I recently attended a yoga and meditation retreat in the stunning Burren area of Ireland at Burren Yoga Retreat. I can confidently say it was a life-changing experience. I’ve faced a lot of grief and stress over the past few years, and this retreat provided the perfect environment and care to gain space and clarity as I continue on my healing journey. The retreat was beautifully organized, with daily yoga sessions that were both invigorating and calming, perfectly tailored to all levels. The meditation practices helped guide me to accept what is and helped me release some of the grief and disconnection I have been carrying.
From the moment I arrived, the serene landscape and warm hospitality enveloped me. Joanne, was an amazing and supportive coordinator during the retreat that kept us all apprised of the day(s) ahead. She has a beautiful energy. Her curiosity and knowledge of the Burren and other aspects of Ireland led to inspired talks and experiences on the scheduled outings and hikes. She shared a vision with me about Ireland’s re-wilding that has inspired me in ways I did not expect. Thank you, Joanne!
The yoga and meditation instructor, Niamh Daly, was incredibly knowledgeable and compassionate, creating a safe space for us to explore our emotions and connect to ourselves. I am a licensed physical therapist(physiotherapist) in the United States. I have not come across a more trauma informed, intuitive and knowledgeable anatomy and physiology yoga instructor in my 15 years of yoga practice. She has inspired me to practice differently and feel differently about my body. There are so many other things I am still processing because of this connection. Thank you, Niamh!
The food created, presented and served with love each night by Claire was exceptional. What a gift to have food prepared for me. Claire has inspired me to do what I have been trying to implement into my life for years: shopping, preparing and eating better. Thank you, Claire for keeping me fueled with delicious, beautiful and incredibly healthy food during my stay!
Dave, the owner and builder of this beautiful and magical space, is dedicated and interested in the experience you are having during the retreat and after. This is not just a business but a labor of love. He is continuing to add and evolve some great elements as I write this review. Thank you, Dave, for your vision!
I was incredibly blessed and will continue to hold each and every one of lovely and brilliant women that participated along-side me on this retreat. I had so many moments of synchronicity and connection and learned from every one of you. Thank you!
I left the retreat feeling lighter, more centered, and with a renewed sense of purpose. I can't recommend this retreat enough for anyone seeking healing and tranquility. It truly was a transformative experience, and I’m so grateful for the memories and growth I’ve gained from it. Thank you to everyone involved for creating such a special space!
In deep...
Read moreI recently attended a yoga and meditation retreat in the stunning Burren area of Ireland at Burren Yoga Retreat. I can confidently say it was a life-changing experience. I’ve faced a lot of grief and stress over the past few years, and this retreat provided the perfect environment and care to gain space and clarity as I continue on my healing journey. The retreat was beautifully organized, with daily yoga sessions that were both invigorating and calming, perfectly tailored to all levels. The meditation practices helped guide me to accept what is and helped me release some of the grief and disconnection I have been carrying.||From the moment I arrived, the serene landscape and warm hospitality enveloped me. Joanne, was an amazing and supportive coordinator during the retreat that kept us all apprised of the day(s) ahead. She has a beautiful energy. Her curiosity and knowledge of the Burren and other aspects of Ireland led to inspired talks and experiences on the scheduled outings and hikes. She shared a vision with me about Ireland’s re-wilding that has inspired me in ways I did not expect. Thank you, Joanne!||The yoga and meditation instructor, Niamh Daly, was incredibly knowledgeable and compassionate, creating a safe space for us to explore our emotions and connect to ourselves. I am a licensed physical therapist(physiotherapist) in the United States. I have not come across a more trauma informed, intuitive and knowledgeable anatomy and physiology yoga instructor in my 15 years of yoga practice. She has inspired me to practice differently and feel differently about my body. There are so many other things I am still processing because of this connection. Thank you, Niamh! ||The food created, presented and served with love each night by Claire was exceptional. What a gift to have food prepared for me. Claire has inspired me to do what I have been trying to implement into my life for years: shopping, preparing and eating better. Thank you, Claire for keeping me fueled with delicious, beautiful and incredibly healthy food during my stay! ||I was incredibly blessed and will continue to hold each and every one of lovely and brilliant women that participated along-side me on this retreat. I had so many moments of synchronicity and connection and learned from every one of you. Thank you!||Dave, the owner and builder of this beautiful and magical space, is dedicated and interested in the experience you are having during the retreat and after. This is not just a business but a labor of love. He is continuing to add and evolve some great elements as I write this review. Thank you, Dave! ||I left the retreat feeling lighter, more centered, and with a renewed sense of purpose. I can't recommend this retreat enough for anyone seeking healing and tranquility. It truly was a transformative experience, and I’m so grateful for the memories and growth I’ve gained from it. Thank you to everyone involved for creating such a special space!| |In deep...
Read moreI discovered the Burren Yoga Centre about 20 years ago and I have been a fairly regular visitor ever since. What draws me back is a variety of factors. The wild, rugged and rocky beauty of the Burren really appeals to me, with little traffic, no city lights and no television at the centre. Internet access is available, if necessary but I prefer a complete digital detox. This is an ideal location to unwind even before you begin to think about yoga.
On arrival we are warmly welcomed by one of the retreat co-ordinators, George or Madelina, who will also accompany us on our optional outdoor activities to ensure we get the best experience from the outing. Last January, I had my first ever winter sea swim in the company of a few fearless, female yoginis and once I got over my initial reluctance, I found the experience exhilarating. The food is vegetarian and even though I am not vegetarian it is cooked so mouth-wateringly well by resident chefs Claire and Patricia that I go back for seconds.
People of all ages, from Ireland and abroad and from all walks of life come to the centre. I’ve started yoga retreats with strangers only for them to feel like a second family at the end of the week and with social media it’s so easy to stay in contact, share memories and photos of the outings.
Above all the quality of the teachers I have met down through the years has been excellent. Each have their own unique approach but what they all have in common is a great depth of knowledge, many years’ experience and patience. For example, Niamh Daly taught me the benefit of slowing down and self-compassion with restorative yoga. And I left the retreat with healthier knees. I don’t know which posture did the fix, it may have been the approach and/or combination of postures. Eileen Riordan O’ Sullivan helped me focus on coordinating breath with movement into postures, to increase awareness. Awareness of breath is something I am remembering to bring into daily activities, although I am still a work in progress.
Yoga postures can be tweaked and modified for those lacking in flexibility. There is always a modification to suit your needs. Personally, I lack upper body flexibility, like a lot of men, but the appropriate addition of a prop, such as one or more yoga blocks can make a challenging posture very attainable.
I always leave a retreat feeling refreshed, energised and with a calmer approach to life. Dave has created a tranquil oasis, in a stunning location and provides access to the finest of yoga teachers. I recommend a retreat at the Burren Yoga Centre...
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