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.

Boat Tour to Inishlacken

Enjoy a scenic boat trip with Roundstone Bay & Island across Roundstone Bay to the beautiful, uninhabited island of Inishlacken.

Watch for wildlife along the way and take in the stunning views of Connemara’s mountains and coastline.

Once on the island, relax with a picnic, stroll along the white sand beaches and grassy landscape, explore the shoreline, or enjoy a swim in the clear Atlantic waters.

A peaceful island escape and a wonderful way to experience the natural beauty of Connemara.

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Dogs Bay

Discover the beauty of Dog’s Bay, one of Connemara’s most stunning beaches. With its sweeping white sands, turquoise waters and beautiful views towards Errisbeg Mountain, it feels like a little piece of paradise on Ireland’s west coast.

We’ll enjoy a relaxing walk along the beach and yoga with plenty of time to take in the scenery. And for anyone feeling adventurous, there’s the option of a refreshing swim or invigorating cold plunge in the Atlantic.

A beautiful place to slow down, breathe in the fresh sea air and experience Connemara at its best.

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:

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

Roundstone Seaside Sauna and Sea Swim

Seaside sauna offers a deeply restorative escape — easing aches, soothing tired muscles, cleansing the skin, and melting away stress while boosting overall wellbeing. As the warmth settles into your body, you’ll feel your mind clear and your spirit lift.

Step outside and wander just a few steps to the beach, harbour, or slipway in front of the sauna. Take a refreshing plunge into the wild Atlantic Ocean for an exhilarating dopamine surge, then return to the sauna to bask in the heat once more. It’s a cycle of contrast therapy that leaves your body, mind, and soul feeling renewed.

Wild Atlantic Seaweed Baths

Wild Atlantic Seaweed Baths 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.