'In Summer, the Song Sings Itself' - William Carlos Williams
July is the perfect month to experience the thrill and excitement that summer brings. The flowers and crops in the fields are burgeoning, we have peeled off even more layers of clothing and the long, warm evenings summon us to embrace adventure, conviviality, and more time outdoors.
According to Taoist philosophy, Summer is a Yang time of the year – when the energy of the sun vibrates more strongly – and our activities and physical vitality tend to reflect this. The feelings of exuberance, freedom, and abundance that we so easily experience during this time are life-affirming and can fill us with a sense of wonder and possibility. Yet we can also get caught up in the momentum of the season – working overtime, not getting enough sleep or quiet time for ourselves – with the risk of drying up physically and energetically.
This retreat, co-led by Orla Punch and Elena Moreo, will be about embracing the joy and abundance of summer, while balancing its more fiery elements with cooling and grounding practices to find a more natural rhythm that supports our well-being.
The morning yoga classes led by Orla will focus on poses that open the heart and awaken the spine. By finding a place of stability and ease in each form and initiating movement from the core, we can begin to know when to push and when to yield in our practice and how to direct and contain energy skillfully. We will explore hip-openers, supported back bends and gentle inversions as embodied ways of cultivating openness to life, grace in our hearts, and lightness of spirit (a hefty dose of humour always goes a long way!).
The evening sessions facilitated by Elena will be a fusion of slow flow yoga and yin/restorative postures done mostly on the ground. By focusing on long-held passive stretches that emphasize our connection with the earth, gravity, and stillness we will learn to soften, drop the guard, and sense the tensions and restrictions – both physical and emotional – that may hold us back so that we can gently release them.
The morning meditations/reflections will be about connecting with the cyclic nature of the breath and its relationship to the wisdom of the body. By listening intimately to the rhythm of our natural breath we can experience a sort of homecoming: We learn to open up to new experiences from a place of equanimity and to appreciate the inherent intelligence of receiving, pausing, and letting go that marks each breath cycle. During the retreat there will be plenty of time to immerse ourselves in the stunning, unique landscape of the area, enjoy scenic walks, dip in the wild Atlantic, or simply lie down in the grass and count the stars.
Interested? Click the button below to book online or get in touch with us on
+353 (0) 86 851 7710
- 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.
Quad Room (female only) €380
Twin – Shared Bathroom €415
Single – Shared Bathroom €480
Twin/Double Ensuite €460
Single Ensuite €530
- For a detailed description of the rooms please visit our Bedrooms page
- If you are travelling on your own and want one of our shared room options, we can pair you with someone of the same gender.
- Schedule
Friday
Check in anytime after 16:00
Relax, take a walk and partake in a welcome drink and sweet treat with your fellow retreat participants
18:00 Our first yoga and meditation class (90 minutes)
20:00 Dinner – delicious, healthy fare! Followed by arrival introduction chat to the weekend, the schedule and the area
Saturday
07:30 Early morning meditation
08:00 Delicious healthy breakfast buffet
08:30 Early morning silent walk
10:00 2 hour yoga class
12:30 Lunch – lots of yummy healthy food!
Free time – Options to take a trip to Lahinch to the beach, go surfing, take a tour of the area including the Cliffs of Moher and The Burren or stay and relax and enjoy a treatment
17:30 2 hour yoga class
19:30 Dinner – more lovely homemade healthy food followed by a delicious healthy dessert
Our beautiful glass fronted sauna and Canadian cedar hot tub will be available at all times during your stay
Sunday
07:30 Early morning meditation
08:00 Delicious healthy breakfast buffet
08:30 Early morning silent walk
10:00 2 hour yoga class
12 – 12:30 Room Check-out
12:30 Celebration Farewell Lunch
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
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. Phillip and Tom 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
Tom:
– Phone +353 (0) 86 8346450
Depending on the time of day and number of passengers, a taxi from Shannon costs €80 to €120 each way.
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
Tom:
– Phone +353 (0) 86 8346450
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
