OVERVIEW HIGHLIGHTS HOSTS SCHEDULE INCLUDED ACCOMMODATION GALLERY TRIP TIPS REVIEWS

Ireland·September 3 - 9 2023

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 but don't know where to start the planning - this retreat is for you! Start your day with an invigorating practice in our a state-of-the-art yoga studio 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. Soak in the hot tub, journal by the cozy fireplace or enjoy a massage. By the end of our time together you'll feel refreshed, renewed and ready to step back into your life with joyful memories and new life-long connections. *Please note we are requiring proof of COVID vaccination (including a booster shot) and a pre-retreat test for all 2023 retreat guests * - Group Size: 18 - 24 guests - Luxury Score: 3.5 (out of 5) - Activity Score: 3.5 (out of 5) - Active Tours + Hiking - Cuisine: Vegetarian, (*No alcohol at retreat center)

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 2 daily yoga classes, the entire retreat center is catered to an environment of relaxation. Take a dip in the Canadian hot tub, relax your hiking muscles in the sauna or sweat out your muscles in the steam room. You'll also have a chance to book a massage on-site.

Local Area

Local Area

From our retreat center home base, you are spoiled for choice on quiet roads to walk on your own. Whether you're looking for epic views, a swim in the brisk Atlantic, or new friendships with the nearby sheep, donkeys or cows - there's plenty of open space, quiet and lush countryside to clear the mind.

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. Vegan and gluten free or diets can be accommodated,

Excursion to Local Towns

Excursion to Local Towns

You'll have multiple opportunities to explore several quaint local Irish towns in County Clare, including Doolin - the home of traditional Irish music and Lahinch - a popular surfing, seaside village. Shop the many quaint stores, sip a tea or grab a Guinness in your new favorite pub.

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 Retreats. She handles all the pre-planning and on-site logistics of retreats. After a dozen years in high end events and hospitality for corporate clients, this is now her full-time career. She believes that yoga retreats are for everyone and prides herself in the uniquely inclusive and warm environment of an Above Yoga Retreat. She's been teaching yoga since 2016 and loves to teach classes that feel inclusive and welcoming such as slow flows, gentle yoga, yin, restorative and moderately paced vinyasa classes. 

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Surya Asija , E-RYT 200, Co-Teacher

Surya Asija , E-RYT 200, Co-Teacher

Surya discovered meditation during a tough time in her life, which then led to her becoming a Yoga teacher in 2015 and from that point onwards, there was no turning back! She teaches Alignment Yoga that is infused with her own insights from Iyengar Yoga. She also teaches Yin Yoga and Meditation. She's also a certified Yoga Health Counselor in Ayurveda, a 5000+ years old alternative medicine system that originated in India and is considered the sister science of yoga. She has a deep passion for helping others live a life of joy, happiness and fulfillment. Surya is based near Madison, Wisconsin 

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Loretta Jo Schlatzer, E-RYT 500, Co-Teacher

Loretta Jo Schlatzer, E-RYT 500, Co-Teacher

Dedicated to the practice of yoga both on and off the mat, Loretta Jo has been practicing and guiding students for almost two decades. She created Yoga-Mojo and later, the Cary Yoga Collective, so all students can experience the uplifting magic that occurs within practice – the unified mental, physical, and spiritual “mojo” that moved her to begin her own personal journey. She incorporates the Sanskrit language, mantras, mudras, yoga mythology, storytelling and a bit of humor into her holistic classes. Loretta Jo is based in Cary, North Carolina. 

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Schedule

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DAY 1

Sept. 3: Arrivals

Most guests will arrive into the Shannon Airport in the morning after their overnight flights from the States. Our private transportation will make multiple runs from the airport to the nearby town of Ennis. Depending on when you land, you'll have several hours in the charming town of Ennis to explore, dine or shop before meeting up about 3:00 pm and heading to the retreat center for check in. Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner and get settled in. 


Included

Free Time in Ennis

Airport Transportation

Welcome Dinner

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DAY 2

Sept. 4: 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/hike to some local nearby landmarks and to explore the countryside and familiarize yourself with our locale. Enjoy lunch and then an afternoon at the retreat center with a slower yoga class offering and delicious dinner. Great day to take a swim in the nearby Atlantic to knock off the jet lag or hop in the on-site hot tub - or both! 


Walk/Hike Distance: Option for 3 miles or 6 miles (Elevation change: 500 ft)

Included

Morning Yoga

Breakfast

Guided Area Intro Hike

Lunch

Afternoon Yoga

Dinner

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DAY 3

Sept. 5: 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 hike along the Cliffs of Moher with our local guide 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. 


Walk/Hike Distance: 5 miles (Elevation change: 800 ft) 

Included

Morning Yoga

Breakfast

Guided Hike

Lunch

Afternoon Yoga

Dinner

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DAY 4

Sept. 6: Free Day + Local Music

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. In the evening we'll head out to the charming town of Doolin to have a dinner out (fish + chips anyone?) and enjoy listening to live local "trad" - traditional Irish music! 


Included

Morning Yoga

Breakfast

Lunch

Afternoon Yoga

Excursion to Doolin

Local Music

Not Included

Optional Excursions

Dinner

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DAY 5

Sept. 7: 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 (it's a 20 min ride). Spend the day on the island of Inisheer (known locally as Inis Oirr). We'll enjoy a guided walk / hike on the island and you'll feel like you've been transported back in time. Large stone walls criss-cross this island that's known for having an incredible shipwreck and has a year round population of just 250 residents. You can also choose to explore own your own by foot, horse-drawn carriage or rent a bike. 


Before we board the ferry back, you'll have time to grab a pint in a quaint pub if you wish. We'll be back at the retreat center for an evening yoga offering, dinner and a relaxing evening together. 


Walk/Hike Distance: 4 miles (Elevation change: 200 ft) 

Included

Morning Yoga

Breakfast

Ferry Ride to Aran Islands

Dinner

Evening Yoga

Guided Walk / Hike

Not Included

Lunch

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DAY 6

Sept. 8: Explore Local Towns

After a morning flow class, enjoy breakfast and a hot cup of coffee before we head out to explore local towns. Whether you choose to venture around Ennistimon, known for its colorful and quaint main street, art galleries, coffee shops and small waterfalls or Lahinch, popular for its oceanfront location and quintessentially Irish pubs - today's the perfect chance to soak up the warmth of small local towns off the beaten tourist path. Or you can choose to stay back and soak up a leisurely morning at the retreat center. In the evening, enjoy an optional journaling workshop and restorative yoga offering before our final group dinner. 


Included

Morning Yoga

Breakfast

Excursion to Local Towns

Lunch

Afternoon Yoga

Dinner

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DAY 7

Sept. 9: 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

Roundtrip transportation from the Shannon Airport

Vegetarian breakfast, lunch and dinner daily

Unlimited filtered water, coffee and tea

2x daily yoga classes taught by experienced instructors

Journaling, meditation and other mindfulness workshops

Access to the on-site hot tub, sauna and steam room

Guided intro walk of the local area

Guided hiking tour of the Cliffs of Moher

Excursion to Doolin for traditional Irish music

Excursion to Aran Islands (ferry ride + guided walk)

Excursions to local towns (Ennis, Lahinch, etc.)

Private Facebook group for participants

Pre-retreat Zoom meeting

Access to web-based private mobile app while on retreat

Airfare to Ireland (Shannon airport recommended)

Comprehensive travel insurance (highly recommended)

Optional activities (massage, surfing, horseback riding)

One dinner at a local pub, any alcoholic beverages

Accommodation

Triple / Quad Occupancy Room

Triple / Quad Occupancy Room

Shared room w/ 4 twin beds. Adjacent private bathroom. For female identifying or non-binary guests only.

Shared room w/ 4 twin beds. Adjacent private bathroom. For female identifying or non-binary guests only.

FROM$2,810.00/pp

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Double Occupancy w/ En Suite

Double Occupancy w/ En Suite

Shared accommodations with two twin beds and en-suite bathroom. Beds can be made up together for couples.

Shared accommodations with two twin beds and en-suite bathroom. Beds can be made up together for couples.

FROM$3,110.00/pp

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Single Occupancy w/ Shared Bathroom

Single Occupancy w/ Shared Bathroom

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

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

FROM$3,510.00/pp

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Single Occupancy w/ En Suite

Single Occupancy w/ En Suite

For guests who'd like a bit more privacy. Enjoy a single room with an en suite bathroom.

For guests who'd like a bit more privacy. Enjoy a single room with an en suite bathroom.

FROM$3,810.00/pp

BOOK NOW

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 (if you arrive between 7:00 am - 2:00 pm on Sept. 3). All guests will spend the morning in Ennis until we are able to check in to the retreat center in the afternoon. It is about a 1 hour ride from the airport to the retreat center. If you'd rather fly in and out of Dublin, we recommend you fly in at least a day early. You'll need to take the bus from Dublin to Ennis in order to use the retreat ground transfer in the afternoon on Sept 3.

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 while on excursion will not tolerated in this wellness-focused environment and you are not allowed to bring alcohol back to the retreat center.

Reviews

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The Ireland retreat was incredible! Yoga, culture, history, etc. perfectly balanced with rest and relaxation. Not to mention the incredibly fresh and delicious meals on-site and amenities at the retreat center (e.g. sauna, steam room, cozy lounges). Anna is a gift! She takes care of every detail, from the itinerary to the ground transportation. If you're considering going on a retreat, book it now!

Stephanie, Charlotte, NC (Ireland 2022 Retreat

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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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Above Yoga is the best!!! Excellent, clear and timely pre-trip communication which continues through the duration of the retreat. Laid-back yet still punctual, everything went extremely smoothly and there was zero stress. The balance of activities and relaxation was perfect for me and I especially appreciate the absolutely no-pressure vibe. Honestly I could have used a few more days!

Sarah, Milwaukee, WI (Ireland 2022 Retreat)

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I must say that Anna is absolute magic. She manages to create an experience that caters to each individual while bringing us together as a whole. Whether it be a massage, a dip in the freezing (and invigorating) Atlantic, exploring the local towns and sights, taking classes, or opportunities for vulnerability, I felt like I had the perfect trip for me, despite this being a group of 20. Anna provided the perfect amount of guidance and freedom to get the most out of the week.

Heidi, Glenview, IL (Ireland 2022 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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Great communicaton, details, and friendly atmosphere. Glad to be close to the water and go down to the shore and enjoy the refreshing water. Hot tub and sauna were nice in the evening. Good, fresh food and plenty of water, coffee and tea! Retreat center was very nice with garden, flowers, great views and the yoga studio was very welcoming!

Pat, Rio, WI (Ireland 2022 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·September 3 - 9 2023·6 nights

FROM$2810/pp

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