Hi. I’m Clare
Rooted in West Cork, Ireland, and inspired and informed by the deep wisdom of the land and sea which surrounds me, my work, whether writing, teaching, mentoring or hosting, is an ever evolving creative exploration, intended to shift our collective narrative towards a more inclusive and regenerative future for us all.
Four words guide my work: Write. Teach. Gather. Create
Write, Teach, Gather & Create
Write
As a writer, my interests include developing new narratives to rekindle our relationship and enchantment to the natural world, drawing on ancient wisdom, poetry, scientific and spiritual enquiry, social and ecological justice movements, and literature. At the heart of my writing is a 30+ year writing practice, of journaling, creative enquiry and poetry, through which I can trace the waves and rhythms of my life. Writing has been a loyal friend and insightful companion , and it is this practice I carry into my workshops and learning experiences.
In addition to personal journaling, I love to produce and publish learning materials, journals and reflective resources to guide others into more soulful connection to themselves, their gifts and the wonder of the natural world .
Alongside that, I’m the author of the book, ‘One Wild Life, A Journey to Discover People who Change our World’, and my writing and photography have appeared in The Irish Times, On Being, Trasna, Freckle Magazine, Headstuff, The Lowell Review, among others.
Teach
As an educator, I am committed to creating dynamic, supportive and holistic learning ecologies and spaces. Alongside hosting creative courses and writing workshops, I am the founder of Thrive School where I facilitate groups and organisations tap into their creativity, innovate for a better future and harness their own creativity and leadership. I am a guest lecturer and facilitator at University College Dublin’s Innovation Academy, Trinity College Dublin, TUDublin, University College Cork, and the Law Society of Ireland, alongside working with a range of organisations to design and deliver leadership and learning programmes.I am also a qualified coach and mentor, and have supported hundreds of creative and social entrepreneurs to bring their visions to life.
Gather
As a facilitator and host, whether online or in-person, I work with creative processes to support purpose-led conversations and innovative skill building. For over 15 years I’ve been hosting regular creative salons, including an active online poetry salon, where people from all over the world gather to connect to the spirit in which poetry travels, read together and share insights. It’s a beautiful thing.
Create
Along the way, I photograph, draw and paint the wonders and beauty I encounter. My camera and pen has taken me across the world as a documentary photographer, capturing stories of inspiration and heartbreak from Africa, to India, China, across the Pacific, but always returning to Ireland, where the magic and wonder of this land continues to amaze.
These days I am ever grateful to be living on and learning from the beautiful and wild land of West Cork, with my little dog, Milly by my side, a journal in my pocket, and a camera around my neck. That gratitude extends to people across the world who reach out and connect with my words and work. You are most welcome.
A few quirks, and facts…
I once lived on an island called Vava’u in the Kingdom of Tonga. It was there my love of education was kindled. Small places can still have big ambitions.
If you meet me in person, don’t be shocked at my height. I am less than 5Ft tall, and shrinking!
I’ve a collection of hand-puppets, and keep one in my camera bag. It’s one of the best tools I have for breaking the ice between strangers. Be warned!
I am an INFP. Big on the N and F. Give me a small dinner gathering over a large, loud party any day (or night)
Sea swimming in the cold is one of my greatest joys. Really.
I have a thing for: whales, murmurations, foxes, hares, wrens and robins (and counting).
I think sticky notes are one of the best inventions. I’m not sure how I’d organise my life without them.
My morning ritual: a strong coffee, a blank page, and a pen. GO.
Bio
Clare Mulvany is an educator, facilitator and author living in West Cork, Ireland. A graduate in International Education from Oxford University, she has been leading transformational learning programmes for over 20 years across the globe, weaving the strands of creative practice, service leadership and social justice. She is the author of ‘One Wild Life- A Journey to Discover People Who Change the World’, and her writing and documentary photography has appeared in places like On Being and The Irish Times.
A Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Awardee, she was a founding member of the leading education NGO, Suas; a co-founder of the cultural agency, The Trailblazery, and is the founder of Thrive School. She is a guest lecturer and facilitator in University College Dublin’s Innovation Academy, Tangent - Trinity’s Idea’s Centre, TUDublin, University College Cork and The Law Society of Ireland.
A qualified coach and mentor, Clare has supported hundreds of individuals and teams to bring their creative visions to life through values based and purpose driven leadership.
Clare is also a trained classical hatha yoga instructor, has hosted thousands of people in salons, writing workshops and creative retreats across the world.
Aside from everything else, the sea and her dog bring her infinite joy.
She can be found at claremulvany.ie, thriveschool.ie and on Instagram and Twitter @onewildlife
Press Images
Letters from Clare