From the 2008 Ireland Residency:

Writers in this residency provided clear and helpful advice about creating believable characters and interesting character-driven plots. I can immediately apply this to my current work. It’s particularly important as I near my manuscript term. —Karen Lizon, Pittsburgh, PA

My mentor [Niall Williams] as well as a guest speakers increased my understanding of the craft of writing. I found a community of writers to speak and confer with even after the residence ended [via email.] As a working adult, such a community is hard to find and maintain. —Lorraine Coleman, New York City

A high point for me was hearing Kevin Barry [2008 Ronney Award winner] read “Breakfast Wine." Seeing his passion for writing and hearing about living in an RV while working to establish himself as a writer, really inspired me to spend more time writing, to put more into my writing, and to try to match the passion that he had. —Blaine Martin, Quakertown, PA

Mary O’Donnell is a class act and a person and teacher of tremendous integrity…The five of us in her workshop felt our work appreciated and respected by Mary. She set a tone of equality and compassion in that little room, and we are all the better for it. —Celeste Gainey, East Hampton, NY

The best part of the residency was the small workshops with Niall Williams because we were able to work directly with our own writings. —Julie Abell, Arlington, Texas

The best part about this residency was the time Carlo Gebler spent with our group. It is absolutely amazing to be able to have dinner and drinks with a successful author/teacher who really cares about what you have to say. —Nicole De Carlo, Wexford, PA

I appreciate the cultural aspects of the program – like visiting Dublin, Trinity College, seeing The Weir, but also the little things, like just walking around, shopping, interacting with the Irish informally. The Cieli was amazing! —Beth Peyton, New Brighton, PA

The quality of the speakers was unparalleled. I was blown away by how well-read each visiting writer was. I’m motivated to read as much as I personally can. —Bridgette Nofsinger, Upper St. Clair, PA

Studying in Ireland with Irish writers was life-altering. When I came back here, I knew my life and my writing would never be the same. —Brenda Pavillian Pittsburgh, PA

From the 2007 Ireland Residency:

When I think back to the mentors I've had in this program—Marion Winik, Anne Enright, Jane Candia Coleman and Sean Hardie—I'm amazed. The caliber of professional writers associated with this program is incredible. —April Johnston, Fayetteville, NC

The very first residency helped me find my true writing voice. —Vito Grippi, York, PA

Carlow’s MFA program is one of growth and change, a program of friends that become family and mentors that are experts in their craft. It is an intense program for serious writers that leaves a feeling of accomplishment that endures. —Dara Hodge LaRue, Pittsburgh, PA 

It is more than a writing experience, it is a life changing experience. —Russell Killion, Glen Ellyn, IL

Carlow’s  MFA program is an invigorating writing experience. I recommend it to any person who takes his or her writing experience seriously. —Mark Steinman, Pittsburgh, PA

The Carlow MFA program facilitates academic excellence through classroom experiences that are enhanced by readings by published writers in all three genres, nurturing mentoring and supportive, collegial interaction with fellow students. —Rose Ashbaugh, Tidioute, PA

This is the hardest program I ever loved. The Carlow University Creative Writing MFA liberates the graduate student from night classes sitting in a cramped desk. Its international nature and low-residency structure expands the writing student’s world then allows for a flexible schedule with computer and mentor. Carlow University believes that teaching writing is as much an art as the writing itself. That’s why Carlow MFA mentors are themselves artists-celebrated working writers well able to teach what they know. Without this program, I would never have become a novelist. But, my mentors have taught me that novelists are not born. They are built. —Nancy Ward Balderose, Pittsburgh, PA

I feel very fortunate to be a part of this unique program. I'm growing as a writer, and I'm acquiring experiences that will be cherished for the rest of my life. —David Strait, Jackson, TN

The Carlow MFA program offers the best kind of immersion: diving into seminars and workshops in the residency phase, followed by semester long, one on one learning from the best to be the best. — Wayne Cresser, Riverside, RI

My residency experience in Ireland was one of the most profoundly fascinating points in my entire academic career. The instruction is rigorous and of the highest possible quality. Our Irish hosts and teachers made sure we saw the best of Ireland, both its physical beauty and its literary heritage. — Melissa Andre, Pittsburgh, PA