Taking time out

The Burren Yoga Centre outside Kinvara has been offering retreats since 1999, with meditation as well as yoga at the heart of its weekend and week-long breaks. Recently expanded and upgraded, this digital-free and alcohol-free zone provides people with a chance to reconnect with a calmer world and to enjoy the magnificent Burren landscape. Beginners and more experienced practitioners are welcome as JUDY MURPHY learned on a weekend visit.

Driving towards the Burren Yoga Retreat Centre a few miles outside Kinvara, the first thing that’s striking is how neatly it’s tucked into the landscape. In the shelter of a rocky hill and surrounded by native trees, only the roof is visible from the road.

That’s why it’s so hard to understand why owner Dave Brocklebank had such a struggle to get planning permission for the centre, which is just inside the Galway border, overlooked by Cappamore.

But 12 years of persistence paid off and the result is a beautiful building with spectacular views where people aged 14+ of all ability are welcome to come for yoga and meditation retreats – either week-long or weekend breaks. These also incorporate activities centred around the Burren’s unique landscape and local coastline.

The centre, previously housed in a smaller building, has been hosting retreats since 1999, but the extended space opened in 2021 during Covid and even now, the pandemic is affecting bookings.

But if your antigen test is clear and you fancy a break that involves hiking in the Burren, boat trips around the Cliffs of Moher and glorious food in addition to yoga and meditation, it’s all here.

Our group of solo travellers had arrived from all corners of Ireland using various modes of transport, hoping for a weekend of rest and restoration – and maybe a bit of fun too.

Some were students of Eleanor Dawson who was leading this weekend retreat. Eleanor, who is normally based in County Dublin, is a regular guest at the Burren Centre and, as it transpired, a wonderful teacher.

For more, read this week’s Connacht Tribune.

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