A once in a lifetime opportunity to get together with like minded people and enjoy the fruits of Irish heritage and culture.
Yoga, Music and Poetry in Ireland
An Immersive Sligo Retreat
We recently caught up with Grammy-nominated musician Dave Stringer and yoga teacher Dearbhla Kelly M.A. for an illuminating conversation about their upcoming getaway in Sligo from June 9 -16, 2022. This week-long retreat is co-hosted with none other than Liam Ó Maonlaí (Hothouse Flowers) and Rónán Ó Snodaigh (Kíla). Dave regaled us with how he first met Rónán, and how their respective time in India brought them to a similar conclusion on the connection different cultures have with music and the ability to create transcendence. Dearbhla waxes lyrical over her first time seeing Liam Ó Maonlaí play and how she became an admirer of his ability to marry Irish music with rock, blues and soul.
Dearbhla and Dave are curating an intimate experience for their guests to be immersed in Yoga, Irish music, poetry and storytelling, food and drink, culture and landscape. It is important to them to make this as special for their guests as possible, creating a warm and friendly atmosphere from the moment you set off on your journey. Temple House has a limited capacity and there are only ten places still left for this one of a kind retreat. While this is a boutique experience, there will be opportunities for people to enjoy sessions in the local pub, where you also might get a chance to sup a pint of plain with rock royalty.
This is a yoga retreat like no other. Temple House is a beautiful Georgian manor set in a private estate of over 1,000 acres, overlooking a 13th century lakeside castle of the Knights Templar. The Perceval family home since 1665, the present manor was redesigned in 1864 and enjoys an authentic and unpretentious luxury country house atmosphere. You will be immersed in Irish history from the moment you step onto the land. This is Yeats country, so called because it brought so much inspiration not only to W.B Yeats who considered Sligo his spiritual home, but to many of Ireland’s great writers. Facilitated by Irish storytellers, Seanchaí, who breathe life into our ancient folklore, you will learn about depth, the richness and wisdom of Ireland’s myths and legends.
Each day you will be taken through an energising yoga practice by Dearbhla, accompanied by music courtesy of Dave. Dearbhla takes time to consider her guests and their levels of ability to ensure each person has a holistic experience. All levels are looked after so whether you’re a pro or a novice you can relish this daily routine. The joy of yoga is learning how to incorporate it into your daily life. A highly skilled teacher, Dearbhla has crafted the retreat to be a weeklong immersion into the yoga of making meaningful connections in your life on and off the yoga mat.
After the last two years of socially isolating, what better way to dust off the cobwebs than by rubbing shoulders with some of Ireland’s greatest musicians. In the evenings, guests can enjoy music and poetry jams courtesy of Dave, Liam and Rónán with audience participation very much encouraged! There is an emphasis on togetherness and oneness. You are welcome to bring your own fiddle, flute, guitar or whatever instrument you play, as there will be opportunities to join in.
Music is the heartbeat of this retreat. It brings us joy, offers us solace and gives us a creative outlet, helping to deepen our emotional experience, creating changes in our nervous system that results in a natural high. The power of music to fire up our senses, creates a synchronisation to our own rhythm and the external rhythm, which goes way beyond making us feel good in the moment. This is more than just a week long excursion – you’ll be on a high long after the retreat has ended with incredible lasting memories!
Food is provided by Temple House who focus on creating a unique dining experience with a Farm to Table ethos. Locally sourced from local producers, the menu is seasonal and created daily. Temple House are always pleased to cater for dietary requirements with advance notice. In other words, if there is something that you do not or cannot eat, you can let them know and they will create something just for you.
There are so many activities available to really immerse yourself in the landscape. Guided tours to neolithic sites will be catered for. There are short and long hikes on your doorstep. What better way to discover Sligo, than by walking through its rich and diverse landscape? From way-marked routes and coastal paths to mountain hikes and strolls through floral scented woods, Sligo’s breathtaking landscape will refresh and enliven your senses. Sligo is Ireland’s largest sanctuary for birds of prey, with Eagles and Owls native to the land. Bird watching and flight shows are also available, along with horse riding and fishing experiences.
This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get together with like minded people and enjoy the fruits of Irish heritage. Dearbhla and Dave are generously offering Positive Lifers a €108 discount which can be redeemed on registration. Where do I sign up?! https://tickets.brightstarevents.com/event/yoga-music-and-poetry-in-ireland
Registration Includes:
Coach to / from Dublin (Adaptations can be made if you are travelling from elsewhere in Ireland). 6 dinners at Temple House. 4 lunches at Temple House. 6 breakfasts at Temple House. Closing brunch at Temple House. 7 morning yoga classes with musical accompaniment. Evening music performances. Guided tours of Yeats Country and Neolithic sites.
Check out our recent conversation with Dave and Dearbhla.
Find out more about this incredible retreat: Yoga, Music and Poetry In Ireland
Questions about accommodations at Temple House, hotel recommendation in Dublin, travel, retreat activities or anything else of concern? Email Dearbhla at dearbhla@durgayoga.com
