We all need time out now and then, time to gather our thoughts, and get away from the pressures of today’s busy world.
Here social campaigner and founder of SpunOut.ie, Ruairí McKiernan lists some of his favourite retreat options in Ireland. Below is Ruairi’s list of retreat ideas and read his article in the Irish Independent on why retreats are important here.
D.I.Y:
My favourite kind of retreat but can be tricky to organise. Simply find a hostel, bed and breakfast, a friend or relative’s house, go camping or rent a house (bargain for discounts during quiet times). Choose somewhere with little or no noise or distractions where you can spend a day or more just resting and renewing. If you’re under time pressure, maybe choose somewhere not too far away, although the trip to and from your retreat can be an important part of it all.
If you can’t think of anywhere, just ask your contacts and you’ll be surprised at how easy it is to sort. If you’re really stuck for money and options, just do a day retreat where you go away to a new place for a day. Take a notebook, chill out in a hotel lobby and do some writing, go for a walk, and just take the day or the afternoon for yourself.
Glenstal Abbey:
Beautiful old monastery famous for the monks chanting. About 20 minutes east of Limerick city. You can stay in the bed and breakfast or in the wooden ‘God pod’ cabins. Most monasteries in the world offer this guest option and you can participate in monastery activities (prayer, meals etc.) or just do your own thing. They can sometimes be flexible on price too. DublinCoach.ie has a bus stop not too far away from Glenstal. glenstal.org
Dzogchenbeara:
World famous Buddhist retreat centre set on spectacular cliff side in stunning part of remote West Cork. dzogchenbeara.org
Jampaling:
Buddist centre in beautiful West Co. Cavan. jampaling.org
Inis Rath Island:
Hare Krisha island in Co. Fermanagh. krishnaisland.com
Glendalough hermitages:
Great retreat option in one in the stunning heart of Co. Wicklow. An ancient place of retreat. glendaloughhermitage.ie
Fraoch retreats:
New retreat option happening several times a year in different locations. Includes personal time, group activities and great food, generally in lovely settings. fraochretreats.com
List of retreat centres:
Below are lists of Christian/Catholic run centres but generally welcome people of all faiths and none and mostly there is no pressure to participate in any activities or prayer.
Others:
- Kalyana mindfulness centre, Dingle
- Emmaus Centre, Swords, Dublin
- Holy Hill, Sligo
- Passaddhi, West Cork
- Tearmann centre, Co. Wicklow
- Old Rectory, Co. Wicklow
- Drumalis, Co. Antrim
- Anam Cara, Co. Cork
- Newgrange Lodge
- Inner Haven, Co. Donegal
Yoga retreats:
Dublin:
Hit the road:
Going on some form of walk or trip can act as a kind of moving pilgrimage. Design your own trip or consider one of the many camino or pilgrimage routes including the world famous Camino De Santiago ( santiago-compostela.net ) or check out some of the Irish pilgrim routes:
Rath/Dysert Pilgrim Path (Clare) / Cosán na Naomh (Kerry) / Cnoc na dTobar, Kerry / St Finbarr’s Pilgrim Path, Cork / St. Declan’s Way, (Waterford/Tipperary) / Kilcommon Pilgrim Loop, Tipperary / Slí Mór (Offaly) / St. Kevin’s Way (Wicklow) / Brigid’s Way (Kildare) / Tóchar Phádraig, Mayo / Lough Derg (Donegal) / Turas Cholmcille (Donegal) / Sliabh a’Liag, Donegal
Go abroad:
Lots of options worldwide including in sunny climates. Very low cost retreat options in Ashrams and other centres in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and elsewhere.
Go Wwoofing:
Wwoof stands for Willing Workers On Organic Farms and is a global network of organic farms that welcome people to come stay and receive food and board in exchange for 4-5 hours of work per day. People can stay for a few days to a few months. It can be a good option to get back to nature, learn new skills, meet new people and take time out. wwoof.ie Similar options exist with workaway.info and helpx.net
Other sites:
Be here now:
Practice mindfulness and meditation right now (easy to learn) and retreat at any time in any place. Get the Headspace App on your phone or just google ‘learn meditation’ and ‘learn mindfulness to find out more.
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