Excursions

Come adventure and explore some of the most beautiful places in Ireland. 

 

Excursions

On the following excursions we will explore some of the most beautiful places on the West coast of Ireland…

Lough Gur & Grange Stone Circle

Lough Gur is a stunning and historically rich horseshoe shaped lake located in County Limerick, Ireland. It's one of the country's most important archaeological and mythological sites, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, ancient history, and folklore.

We will celebrate the Summer Solstice on June 21st, 2026 at Lough Gur where the magic of midsummer comes alive in one of Ireland's most sacred landscapes.

Grange Stone Circle is Ireland's largest stone circle, aligned with the rising sun on the summer solstice, dating back over 5,000 years. Ancient communities gathered here to honor the sun, and today that tradition continues with reverence and joy. The site is steeped in myth, including tales of Áine, the sun goddess and fairy queen, who is said to dwell in the surrounding hills.

Solstice Market (10am–2pm)- Held at Lough Gur Lakeshore Park, this vibrant market showcases the best of local crafts and produce. It's a perfect way to support artisans while soaking in the lakeside atmosphere.

YOGA – Summer Solstice Meditation in the center of the stone circle

Doonagore Castle

Doonagore Castle is a superb 16th-century Irish castle on the oceanfront in County Clare, less than a kilometer from the village of Doolin. We will do a quick stop to view the castle from the roadside.

The Cliffs of Moher

The Cliffs of Moher named after the ancient Gaelic word "Mhothair" (meaning ruined fort) were formed over 320 million years ago and tower over 700ft out of the Atlantic waters over the rugged West County Clare coast. The Cliffs of Moher is in a Special Protection Area for Birds and Wildlife. They are visually spectacular and Ireland's most visited destinations. The Cliffs of Moher sit astride the striking landscape of the Burren along the Wild Atlantic Ocean. The cliffs run along the coast of Clare for almost 8 miles. We will stop here for a couple hours to take in the incredible views, walk along the cliff walk and visit the visitor center.

Doolin & Doolin Ferry to The Cliffs of Moher

Doolin is situated on the Wild Atlantic Way, boasting some of the most breathtaking scenery in Ireland and with a colorful and welcoming village and home to traditional Irish music. Doolin is located on the edge of the historic Burren in northwest County Clare and within easy reach of the majestic Cliffs of Moher and the unique Aran Islands. Doolin's dramatic landscape cannot easily be forgotten.

We will view the Cliffs of Moher from a Doolin Ferry boat tour that offers a unique perspective you won't find on land. These majestic cliffs rise to an impressive 214 meters (700 feet). Doolin ferry sails right beneath this point just north of O'Brien's Tower. The furthest point of the cliffs from Doolin is Hags Head in Liscannor. Here you can find the 1st century fort, Moher Tower, to which the Cliffs owe their name. Their magnificent heights are best appreciated from sea level. The people walking along the cliffs trail above look like mere specks against the vast stone wall—a humbling reminder of nature's grandeur.

Dog's Bay

Visiting Dog's Bay is like stumbling upon a hidden gem that defies expectations. Nestled in Connemara, County Galway, this crescent-shaped beach offers a surreal blend of white sand and turquoise waters that could easily be mistaken for a tropical paradise. The beach is backed by lush green dunes and framed by views of Errisbeg Mountain, creating a dramatic contrast that's quintessentially Irish. We will enjoy a nice walk on the beach and an option swim and/or cold plunge.

Kylemore Abbey

Kylemore Abbey is a stunning Benedictine monastery nestled in the heart of Connemara, County Galway, Ireland. Originally built in 1868 as Kylemore Castle by Mitchell Henry as a romantic gift for his wife, the estate later became a refuge for Benedictine nuns fleeing Belgium during World War I. Since 1920, it has served as a spiritual sanctuary and one of Ireland's most beloved visitor attractions. Surrounded by dramatic mountains and set beside Pollacapall Lough, the Abbey features beautifully restored rooms, a neo-Gothic church, a Victorian walled garden, and tranquil woodland walks. Its rich history blends romance, tragedy, and resilience, making it a place of both reflection and wonder.

Ironing Stone—"the legend"—is a large, oddly shaped rock on the Kylemore estate in County Galway. According to myth, it was hurled during a battle between two legendary Irish giants: Cú Chulainn and Fionn McCool. Cú Chulainn, living on the mountain Dúchruach behind the Abbey, threw the stone at Fionn McCool, who lived on the opposite mountain called The Diamond. The stone missed and landed on the estate, where it remains today.

Locals believe the stone has magical properties. Often used as a wishing stone: if you stand with your back to it and toss a pebble over it three times while making a wish (but never for money!), your wish may come true.

Activities

We will enjoy the following activities during our retreat stay…

Ennistymon & Lahinch

Enjoy Shopping, Pubs, Atlantic Ocean Swim/Cold Plunge

Ennistymon and Lahinch are neighboring towns in County Clare. Each carry a distinct cultural flavor rooted in traditional Irish life.

Ennistymon is known for its strong sense of community and artistic spirit. The town has a rich history of music, storytelling, and local craftsmanship, often showcased in small galleries and community events. Traditional Irish music sessions are common in local pubs, where residents and visitors gather to share tunes and tales. The town's connection to nature and heritage is reflected in its architecture and the cascading river that runs through it, which has inspired generations of artists and writers.

Lahinch, on the other hand, blends its coastal charm with a vibrant cultural scene. While it's famous for surfing and golf, the town also embraces literary and artistic traditions.

Together, these towns offer a warm, authentic slice of Irish culture—where tradition meets creativity and community thrives with coastal charm.

River Spa & Aqua Leisure Center

Aqua Leisure Club – Guests can enjoy a swim in the 20m indoor swimming pool, hydrotherapy pool, steam room, sauna, relax in the indoor or outdoor hot tub overlooking the river and gym.

The River Spa offers a variety of different treatment and has it's own relaxation room, overlooking the scenic river Inagh, the thermal suite with steam room and Finnish sauna

Retreat package includes the following:

Organic Warmed Spiced Mud Bath (35-minute)

Couture Touch Massage (55-minute): Combine an Elemis anti-aging facial with your personalized massage.

Pot Duggan's Hot Pot Sauna, Plunge Pool, Showers and Riverview

Walking distance from our retreat enjoy a river side sh'teamy sauna, outdoor showers, x2 500L barrel cold plunge pool and cold bucket. Grab your togs, towel and blissful mindset – you'll be good to go. Afterward enjoy a refreshing drink in the wine bar and cafe.

Wild Atlantic Seaweed Baths & Seafoam Sauna

Wild Atlantic Seaweed Baths & Sea Foam Sauna is one of Ireland's most unique experiences on the Wild Atlantic Way. Sit back and relax in your own Irish whiskey barrel filled to the brim with hot ocean water and locally hand harvested seaweed all the while taking in panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the world class Cliffs of Moher. Seaweed Baths in Ireland go back nearly a century using seaweed for its health properties. The seaweed baths provide incredible healing benefits for your skin, aches and pains as well as contributing to incredible sleep afterwards. Guests are led to their individual seaweed bath to submerge in deliciously warm and inviting heated ocean water. Once settled, the Wild Atlantic Seaweed is then added, poured from a vintage steel bucket. Offering a magical experience and exclusive front row seat to the sounds and smells of the ocean, guests can either opt for 100% pure relaxation or add an element of excitement and exhilaration by taking dips in cold ocean water plunge barrels and then returning to the warming waters of the hot tub and then Seafoam Sauna.