Organizer Information:

The Old Knitting Factory. Founded by New York Times bestselling author Betsy Cornwell, the organization’s mission is to offer free residencies and retreats for single mothers and other marginalized single parents. The space is largely crowdfunded, and paid residencies help support this mission.

Title & Description:

Applications are open for The Old Knitting Factory Residencies.

Located on the wild west coast of Ireland, the residency offers a cozy, lakeside guest space (featuring a kitchenette, en suite bathroom, living room, and private entrance) to foster rest and creativity.

There are multiple tracks available:

  1. Arts Residency (Paid): Includes 2 hours of private mentorship with Betsy Cornwell.
  2. Rest Residency (Paid): A self-directed retreat for rest, with no mentorship included.
  3. Fully Funded Residency: A completely free rest residency exclusively for single parents.

Category:

Arts & Writing

Eligibility:

  • Paid Residencies: Open to everyone (you do not need to be a single parent or an artist to apply for the paid tracks).
  • Fully Funded Residencies: Strictly open ONLY to single mothers and other marginalized single parents. (Note: This includes divorced, separated, widowed, foster parents, guardians, and single parents by choice, provided they are actively parenting children without a partner in the majority of their day-to-day life).
  • Nominations Rule: Nominations on behalf of other people are NOT accepted. Applicants must apply for themselves to acknowledge their own need and deservingness of support.
  • Guests/Children: The space accommodates up to 3 people (double-single bunk bed, futon, and pack-and-play crib). Residents are welcome to bring their children or come alone—whatever best suits their needs.

Program Benefits & Awards:

  • Duration: All residencies include a 6-night stay (Monday 3:00 PM check-in to Sunday 11:00 AM check-out).
  • Funded Resident Childcare: Recipients of the fully funded residency will receive a €500 stipend toward childcare costs (to be used at their discretion, either for childcare at home or locally during the retreat).

Application Fee & Program Costs:

  • Application Fee: Free to apply.
  • Arts Residency Cost: €1,000 + VAT.
  • Rest Residency Cost: €800 + VAT.
  • Accommodation Only: €170 / night + VAT (3-night minimum).
  • Travel: Travel costs are strictly NOT included for any track. (Note: The organizer offers to help share a travel fundraiser for funded recipients).

Application Requirements:

  • Paid residencies are applied for via the standard form on the website.
  • Fully funded residencies use a separate, specific form that is ONLY made available during the month of May.

How to Apply?

Complete the appropriate application form on the Old Knitting Factory website.

Key Dates:

  • Funded Residency Application Window: Opens in May 2026.
  • Paid Residency Application Window: Rolling / Year-round.
  • Residencies Begin: June 2026.

Location:

The Old Knitting Factory, Connemara, County Galway, Ireland.

Contact Information:

Website & Application Link: https://oldknittingfactory.com/single-mother-retreats