Lara O'Brien

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lara O’Brien became a writing facilitator on Martha’s Vineyard in 2017, she returned to her native Ireland in 2019 and is the founder of Howth Writing Workshops and Retreats, a community group she started at her kitchen table. From this small setting, Howth Writing workshops has grown to include writing retreats in Martha’s Vineyard, New York, Maine, and the mountains of Cadiz, Spain, where she co-hosts writing and yoga retreats at Suryalila.

Passionate about stories, music and community, in 2023 Lara combined that passion with Hooks & Reels – evenings of story and song – where local musicians and writers showcase their work for the community. Hooks & Reels has grown to be a regular and popular fixture on the Howth Community Calendar and continues to inspire the work of many upcoming artists, writers and musicians.

In 2025 Trinity College Dublin invited Lara to create and present Storytelling for Cultural Communications and Innovation, at their Business School.

She facilitates youth summits on writing and leadership, songwriting and literary events and workshops for youth groups. Lara is an AsIAm champion supporting the autism community.

She championed the restoration of the historical Howth Eire 6 sign, which was officially launched by President Michael D. Higgins. Lara is the convener of the Eire 6 Restoration Group, and Howth Community and Arts Group.

Lara divides family life between Howth, Dublin and Vinalhaven, Maine. When not writing, she is found hiking trails, toe-tapping at music sessions, or relaxing with her husband, children and friends.

For information on any of Lara’s workshops and retreats in Howth, Cadiz, Spain, and Vinalhaven, Maine, go to https://www.laraobrien.com.

For upcoming Hooks & Reels, go to https://www.hooksandreels.com or @hooksandreels on Instagram.

To book a workshop for a private group or library presentation on The Power of the Prompt, contact Lara O’Brien at [email protected], on Instagram at @laraobrienbooks, or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/laraobrienbooks/