Highlights of Your Week in Ireland
This retreat is a highly curated experience and is an invitation to experience the beauty, culture, and spirit of Ireland in a deeply personal way. Imagine yourself wandering ancient landscapes, listening to traditional Irish music, breathing in the fresh Atlantic air, and returning each day to a place of rest, reflection, and community. Here are just a few of the magical moments that await you:
History, Local Insight & Getting into the Land with Patrick
Patrick Sheehy has been living locally for ten years. He majored in Psychology at the American College Dublin and has a healthy obsession with Irish history, culture, archaeology, agriculture, botany, geography and geology. When you experience a tour with Patrick you will have an opportunity to learn a lot about the local area and Ireland, in just a few hours. The tour will open doors to a vast world of knowledge. Patrick’s motto is, ‘Don’t bullshit the tourists’. As a long-time student of Irish history Patrick is painfully aware of Ireland’s traumatic past and the negative effect it has on the national psyche. Some academics would argue that Ireland lacks self-esteem after 750 years of occupation, and the struggles the nation has faced since independence. Patrick promotes a more positive view and highlights Ireland’s contributions to art, music, literature, sport, science, engineering and research, on the world stage. He presents Ireland’s merits without being jingoistic. But most importantly, Patrick is a ‘people person’, and is available to help others and answer their queries at all times. He’s always humorous and loves to laugh. Patrick is known for his enthusiasm for understanding all things Irish, and his enthusiasm is infectious.
Cliffs of Moher to Doolin Hike
We’ll take a spectacular sunset walk from the North end of the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher to the lively little town of Doolin, the mecca of Traditional Irish music. Patrick will guide us to his favorite spots for dinner and music. This is the one dinner we eat out to give our chef Martha a break. Transport to and from the retreat center will be provided.
Guided Excursion into The Burren, Dunguaire Castle, & Galway City
Journey into the heart of Ireland's ancient west as we explore the mystical limestone landscape of The Burren, visit historic Dunguaire Castle on the shores of Galway Bay, and wander the colorful streets of Galway City. Along the way we'll discover stories of ancient peoples, Celtic traditions, sacred sites, wildflowers, and enduring connections between people and place. From breathtaking landscapes to lively music-filled streets, this day offers a rich immersion into the history, culture, wonder, and magic of Ireland. This is a full day tour and Patrick is so excited to share. He said that Galway City is his favorite in Ireland and wrote “It has everything - history, religious history, archeology, geology, botany, agriculture and a vibrant small city with excellent dining, live music and shopping. I've been tweaking it for 10 years to get it just right..”
An Irish Sound Journey with Irish Singer & Sound Artist Fiona Guiheen
Okay, can you say musical goddess?! We’ve planned an incredible sound immersion into our retreat to truly connect us with the deep enchantment of Ireland. Her music is heart medicine. Each song is offered with the intention of bringing you closer to your own essence and beauty - a remembering of what is already inside us all. She weaves the old and the new, blending Celtic tradition with contemporary soundscapes, to create spaces of reflection, presence and reconnection. From my conversation with Fiona: “At the heart of my work is a deep connection to our landscape, traditions, language and heritage. I draw inspiration from the Celtic Wheel, our seasonal festivals, the land itself, and our rich tradition of Irish song. I work with the Irish language throughout my music, and many of my songs are sung in Irish.
I weave together my own original songs, harp, singing bowls, monochord, chimes, gong, drum, and other sound healing instruments to create a deeply nourishing experience. I love to create a space where people can simply slow down, rest deeply, and just receive and it will be tailored to the energy and intention of your group.
So while there is certainly an element of deep rest and relaxation, it is also a gentle immersion into the essence of Ireland. For many visitors, it becomes a meaningful way of connecting with the culture, stories and rhythms of this place through sound, music and voice - a lying down concert for our soul!”... ummm, yes please.
Breathwork with Retreat Founder Michelle Riordan
Michelle is the heart and visionary behind Cliffs of Moher Retreat. A dedicated breathwork facilitator, and adventurer, Michelle has spent years curating deeply transformative experiences that merge nature, movement, and inner stillness. Her journey into wellness began with a love for travel and personal exploration. Having worked alongside renowned teachers like James Nestor and Wim Hof, Michelle has cultivated a unique approach to well-being – one that seamlessly integrates ancient practices with modern insights. Through her work, she creates spaces where people can reconnect with themselves, find clarity, and return home feeling deeply nourished. Reading “Breath” by James Nestor is highly recommended before this retreat.
Note from Aura: Reading James Nestor’s “Breath” affirmed and reinforced the practice of the breath as our most powerful tool. When Michelle and I got on the phone to talk about this retreat, we instantly connected and felt an alignment of spirit and approach. This work is truly powerful and transformational. I can’t speak highly enough about this compendium of the breath and getting to work with one of his key breathwork facilitators, Michelle, is so exciting!
Yoga & Guided Meditation with Aura
Aura has been teaching yoga and meditation for over 25 years - her true dharma and passion! Her style is accessible and welcoming. She weaves humor, metaphor, and beautiful imagery into her classes and encourages you to connect with yoga and meditation in a way that resonates with you. Each retreat is unique and Aura crafts guided meditations that support the location and theme of each for unique and transformational experiences. She creates yoga sequences that help support your overall physical wellbeing and meditations that invite you to connect with deeper insight and expansive possibilities for living your best life. She is adept at offering inclusive options for all so you can be an absolute beginner or an experienced practitioner of either or both.
Our retreats begin with “sacred (or noble) silence” which is a mindful way of easing into our day from waking until after we finish our morning yoga practice. Most participants express that this is one of their favorite aspects of unplugging and resetting during retreat (especially the ones who’d never done it before). There is no need to worry about your capability as a yogi or whether your mind rebels during meditation - just bring your open heart and curious mind and you’re all set!
For this retreat we’ll practice in the gorgeous Atlantic View Studio. Large windows frame the stunning views of the ocean, blurring the line between indoors and outdoors. Let the beauty of the Atlantic and the rugged cliffs serve as your backdrop as you relax, reflect, and rejuvenate. No need to bring any yoga supplies - this studio has everything we need to fully support our practice in comfort.
Opportunities to Walk Out Daily
The location of this retreat is ideal for walking out and exploring the area. There are a couple of different loops you can do right from the retreat center - a coastal loop to the sea and another to spectacular views through surrounding farmlands. St. Brigids Well is within walking distance and so is the quirky and lovely Rock Shoppe where you can find goods, coffee and fabulous local flair. We will integrate walking into this retreat with an intention to feel the air, smell the sea, and presence ourselves in the awakening magic of this particular area of Ireland.
