Rugged mountains, windswept shores and serene lakes are the backdrop for most yoga and meditation sanctuaries in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Immerse yourself in nature at these five Irish yoga retreats.
New Ross County Creacon Yoga Retreat (Photo: Book Yoga Retreats)
The island may be small, and the water may be cold, you may be more likely to hear Gaelic spoken than Sanskrit, but Ireland’s craggy cliffs and wuthering coastlines are blessed with a sense of calming isolation that will help you reconnect with nature and deepen your yoga practice. While tropical climates undeniably shine down on the most popular destinations for sun salutations, the Emerald Isle’s vast, peaceful landscapes hold much appeal for the discreet, mindful yogi. From the picturesque coast and wilds of Killadoon to the castles of County Galway or County Wexford, there is much to explore between sessions on the mat. Here are five of Ireland’s and Northern Ireland’s most relaxing and inspiring yoga retreats.
7-Day Yoga Flow Yin Yoga Retreat with Grainne O’Malley in Kinvarra
The Burren Yoga and Meditation Center in the wilderness of western Ireland’s County Galway has a varied offering of spa and holistic treatments to enrich your yoga practice and well-being throughout this weeklong retreat. The surrounding limestone hills retain the summer heat, and sandy beaches and lakes are warmer in the region than in Dublin, so you that you can delve deeper into the great outdoors during your stay. Head teacher Grainne leads breathwork, meditation, yoga flow and restorative (yin and nidra) classes throughout the day, accessible for all levels. The in-house prepares nutritious vegetarian meals with organic and locally sourced vegetables. Between classes, go wildflower spotting and see if you can find some of the 26 local varieties of wild orchid. From USD$1344 / 7 days
Reserve via BookYogaRetreats.com
3-Day Yoga Mindfulness Retreat in Wexford
Creacon Yoga Center in the hilly Irish countryside is one of the most idyllic locations in which to leave technology aside for a few days (they mean it – the grounds are completely media free) and simply flow through movement and meditation. There is a spacious and light-filled shala, a garden for outdoor practice, a sauna, and why not a little meditation by the fireplace? Local teacher Jim has trained extensively in Brooklyn and in Europe; his relaxing and rejuvenating yoga sessions will include Ashtanga and Five Tibetan principles. Meals feature a maximum of garden-to-table ingredients to keep you nourished inside and out. From USD$446 / 3 days
Reserve via BookRetreats.com
4-Day Healing Retreat in Connemara
Hiking and yoga in Connemar (Photo: Book Retreats)
Between the National Park and quaint fishing villages is the perfect idyll for a yoga retreat, on the peninsula at Corrib Lake, close to Maum. Traditional yoga is combined with Tibetan breathwork, Qigong, sound healing, nidra and meditation, thanks to a holistic approach from Eva, your teacher and guide. For those brave enough, the early mornings begin with a cold dip in the lake, to be rewarded with home-cooked plant-based vegetarian or vegan brunch. The four days include an afternoon of kayaking with a guide and a hike through to the region’s most beautiful lookout point. Leave feeling recharged, rebalanced, and ready to take on new challenges. From USD$489 / 4 days
Reserve via BookRetreats.com
3-Day Peace, Quiet, and Restore Wellness Retreat in Kinsale
Retreat in Kinsale (Photo: Book Yoga Retreats)
Just outside the idyllic and historic southeastern Irish town of Kinsale, County Cork, this women’s yoga retreat is held in a converted Irish inn complete with rambling gardens, lavish sleeping quarters, an art room and a library. There’s also the advantage of a sauna along with other extra treatments including acupuncture, reiki and massage. The practice led by teacher and guide Irina is deep and varied, from candle meditation and pranayama to yin and Boen yoga, along with morning asanas. Irina believes in food as medicine, and these Ayurvedic principles will be applied to all the thoughtfully prepared meals. Although the retreat is short, there will be time to wander the cobblestone streets of the town, enjoy a harbor cruise and meditate at the nearby beach or at the Old Head cliffs. From US$611 / 3 days
Reserve via BookYogaRetreats.com
3-Day ‘Create Calm’ Holistic Yoga Retreat in Northern Ireland
Manse on the Beach Yoga Retreat, Northern Ireland (Photo: Book Retreats)
Situated in the breathtaking Ards Peninsula, a short drive from Belfast, the Manse on the Beach Yoga Retreat looks out onto a long stretch of sand and sea in the charming village of Cloughey. Originally constructed in the 1850s, the house features rooms with ocean views and the beach directly on your doorstep. Energizing morning hatha yoga in the walled garden is complemented by soothing yin and reiki in the evenings. The center also boasts a spa facility, and you will have the opportunity to choose one treatment with holistic healer Sarah: Reiki, reflexology or, for the curious: ear candling. From USD$495 / 3 days
Reserve via BookRetreats.com