OVERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS HOSTS SCHEDULE INCLUDED ACCOMMODATION GALLERY TRIP TIPS REVIEWS

Ireland·August 28 - September 3 2022

Yoga + Hiking on the Wild West Coast of Ireland

Get back to nature (and yourself) in the breathtaking countryside of Ireland, just a stone's throw from the famous Cliffs of Moher

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Overview

If you've always wanted to see the green rolling hills and dramatic cliffs of the Emerald Isle for yourself - this retreat is for you! Start your day in our a state-of-the-art yoga practice facility with stunning views of the sea and countryside. Experience several excursions to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the Emerald Isle, its charming towns and the welcoming culture of the Irish people. During down time, rest and relax in our modern farmhouse accommodations set on 10 acres, looking out over Liscannor Bay and green farmlands. *Please note we are requiring proof of COVID vaccination for all 2021-2022 retreat guests* - Group Size: 16 - 24 guests - Luxury Score: 3.5 (out of 5) - Activity Score: 3 (out of 5) - Active Tours + Hiking - Cuisine: Vegetarian *Super early bird pricing expires Nov. 15, 2021 ($250 off normal rates) *Early bird pricing expires Feb. 15, 2022 ($150 off normal rates)

Highlights

Iconic Guided Hike

Iconic Guided Hike

Enjoy a guided hike along a backdrop of the mighty Atlantic Ocean crashing on the shore and the ancient Cliffs of Moher rising from the depths.

Daily Yoga Classes

Daily Yoga Classes

Daily yoga classes, taught by kind, experienced teachers. You'll flow through curated yoga classes in our glass-front practice space with stunning views of the Irish countryside and ocean. Mats and props are provided on-site.

Wellness Amenities

Wellness Amenities

In addition to the 1-2x daily yoga classes, the entire retreat center is catered to an environment of relaxation. Take a dip in the wood-burning hot tub one night, or relax your hiking muscles in the sauna. Or book a massage on-site!

Farm Fresh Meals

Farm Fresh Meals

Enjoy nourishing, warm family-style vegetarian meals. Much of what's served comes from the retreat center's greenhouse or other local sources. Think salads, soups, filling grain + veggie bowls and homemade Irish soda bread.

Excursion to Galway

Excursion to Galway

We'll take a day trip to the beautiful harbor city of Galway. Explore Quay Street, Eyre Square, traditional pubs and stone-clad cafes. Or stroll through the Latin Quarter and shop the many quaint, local stores.

Go Your Own Way

Go Your Own Way

On our free day there are so many ways to enhance your trip. On our last retreat some guests went surfing (yes, in Ireland), many played golf at the nearby championship courses and others went horseback riding!

Aran Islands Excursion

Aran Islands Excursion

Be transported back in time as we jump on a ferry over to the mystical Aran Islands for a day trip. Explore Inisheer by bike or horse drawn carriage. Visit the ruins of a famous shipwreck or just the local pub!

Hosts

In addition to our owner and Chief Zen Officer Anna, each Above Yoga retreat has one or two additional certified yoga teachers on-site who will lead a portion of the classes and support students in their practice. We find that an opportunity to participate in a variety of classes with various teaching styles adds to our guests’ overall retreat experience.

Anna Egleston, RYT 500, Retreat Leader

Anna Egleston, RYT 500, Retreat Leader

Anna is the Owner + Chief Zen Officer of Above Yoga. She handles the pre-planning and on-site logistics of retreats while also teaching some of the yoga classes. She loves to teach yoga flows that are accessible to every level of student but offers challenges in an inclusive and warm environment. 

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Nicole Fitzwater LaFon, E-RYT 500, Co-Teacher

Nicole Fitzwater LaFon, E-RYT 500, Co-Teacher

As a self-described "yoga nerd" Nicole has taken thousands of hours of trainings and now leads her own. She teaches to all levels and meets each student where they are in their own practice.  Her yoga travels have taken her to India, Costa Rica and beyond. Nicole also taught on this retreat in 2018; she loved it so much that she's back for round 2!  She is the owner of In Balance Yoga studio in Blacksburg, VA.  

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Sarah Filzen, E-RYT 200, RYT 500, Co-Teacher

Sarah Filzen, E-RYT 200, RYT 500, Co-Teacher

Sarah has been teaching yoga for more than 20 years. She has trained at the Temple of Kriya Yoga and Asheville Yoga Center. She teaches across the Milwaukee area, including at Healium Hot Yoga. Her fun and dynamic yoga classes combine the precise alignment of Iynegar with the flow of vinyasa. Sarah has also been a co-teacher on our Mexico retreat!

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Schedule

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DAY 1

Day 1: Arrivals

Most guests will arrive into the Shannon Airport in the morning after their overnight flights from the States. We'll stop in the charming town of Ennis for a few hours before heading to the retreat center for check in. Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner and get settled in. 


Included

Airport Transportation

Welcome Dinner

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DAY 2

Day 2: Settling In

We'll start our morning with a sunrise vinyasa flow class and then enjoy a nourishing breakfast and coffee (or tea!) Choose to relax at the retreat center, or join for an optional walk to some local nearby landmarks and to explore the countryside. Enjoy lunch and then an afternoon at the retreat center with another yoga class offering and dinner. 

Included

Morning Yoga

Breakfast

Countryside Walk

Lunch

Afternoon Yoga

Dinner

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DAY 3

Day 3: Epic Hike

Rise with the sun in our invigorating morning yoga class (geared specifically to warm up our hiking muscles!) and then enjoy a hearty breakfast. We'll depart after breakfast for our vigorous 4 mile hike along the Cliffs of Moher to view incredible vistas. After our hike, we'll return to the retreat center for lunch and a relaxing afternoon. Our suggestion - hop in the on-site sauna! Before dinner we'll relax and unwind with a deep stretch evening yoga class. 


Included

Morning Yoga

Breakfast

Guided Hike

Lunch

Afternoon Yoga

Dinner

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DAY 4

Day 4: Explore Galway

After a powerful morning flow class, enjoy breakfast and a hot cup of coffee before having a free morning on your own. After lunch we'll hop on our tour bus to ride up to Galway, with several interesting stops in the Country Clare and Burren regions of Ireland along the way, narrated by our guide, Patrick. You'll have the afternoon and evening on your own in Galway to shop, eat and enjoy strolling the pedestrian quarter. After dinner we will head back for the retreat center. 


Included

Morning Yoga

Breakfast

Guided Bus Tour

Excursion to Galway

Not Included

Dinner

surfing

DAY 5

Day 5: Free Day

Sleep in or join your fellow retreat guests for a yin + yang yoga class and our usual delicious breakfast. Today you're free to find your own kind of fun in the stunning Irish countryside. We can help you book a round of championship golf, surfing lessons in nearby Lahinch, a horseback riding tour, or maybe just a massage on-site at the retreat center! We'll have lunch on-site and a special yoga offering for those who would like to join. Trade stories of your adventures over our family style dinner. 


Included

Morning Yoga

Breakfast

Lunch

Afternoon Yoga

Dinner

Not Included

Optional Excursions

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DAY 6

Day 6: Aran Islands

You know the drill for our mornings together - sunrise yoga and breakfast. After breakfast we will head to Doolin to board the ferry over to the Aran Islands. Spend the day on the island of Inisheer (known locally as Inis Oirr). Whether you choose to explore by foot, horse-drawn carriage or rent a bike... you'll feel like you've been transported back in time. Large stone walls criss-cross this island that has a year round population of just 250 residents. We'll be back at the retreat center for dinner and a relaxing evening together. 

Included

Morning Yoga

Breakfast

Ferry Ride to Aran Islands

Dinner

Evening Yoga

Not Included

Lunch

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DAY 7

Day 7: Departures

We'll have a final breakfast together before saying our final goodbyes - to our Irish hosts, to the cows in the pastures, to our warm farmhouse home, and to each other. But knowing we will see each other again soon across the globe. It's just an hour back to the Shannon Airport to board your flights back home. 

Included

Breakfast

Airport Transportation

What's Included

What's Included

Accommodations at our modern farmhouse retreat center

Vegetarian breakfast, lunch and dinner daily

Daily yoga classes taught by experienced and kind instructors

Journaling, meditation and other mindfulness workshops

Access to the on-site sauna and hot tub

Guided hiking tour of the Cliffs of Moher

Excursion to Galway

Excursion to Doolin

Excursion to the Aran Islands

Unlimited filtered water, coffee and tea

Roundtrip transportation from the Shannon Airport

Help coordinating extra activities (horseback riding, golf, surfing)

Roundtrip airfare to Shannon Airport

Transportation from Dublin Airport can be booked for an additional fee

Trip insurance, personal shopping and optional additional excursions

Any additional meals or beverages while in town

Accommodation

Triple / Quad Occupancy Room

Triple / Quad Occupancy Room

Best value - shared room with 3-4 twin beds. Private bathroom is adjacent.

FROM$2,420.00/pp

Double Occupancy w/ En Suite

Double Occupancy w/ En Suite

Two twin beds (can be converted to king) and en-suite bathroom, share with a friend or we will pair you with a roommate.

FROM$2,820.00/pp

Single Occupancy w/ Shared Bathroom

Single Occupancy w/ Shared Bathroom

For guests who'd like a bit more privacy, enjoy a smaller single room that shares a bathroom with another solo traveler.

FROM$3,420.00/pp

Single Occupancy w/ En Suite

Single Occupancy w/ En Suite

For guests who'd like a bit more privacy, enjoy a larger single room with en suite bathroom.

FROM$3,720.00/pp

Trip Tips

Countryside Tranquility

Countryside Tranquility

While at the retreat center, we are in the spectacular and quiet countryside of Ireland. There are a few small towns just a few miles from us, but if having many shops or restaurants within walking distance at all times is important to you, this may not be the best retreat for your travel needs. However, we will visit many towns for shopping, culture and exploring during our time together - including Doolin, Lahinch, Galway and a quaint village on one of the Aran Islands.

Airport Options

Airport Options

Round trip ground transportation from the Shannon Airport (SNN) to the retreat center is included and about a 1 hour ride. If you'd rather fly in and out of Dublin, we recommend you fly in at least a day early in order to catch the one-time, mid-day ground transportation that can be booked for retreat guests at a supplemental cost. Please note the Dublin Airport (DUB) is 3-3.5 hours from the retreat center and the fee will be based on how many travelers needs this service and can split the cost. Or you're welcome to rent car or book your own transfer service.

Weather + Climate

Weather + Climate

Average weather for early September: high 65 / low 54. Expect periods of sunshine, but likely many days with some rain (as is common all year long in Ireland) and breezes as we are by the coast. A light rain jacket / windbreaker and a few warmer layers are a must in the Emerald Isle as the weather can change quickly (which is part of the reason they have so many spectacular rainbows). Some days you may be in a t-shirt, others you may be bundled up against the wind. It's part of the Irish fun!

Alcohol Availability

Alcohol Availability

Please note this is an alcohol-free retreat center, but you can enjoy a Guinness (or a Jameson) while in town or on excursions as desired. There is a small pub walking distance from the retreat center, and there are also several pubs and local watering holes on our excursion to Galway and to the Aran Islands. In addition, one night we will go into the famous small town of Doolin for a night of local traditional Irish music at the pub. However, if access to alcohol is vital to your vacation plans, this is probably not the best retreat for you. Excessive drinking will not tolerated in this wellness-focused environment.

Reviews

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This trip was amazing! I had never been on a yoga retreat or traveled to Europe. From the beginning to end Anna had everything planned out and was extremely organized. She answered all of my questions and made sure all of us were well-prepared for international travel. I could not have asked for a better experience

Jennifer, Blacksburg, VA (Ireland 2018 Retreat)

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This retreat well surpassed any expectation I had going into it. Anna's attention to every aspect of the experience is second to none. From the moment you arrive, it is obvious that she has done her homework on the retreat location, activities that appeal to everyone's interests and is well-versed in local culture. Whether you are a yoga instructor or have never practiced, Anna's retreats are for everyone. Going into it I felt that the retreat was a little out of my comfort zone, but the people that Anna surrounds herself with are just as welcoming as she is. Phenomenal all around experience start to finish!

Shannnon, Charlotte, NC (Ireland 2018 Retreat)

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Anna was so organized and enthusiastic! Yoga morning and night was a great way to wake up and wind down! Wish I had someone to make all those wonderful meals every day - so creative and tasty! Wasn’t sure how I would do since I’m not totally vegetarian but I loved them!

Carol, Blacksburg, VA (Ireland 2018 Retreat)

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Words cannot describe how incredible this trip was! From the moment I signed up, there was steady and clear communication - I didn't have to worry about a thing. This remained consistent throughout the trip, with a number of wonderful activities planned and plenty of suggestions for activities during free time. Anna's coordination and organization throughout the trip allowed for the perfect vacation. (I would also like to add the itinerary provided was excellent)!

Jen, London, UK (Ireland 2018 Retreat)

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Anna did a wonderful job from the beginning seeing all details through. I felt that I did not have to worry about a thing and she made the experience easy. I felt as I could do as little or as much as I wanted, just as she had indicated!

Justin, Blacksburg, VA (Ireland 2018 Retreat)

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This was my first but won't be my last retreat with Above Yoga. What an amazing experience! Anna was so organized planning and communicating prior. The community of people were warm and friendly. It was an amazing experience in Ireland!

Kate, Charlotte, NC (Ireland 2018 Retreat)

Yoga + Hiking on the Wild West Coast of Ireland

Ireland·August 28 - September 3 2022·6 nights

FROM$2420/pp

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