Lara O'Brien

Lara O’Brien 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 on 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 those passions and created Hooks & Reels events– 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. She is an AsIAm champion supporting the autism community.

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.