge and County Clare in your free time - relax in the sauna, explore the land or curl up with a book in the library.

ACCOMMODATION:  Accommodation is cosy, comfortable and thoughtfully designed, with a range of room options available. Even the shared dorm rooms feature comfortable bunk beds with privacy curtains.

ACCESSIBILITY:  The retreat centre is compact and fully onsite, with all accommodation located on the ground floor. If you have any accessibility needs or concerns, please get in touch before booking.

FOOD:  The food at Common Knowledge is one of the highlights of the retreat - nourishing, seasonal and mostly vegetarian, with dietary requirements happily catered for. 

What to bring:

• 12 bisque-fired mug-sized stoneware pots (independently fired prior to the retreat)
• Work gloves
• Respirator mask
• Weatherproof clothing

What's included:

• 4 days of immersive ceramic workshops with Throwing Shapes
• Wood, salt and barrel firings
• Tool making, kiln building, clay processing & natural glazes
• Accommodation at Common Knowledge Centre
• Three incredible meals per day (think Ottolengi)
• Daily sauna access
• Yoga, breathwork & storytelling workshops
• Céilí dancing with instructor

What's not included

• Transport to The Burren (carpooling will be arranged)
• Alcoholic beverages

Payment Schedule

Total Cost: €760-890 (room dependant)

Deposit on booking: €250 Instalment

Payment 2: €250 on 03/09/2026 

Final balance due: 15 September 2026

Cancellation Policy

Deposit is refundable up to one-month prior to the retreat. If you need to cancel after one month, refund will be subject to filling your spot.

If you would like to book the twin room with a friend just let us know after booking your two spots.

Any questions email [email protected]