NEW RETREAT IN LARAGH
THE DEERSTONE
by Paul Congdon
It’s one of my favourite places in Ireland, and it holds a unique and special energy signature. The land here is sacred.
Every time I enter Roundwood and mosey on to Laragh and Glendalough, I get a feeling of timelessness—that it remains unfazed by the outside world.
The area is home to the Glendalough Hermitage and the Glendalough Sanctuary, two very sweet retreat spaces. And now, there’s a new kid on the block: The Deerstone.
I had the pleasure of a weekend stay with them a while back, staying in one of their Shepherd’s huts. As you leave Roundwood, it’s on the way to Laragh, on the left-hand side.
As you enter The Deerstone, you can sense the attention to detail. It has the feel of a dream come true for the owners, like someone has truly dreamt this into being for us.
And the founders, Kevin Nowlan and Kirsty Foynes, most certainly have. This place has a serenity and a quiet welcome, inviting you to slow down to its pace and come into land.
We were shown to our hut and given a basic tour, along with a quick lesson on how to run our own hot tub on the deck—fancy some stargazing?
The hut is compact and luxurious at the same time, with everything in its right place. Some homemade granola and tasty provisions for breakfast greeted us upon awakening from a very comfortable night’s sleep.
Now to explore this land—we found saunas dotted throughout, which were very easy to operate, along with cold showers and cold plunges right outside. I don’t need to tell you, but sauna culture has swept our nation, and here, it’s done very well.
Let the heat and cold exposure activate your stress response, which then leads to your relaxation response, bringing your nervous system back into tune.
I loved the cosy, open-fired honesty bar, complete with books, games, and blankets. Help yourself to a glass of vino, a beer, or a cup of herbal tea, and cosy up by the open fire—outdoors and indoors at the same time.
For all the yogis out there, they have a very special circular yoga space with such a peaceful vibe, surrounded by nature. It’s the perfect space for hosting a workshop or a corporate team-building day.
The venue itself can sleep 42 guests (21 ensuite bedrooms) in a combination of huts, guest rooms, and eco-cottages. The Deerstone has it all, and you’re in a truly blessed area, ideal for walks—but you may not want to leave. It’s truly a testament to its founders, and we can’t wait to go back.
