Harmonies of The Emerald Isle Recap 2024
Harmonies of The Emerald Isle 2024
The Harmonies of the Emerald Isle retreat has sadly drawn to a close but fear not for we are gearing up for future retreats in the coming year. From the moment our retreat members set foot in Ireland we had an amazing time. Our first night was short but sweet with a quick dinner and introductions. The next morning we enjoyed a crisp walk down from Farran manor(where we stayed for the week) down to the Kilcrea Friary and Castle which are two beautiful examples of 15th century architecture. We enjoyed a relaxing day with a restorative yoga practice before attending a cooking class led by Sharmin a chef who was trained and later taught at the Ballymaloe a world famous 100 acre organic farm and cooking school.
Monday was our longest day with a beautiful trip to The cliffs of Moher in the Burren National Park. Despite the morning rain we were still able to see the majesty of the Cliffs from both a cruise along the base of the cliffs and from above with a short walk from the visitors center. After enjoying a picnic crafted by Sharmin, we headed out to explore the Burren and visit the Poulnabrone Dolmen, a portal tomb believed to be constructed near the year 5000. We wrapped up the evening with some Thai food shared together around manor table.
Tuesday brought excitement in the form of a traditional Irish breakfast followed by an intimate yoga experience at Liss Ard Estate just outside the town of Skibbereen. Despite the rain, we braved the cold waters of Lough Abisdealy for a cold plunge, paired with a sauna followed by a magnificent lunch created by their expert chef. After making a quick visit to the Drombeg stone circle we returned to the manor for the night.
Wednesday we relaxed in the morning, did some gentle yoga and rock painting and then headed off to Blarney Castle in the afternoon. Many climbed all the way to the top and kissed the Blarney stone to gain the gift of Gab. Everyone explored the castle grounds, finding many gems including Blarney house, a manor house constructed in 1874 and the poison garden, a garden dedicated to plants with deadly traits. After exploring the grounds, we took a quick trip to the Blarney Woolen Mills, an Irish family business which focuses on providing ethically sourced products designed and created by Irish makers. The store is located in one of Ireland’s oldest and most authentic Irish woolen mills. We then traveled into Cork City to Arthur Maynes restaurant. Located in what used to be a pharmacy, the decorations of the restaurant and bar showcase the medicines, cosmetics, and apothecary accoutrements from the past 120 years.
Thursday quickly became our most popular day. After a quick stop in the popular tourist town of Kenmare, we traveled out onto a piece of the Ring of Kerry to a not well known nature reserve known as Gleninchaquin Park. Located on a working sheep farm, this slice of heaven contains many walking trails as well as a spectacular water fall and famine house. We picnicked beneath the waterfall after a stunning hike where half the group explored the top of the waterfall on a moderately difficult hike and the other half of the group explored the base of the waterfall and famine house on an easier hike. We then traveled to Gougane Barra, a picturesque valley and forested area which contains Ireland’s most photographed church. Located on an island in the lake, St. Finbarr’s Oratory is a spiritual retreat and destination for yearly pilgrimagesduring a spectacular thunder storm. Gougane Barra is also home to Ireland’s Top Toilet… those who know… know.
Friday was our catchup day where we wrapped up everything we didn’t get to on during the rest of the week. Some returned to Blarney castle to explore the gardens and the shops. We all met for lunch at the local Pub known as the White Horse where we enjoyed fish and chips and some Bailey’s and Irish coffees… shhhhhh, don’t tell anyone. We wrapped up the retreat with a farewell dinner and a brief history of Ireland told by Donald McCarthy. Pictures from the retreat were consolidated into a video for one last hurrah as we remembered all the fun times from the week. A picture may speak a thousand words, but our memories from this week will last a life time. Until next time "slán" Goodbye Ireland