The ‘magic’ that is the Tyrone Guthrie Centre by Ruth O’Leary . . .
Before I became a published author, I had read about The Tyrone Guthrie Centre. Rave reviews and beautiful, tranquil photos were posted on Instagram and Facebook by Carmel Harrington, Pam Lecky, Hazel Gaynor, and other writers I admire. I printed off a picture of the centre from their website and stuck it to my vision board in my writing area, ensuring I saw it every day. If one day I were lucky enough to become a published author, applying for a place in the Tyrone Guthrie Centre would be high on my to-do list. And that day came.
In March 2024, my debut novel, The Weekend Break was published, and shortly afterwards, I downloaded the application form.
The Tyrone Guthrie Centre is located in rural Monaghan and not Tyrone as one might think. It gets its name from its generous donor, Sir Tyrone Guthrie an innovative theatre director. The centre was his ancestral home, which is in fact a lakeside Manor House. He left this beautiful Manor to the Irish State on the condition it be used “for the use of artists and ‘other like persons’”.
Their website states that “The Tyrone Guthrie Centre at Annaghmakerrig promotes excellence and innovation across all art forms by providing workspaces for professional writers, musicians, composers, choreographers, artists, directors, film makers, designers, critics, and others in the arts sector with a proven record of achievement. Residents work in an environment that supports and values artistic excellence, inclusivity, and peer exchange”.
To apply, having a proven record of achievement in my case meant having a published novel with an ISBN. I filled in the online form in May 2024, and following an email to say that my application had been successful, they confirmed a place for me in August of that year. I was very lucky to only have a three-month wait, as they get booked up months in advance with both new and returning artists.
The Tyrone Guthrie Centre
It was a beautiful day when I arrived, and the Manor house with its extensive grounds and lake took my breath away. After I checked in, I was shown to my room, which was Lady Guthrie’s room. It was a huge room with a bay window and a writing desk that looked out over the front grounds and the Lake.
The house is located in rural Monaghan, so there is no village or shop within walking distance, but that is the beauty of the place; no distractions. You have two options when you stay there; one is to stay in the house full board basis, and the other is to stay in a self-catering cottage. If you opt for the latter, you must bring all your food with you. The cottages suit artists who sometimes work through the night in their artist studios and therefore eat at irregular hours. If you stay in the house like I did, the wonderful staff provide a self-service breakfast and lunch, and beautiful, freshly baked treats for breaks throughout the day.
But in the evening, all artists staying in the house must come to the kitchen for a communal dinner. Sir Tyrone Guthrie himself made this stipulation in his will as he wanted all artists to break bread and share ideas over lively conversation, and that is exactly what happens.
During my stay there, I was the only fiction writer. There were two non-fiction writers, three poets, four artists, a photographer who had worked at the Venice Film Festival, a musician recording an album, and a composer writing a score for an upcoming BBC drama. You can imagine the fascinating conversations that were had. After dinner, some went for a walk, some went back to work, some carried on their conversations by the fireside in the library, and some retired for the evening.
My goal while I was there was to complete the edits on my second novel, A Week To Remember. I had a lot of work to do, and so to have this beautiful writing space, in this peaceful environment, with no interruptions and no meals to cook, I flew through my work.
My days fell into a routine of a walk before breakfast, work until break time, a lakeside walk, work until lunchtime, an afternoon of working and relaxing until dinnertime, a walk after dinner, and then an early night with a book.
The staff look after everybody with such kindness and care. The dinner time chats were both entertaining and fascinating, hearing about an artist, a photographer, or a poet’s journey to where they are now.
Before I went there, the recurring word that came up in the Facebook and Instagram posts describing The Tyrone Guthrie Centre was ‘magic’.
There is a magic when artists are given the space to let creativity flow.
As Conor Horgan, Photographer & screenplay writer, put it;
“What I’ll value most is how The Tyrone Guthrie Centre at Annaghmakerrig helped me to slow down, long enough to let inspiration catch up with me.”
I look forward to my return to the Tyrone Guthrie Centre in October this year to see what creative magic will show up for me.
(c) Ruth O’Leary
Read more from Ruth on Writing.ie here.
About A Week To Remember by Ruth O’Leary:
When Strangers Collide, Lives Are Forever Altered.
Paula
Paula has an anxiety attack at her 60th birthday party and realises that her life must change. While her friends are settling into retirement, she craves adventure. Then a shock discovery forces her to question everything she thought was sure in her life.
Rachel
Rachel is about to go into business with boyfriend Craig when he betrays her in the worst way possible. She is desperate to get away and figure out how to move forward. Can she forgive and forget, in order to have everything she has dreamed of?
Cathy
Cathy’s world is turned upside down by a life-altering event. Struggling with her feelings, she sets out to follow in the footsteps of her favourite film, The Way, hoping to find the courage to plan a new life free from fear.
As the three women set out on journeys of healing and self-discovery, on the ancient path of the Camino de Santiago, fate causes their paths to cross. Will the Camino provide the answers they seek and the strength to pursue the lives they desire?
Order your copy online here.
