The Old Knitting Factory Residencies

The Old Knitting Factory is a lakeside residency space on the rugged west coast of Ireland, in Connemara, County Galway. Founded by New York Times bestselling author Betsy Cornwell, the programme is built around two core values: fostering creativity and rest, and providing genuine support to single parents who rarely get either.

There are three tracks available

Arts Residency (Paid — €1,000 + VAT): A 6-night creative stay that includes 2 hours of private mentorship with Betsy Cornwell. Open to everyone — you don't need to be an artist or a single parent to apply.

Rest Residency (Paid — €800 + VAT): A self-directed 6-night retreat focused on rest and recharging, with no mentorship component. Also open to everyone.

Fully Funded Residency (Free): A completely free 6-night rest residency exclusively for single mothers and other marginalised single parents — including divorced, separated, widowed, foster parents, guardians, and single parents by choice who are actively parenting without a partner. Recipients also receive a €500 childcare stipend to use however suits them best. Applications for this track open only during the month of May each year.

All residencies run Monday to Sunday (check-in 3:00 PM, check-out 11:00 AM). The private guest space features a kitchenette, en suite bathroom, living room, and separate entrance. It sleeps up to 3 people — residents are warmly welcome to bring their children.

Note: Travel costs are not covered for any track, though the organiser will help share travel fundraisers for funded recipients. Paid residency applications are accepted on a rolling, year-round basis. Residencies begin June 2026.