GUIDED TOURS & RETREATS
Exclusive small-group experiences
TELLING YOUR STORY:
MEMOIR WITH LAURIE WOOLEVER
A writing retreat with longtime lieutenant to Anthony Bourdain
JUST 1 SEAT LEFT!
September 20 -25, 2026
Indulge all of your creative senses on this bespoke 5 night writing retreat featuring Laurie Woolever, the author of the memoir Care and Feeding. Our all-inclusive experience includes craft workshops ncludes craft workshops, individual feedback sessions, day trips along the coast, and incredible shared meals. We’ll meet local artisans and chefs and spend time in nature as we hone our craft.
Our all-inclusive writing retreat takes place on a small private island in the heart of West Cork, Ireland’s food artisan capital, complete with 50 acres of woodland walks, a walled garden, and an indoor pool!
ARTISANAL IRELAND
a collaboration with Zingerman’s Food Tours
May 18 - 26, 2026
We’re thrilled to offer our annual food, farming, and feasting tour-de-force for our friends at the Ann Arbor-based Zingerman’s Food Tours! We’ll travel along the Wild Atlantic Way from Galway to Cork. On this tour, guests will hear, see, and taste the story of Irish cuisine, from the traditional artisans to the new generation of makers, chefs, and foragers who are taking these traditions and renewing them for the 21st century.
2027
STORIES OF RESISTANCE
a collaboration with Literati Bookstore
March 8-15, 2026
Join Bog & Thunder and Ann Arbor’s Literati Bookstore on a collaborative journey in Ireland as we follow the stories of Irish writers as they confront contemporary issues and create change through their written work. We will travel north from Dublin to Belfast, and learn about how various writers have explored issues like motherhood, nationalism, colonialism, reproductive rights, the peace process—and even male-centered mythology and folklore—in both fiction and nonfiction.
THE BEST OF THE WEST
our 2nd annual trip with Chef James Rigato
April 11-20, 2027
Join us for our second annual epic culinary journey on Ireland’s west coast as we eat, drink, and engage in revelry with our friend and fellow world traveler, chef James Rigato, owner of Mabel Gray in Hazel Park, Michigan.
This all-inclusive trip focuses on Ireland’s west coast and celebrates the culinary heritage of Connemara, Galway, and the Burren. The Irish, like James, are known for their humor, music, hospitality, and craic—this trip is not to be missed! We’ll stay at the best hotels, eat incredible food, and spend a lot of time outdoors at the beginning of the Irish tourist season. We’ll also have the opportunity to cook alongside James and some of our mutual friends as we journey along the Wild Atlantic Way.