Retreats

'Tension is who we think we are, relaxation is who we are' Lao Tzu

Stress is within us and all around us. It is hard to ignore. It seems that stress is in the very fabric of this modern life and it is no wonder so many of us do not feel well.

Our modern lifestyle has escalated so much and has brought us indoors, far from nature and into a structured system of benchmarks and unrealistic expectations. No wonder we are suffering. Diseases of the body and mind have become a normal part of our society and with the growth of digital connectivity it seems this global anxiety is only growing stronger.

Our nervous system, which controls our body, is divided into two separate functions: Fight or Flight (The sympathetic system) and Rest and Digest (the para-sympathetic system). Both are necessary, intelligent and essential parts of being alive. The problems start when we spend too much time in ‘fight or flight ‘and the longer we spend there the harder it is to reverse.

Stress, or accurately, excess stress is at the root cause of inflammation. An increasing body of evidence shows that chronic inflammation causes and advances many common diseases.

It is important to know that there are simple, effective and enjoyable practices to access the ‘rest and digest state’. This creates the ideal environment for both body and mind to heal.

Be the change you wish to see in the world – Gandhi

What esoteric practices have shown us is that the body and mind are inherently connected. What happens to one happens to the other too.

Just as we feel stressed, worn out, hopeless and anxious, there is a correlating reaction in the body.

What’s exciting about our modern day technology is that we can study the body in a controlled setting and learn from that how to effect change in the mind. And vice versa. What might seem conceptual, is actually scientifically proven.

Our body and mind wants to heal and is fully capable of it. Chronic stress keeps us in survival mode and nothing functions as optimally as it should. Over longer periods the negative effects on the body and mind become a problem.

Rest. Relaxation. Restorative movement. Sleep. Silence. Nature. Connection to others.

The bedrock of a healthy body and mind. This isn’t the fancy pair of shoes, the special occasion footwear. Rest, deep healing rest is the everyday footwear. The bare bones of a happy and healthy life and the true solution to our busy and stressful lives.

 We cannot always change our circumstances, but can change how we respond and react, both mentally and physically. It is time to create new habits, to be who we really are. The best that we can be. A body and mind that functions optimally and in harmony with it’s environment.

At the Cliffs of Moher Retreat we bring you decades of experience among our team of health and wellness professionals. Over the years of running retreats we see that no matter the personal circumstances, whether newly retired or recently graduated – we are all struggling with the same things. It feels like we are all pushing upstream and fighting against the constant current of life.

It is our life’s work to recognize what we all need is to slow down. Rest. Open. Then the healing starts to happen.

We are here to create and to hold that space for you. To guide you into these practices and create the safe, supported environment that is needed for you to let go.

For July, August and September retreats all bookings will be taken manually over the phone. Please email us on info@cliffsofmoherretreat.com with the dates you are ready to book and your phone number and we will call you back to complete the booking.

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Prices

Due to the limited number of places on our retreats, deposits are non-refundable for any cancellations within 21 days of the retreat start date. Click here to read our full Terms and Conditions.
All prices are per person, all-inclusive and include all classes, meals, beverages, accommodation, walks, hot-tub and sauna.
Room Options

Single – Shared Bathroom        €720

Twin/Double Ensuite                 €690

Single Ensuite                              €795

 

For a detailed description of the rooms please visit our Bedrooms page

 

Schedule

Tuesday

Check in anytime after 16:00

Relax, take a walk and partake in a welcome drink and sweet treat with your fellow retreat participants

17:00   Welcome drink and delicious snack

18:00   Healing Restorative Yoga Practice

19:30  Dinner – delicious, healthy fare!

20:30  Guided relaxation

 

Wednesday & Thursday 

07:30   Optional yoga class

08:45   Delicious healthy breakfast buffet

09:30   Silent Ocean or Cliff Walk

11:30   Breath Work and Meditation

12:30  Lunch – lots of yummy healthy food!

Freetime – treatments/sauna or optional sea swim

17:00   Restorative Healing Practice

18:30   Dinner – more lovely homemade healthy food, followed by a delicious healthy dessert

19:30  Guided relaxation

 

Friday

07:30  Optional yoga class

08:30 Delicious healthy breakfast buffet

09:30 Breath work, meditation and restorative movement practice

11:00 Room Check-out

11:15  Farewell Brunch and Goodbye

During the day tea, coffee and herbal teas will be available at all times

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Getting here

 

 

Address:

Cliffs of Moher Retreat

Liscannor

Co.Clare

V95 A499

Ph: +353 (0) 86 851 7710

info@cliffsofmoherretreat.com

 

 

Shannon Airport:

Shannon is our closest airport. You can catch a taxi from the airport directly to the Retreat.  To ensure your transfer will be there to meet you, instead of waiting for a taxi at the airport, we recommend contacting Philip O’Dwyer and Tom Dowling who offers competitive rates from Shannon to the Retreat compared to picking up a taxi at the airport. Philip can accommodate individuals and groups. To pre-arrange transfers please contact directly at (phone is the preferred method):

Philip:

–       Email:             thetaxicompany@gmail.com

–       Phone:            +353 (0) 65 707 5000

–       Mobile:           +353 (0) 86 606 6761

Depending on the time of day and number of passengers, a taxi from Shannon costs €80 to €120 each way.

*Due to GDPR regulations we cannot provide guests’ contact details to other guests to organise sharing taxis. We advise using our Facebook page to reach out to each other or to ask Philip on booking the taxi if he has had any other guests contact him.

 

Public Transport:

Bus

Dublin Coach has a great service from Dublin (airport or city centre) to Ennis. Please visit their website for up to date time tables and costs: www.dublincoach.ie

Dublin Coach arrives into the Friars Walk bus park in Ennis. If you’re connecting to the Bus Eireann service it is about a 10 minute walk to the bus depot located at Ennis Train Station.

Bus Eireann run a service (Route 350) from the Ennis train station to Lahinch and Liscannor (close to us). Please visit their website for up to date time tables and costs: www.buseireann.ie

Train

Ennis is our local train station: www.irishrail.ie

Taxi

From Shannon, Ennis, Lahinch or Liscannor to the retreat. To pre-arrange transfers please contact the taxis companies directly:

Philip:

–       Email:             thetaxicompany@gmail.com

–       Phone:            +353 (0) 65 707 5000

–       Mobile:           +353 (0) 86 606 6761

 

Car Rental:

Renting a car is the easiest way to get around Ireland – we are a small island! It will mean you can make the most of this amazing area and take in all the fantastic sights while you are here without relying on taxis or public transport.

Cars can easily be rented from both Shannon and Dublin airports.

Dublin airport to the Retreat: 3 – 3.5 hours

Shannon airport to the Retreat: 1 hour

 

 Directions from Lahinch:

Eircode for SatNav: V95 A499

We are 7kms from Lahinch driving straight out on the road to the Cliffs of Moher. As you enter Lahinch follow the signs for the Cliffs of Moher and Liscannor (it’s a right turn before you come into the main street of the village).

Drive along that road, with the golf course on your left. After 4 kms you will reach Liscannor Village. Continue driving through Liscannor Village. After another 3kms turn left, just before The Rock Shop (which is on the right side of the road). After 200 metres you will reach a crossroads, turn right. Continue up the road for approximately 750metres, we are the third property on the left, you will drive up a long driveway and we will be waiting for you there!

 

Map

Common Questions

What time is check-in?

Check-in is at 4pm for a weekend stay & 5pm for a longer stay..

My flight gets in earlier than the 4/5pm check in, can I come earlier?

We will be preparing the retreat centre at that time and if a group checked out that day your room will be not be ready if you are arriving very early. We recommend getting the taxi to drop off your bags and then taking you into Lahinch. We are isolated and there isn’t anywhere to get lunch but Lahinch has cafes, restaurants, shops and a lovely beach. Your taxi can arrange to collect you again later.

My flight arrives a day in advance - can I stay an extra night?

We don’t have guests staying earlier as the centre is not open before a retreat. There may also be a retreat still in progress.

We recommend staying in Lahinch which is only a few kms away and has walking access to hotels, hostels, B&B’s, shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants and a lovely long beach.

My flight leaves the next day - can I stay an extra night?

We don’t have guests staying an extra night as the centre is closed after a retreat. There may also be a retreat starting.

We recommend staying in Lahinch which is only a few kms away and has access to hotels, hostels, B&B’s, shops, pubs, cafes and restaurants and a lovely long beach within walking distance.

I arrive into Shannon Airport, what's the best way to get to you?

Please visit our Getting Here page for full details.

Will I be able to share a transfer from Shannon airport?

It will depend if there are others on the same flight. Due to GDPR regulations we are not in position to provide other guests’ contact details and organise this for you. If you are in a position where you have to pay for a taxi on your own on the way in, it is usually easier to get back to the airport as you can look into public transport or get a lift with another guest driving past the airport.

Is there Wifi?

We have wifi for guests in Reception House, which has a comfortable, communal lounge to read, relax and get online if you want to.

I'm coming on my own can you pair me to share?

We can pair you with someone of the same gender.

What do I need to bring?

We provide towels, hand soap, hair-driers and yoga equipment, please bring anything else you require.

I'm new to yoga, will the retreat suit me?

We get beginners all the time, and everyone is welcome.

I have a severe food allergy , can you accommodate me?

Yes we can, please can you let us know your severe food allergy upon booking.

Is alcohol served/allowed at the Retreat?

No, we are a dry facility but there are some wonderful pubs in the area that we can guide you to and we can also provide you with some taxi numbers.

How do I arrange a massage during my stay?

We are limited for treatments due to having only one therapy room. With a full retreat program there are only certain slots available, for example, on a weekend retreat there are only 3 massage slots. If you know in advance that you would like a treatment please contact us to arrange.

I'd like to book a surf lesson/activity, should I do this before I arrive?

It is a good idea to make sure you can get a place. The details for recommended tour operators are on in the section The Area.

What kind of yoga do you teach?

All our teachers are extremely experienced but each teach their own style. Please see the individual retreats and teachers’ biographies for more specific details.