Yoga retreats to suit all ages and abilities
Yoga retreats in Ireland have become much more varied. Whether you’re a complete beginner, or you want to strengthen your practice, you’ll find something to suit. Ard Nahoo Eco Retreat caters for all levels in their yoga classes. Their weekend retreats aim to maximise relaxation, so you won’t be powering through class after class either. You can also sign up for a one-day retreat, if you can’t commit to a weekend.
During a Macalla Farm retreat, you’ll be taught Sati yoga. Sati was developed by the founders of the centre, Clare and Christophe, but it’s based on various traditions. Principles of mindfulness, pranayama, and meditation all play into Macalla Farm’s yoga retreats. Check their retreat schedule to find one suitable for your ability.
Opportunities to explore the surrounding landscape
Ireland is a country of forests, mountains, lush fields, and wild beaches. So, depending on where you choose to do a yoga retreat, you’re likely to be near dramatic landscape of some kind. Most yoga retreats will give you time to explore the local area, sometimes with the option of taking guided walks.
At Cliffs of Moher Retreat in Co. Clare, you can practise your poses while gazing out at the Atlantic Ocean. Located at the midpoint of the Wild Atlantic Way, it’s a great place for anyone who enjoys hiking. You can spend your free time following one of the many trails.
At Burren Yoga, one of the most popular yoga retreats in Ireland, the unique landscape is an essential part of the retreats. The Burren is like nowhere else in Ireland – its rolling hills are made up of huge limestone pavements. During each retreat, there are outdoor trips into the Burren and to the coast.
Healthy and delicious food
With all of the yoga you’ll be doing, you’ll need to stay nourished. The majority of yoga retreats in Ireland use locally grown produce. They also serve vegetarian meals and are happy to cater for special dietary requirements. At The Courtyard in Co.Wicklow, their healthy-but-delicious meals are an important part of retreats. The menu is entirely vegetarian, and recently, they’ve moved towards dairy-free and gluten-free.
There’s also a big emphasis on good food at Macalla Farm. Most of the food is either organic or homegrown – the family grows 99% of the fresh produce needed for the yoga retreat and for themselves. Dishes at Macalla Farm are all vegetarian, and you can order gluten free and vegan on request.
Eco-friendly and sustainable retreat centres
Tucked away in Leitrim, Ard Nahoo Eco Retreat was the first business in Ireland to be awarded the EU Eco Label for tourist accommodation. The centre’s wooden eco-cabins are timber-framed, hemp insulated, and finished with natural paints. Meanwhile, Burren Yoga is all about providing a responsible retreat package, while preserving the fragile environment of the Burren. They do this in lots of ways, like using passive solar heating and minimising waste.
Yoga retreats in Ireland are ideal for solo travellers
The Irish reputation for warmth and friendliness extends to yoga retreats. Practising in a supportive environment and meeting like-minded people can make a huge difference to your retreat experience. According to Burren Yoga, 90% of visitors come on their own to retreats. As their retreats are kept to a maximum of 15 people, there’s lots of time for people to know each other. So enjoy it and don’t be surprised if you leave with some new friends.
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