Testimonials

The best testimonials are always the independent ones.
“Life changing”
Reviewed 30th May 2011
The Burren Yoga centre, in the remarkable lunar landscape of the Burren, was an unqualified positive experience. Our teacher was fantastic, the group was generous and good fun, and the food excellent. I would describe the experience as life changing in that I continue to meditate to this day and am conscious of the benefits to my overall life. I would jump at the chance to spend another week there!
Stayed August 2010, travelled with friends
“A vibrant little haven set in Hans Christian Andersen scenery.”
Reviewed 25th Jan 2010
Having experienced yoga holidays in Spain and India, I was wondering if the West of Ireland would prove as dynamic and peaceful. I was not to be disappointed. The ambience of the Centre is one of peace, magic, harmony and hospitality. The very essence of the Centre allows you to melt into your yoga practice and is so conducive for meditation. Dave’s wish is for everyone to have a ‘lovely time.’ I can guarantee that everybody did. The day trips out to local areas, the wonderful food and the chance to nap and recharge your batteries in between classes were all just so welcome.
This is a place where you can simply get away from your routine,
see some beautiful scenery including a night sky rich in stars and know that you will benefit from some amazing yoga instruction. A fantastic start to 2010.
Stayed January 2010, travelled solo
“Weekend course – Yoga Bootcamp with Niamh Jones”
Reviewed 20th September 2012
The Burren Yoga & Meditation Centre was a joy to visit. Dave was the perfect host making sure that every visitor to the centre was welcomed individually as they arrived. The weekend was planned out so well that I didn’t have to wonder about what came next. I took part in most activities but at no time did I feel like I had to take part in all of them. The decision was left to me.
After our yummy lunch in The Tea Rooms in Ballyvaughan on Saturday I spotted Dave counting everyone to make sure no one was left behind before we returned to the centre. This is just one example of how mindful he was of our group all weekend.
Niamh Jones was our five star yoga instructor for the weekend. Everyone was highly complimentary of her teaching style and I just loved her classes. While we were sitting around chatting during one of the evenings she shared a lot of her knowledge about yoga, reiki and shamanism with our group in a lovely easy-going and understandable manner. It was a very lovely evening.
The vegetarian food provided by Paddi and Siobhan was truly gorgeous. So much so that I bought Paddi’s recipe book and have already tried out the vegetarian chilli dish just one day after my return. It was easy to prepare and turned out very tasty indeed.
Personally I feel I have received huge benefits from my participation on the weekend-long course. It has helped me to re-attune my yoga postures and I now feel I have more knowledge and a new-found confidence in my practice. I believe this will help me to practice more regularly so that in the long run the benefits I will have attained by attending the course will last me well into my future and not just for the duration of the course. If u have an interest in yoga, good food, meeting like-minded people or just getting away from it all and having some “me time” the Burren Yoga & Meditation Centre is the pace for you. Enjoy!
Stayed September 2012, travelled solo
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“Burren yoga week august 2012”
Reviewed 29th Aug 2012
This is a great yoga retreat. Dave the owner is the real thing; fully committed to getting the best teachers and giving visitors a physical and spiritual ‘break’. He knows the best walks, rides and places to eat in the area. The week I attended(Anusara with Kanta Barrios) exceeded my expectations. I’ve started to blog about the week and what it meant for me so check it out at www.southamptonrow.wordpress.com – but all I can say is go there if you want to take yourself and some time out seriously.
There are two buildings – the main house where we ate and relaxed, and an adjacent building with bedrooms and showers. Most of the bedrooms are bunks and triples but I paid extra for my own room as I was worried about snoring! It was small but cosy – reminded me of a ship’s cabin with its own wooden shelving and bed heads. Shower rooms were shared between about 3 or 4 people – clean with ample hot water.
The weather in this part of the world is changeable – from hot to raining in a few minutes so you need raincoats and rain trousers if possible. But the landscape is quietly soothing – it almost seems dull at first but then captures you with a quiet beauty of limestone rocks, wild flora and open Atlantic skies.
I had a brilliant week so would very much recommend it to all of you interested in trying out yoga for the first time or those who are much more advanced. We had two yoga teachers on our course alongside people who’d never done it before – so you don’t need to worry about your level; just be willing to open your heart, to give and to receive.
Stayed August 2012, travelled solo
“Fantastic yoga retreat”
Reviewed 24th August 2012
I spent a long weekend at the Burren Yoga Centre in August as I was a bit burnt out and I have to say it was exactly what I needed to relax. I loved everything about it from the location, the yoga sessions, the meditation, the food, the outdoor activities, the group I was with, even the early morning starts! I hadn’t done much yoga before and was a bit worried before I went that I might not be able to keep up but I needn’t have been concerned. Dave, our host at the centre, allayed my fears before the retreat and our instructor was amazing and well able to deal with the different levels in the class. The centre itself is so peaceful and my only regret is that I wasn’t able to stay longer to do the full week course. But I will definitely be back and would recommend it to anyone looking for a few days of peace to recharge the batteries.
Stayed August 2010, travelled solo
“Burren Yoga”
Reviewed 24th May 2012
I was looking to get away for a nice relaxing break as I work for myself and some of my close friends recommended I should go to the Burren Yoga & Meditation Centre.
I have never done yoga before and a sun holiday was sounding more appealing to me but my gut was saying to give it a go. I called and was greeted by a very nice and welcoming man called Dave who I found out was the owner. I booked my weeks stay there and then and I am very grateful I took the leap of faith and invested in myself and went there.
I can only highly recommend for people to go as everything the Burren yoga’s website said it does delivered for me and I would only ever be able to recommend something if I felt it would be of value to me and others.
YES the Burren Yoga & Meditation Centre is true value for money & what I also loved was I meet up with some very nice likeminded people where we have stayed in contact with and can see being long term friends.
My goal now is to at least do a weekend retreat there every 6-8 months as I felt so refreshed and energised when leaving.
Warm regards,
Declan Dore
Stayed August 2010, travelled solo
“Burren Yoga”
Reviewed 19th Aug 2012
The Burren Yoga Centre was the perfect choice for a getaway. It is secluded and so peaceful to visit. I particularly liked the cooking (so so good, you won’t care it’s vegetarian!) and the day time activities like sea swimming and a bit of hiking. I have found myself more at peace since learning more about meditation and yoga at the centre and have kept it up a little since leaving.
This place is for anyone. A solo getaway, a nice trip for a few friends. I went with my mother as we both like yoga but had times where I was able to have alone time to relax (and crochet/read). Our yoga & meditation instructor was Granville Cousins, who has taught there many times. He had great techniques and joined in the day activities (which can include kayaking, massage, hiking, swimming, cycling and seeing places of interest). We had a great and diverse group of people, all interesting to spend time with. I cannot wait to go back, awesome place!
Stayed August 2010, travelled with friends
“Great yoga, beautiful location”
Reviewed 19th May 2012
I was a bit apprehensive heading for the Burren Yoga Centre, as I was going alone, and I hadn’t done yoga before, but neither turned out to be a problem. Everyone else was a solo traveller too, and Dave’s clear instructions and encouragement made the yoga very enjoyable. Yoga and meditation are at the heart of the centre, and I came away with the basics to continue my practice of both, which I wasn’t expecting from just one weekend! The lovely food and the walks in the beautiful Burren are the icing on the cake.
The website is very accurate and helpful, but if you’re new to yoga, I’d recommend that you check with Dave if the type of yoga being taught on the weekend you’re thinking of going is suitable for you – he really wants everyone to get the most they can out of their weekend, and will give you good advice.
Stayed August 2010, travelled with friends
“A most enjoyable weekend”
Reviewed 12th March 2012
I thoroughly enjoyed my weekend away at the Burren Yoga and Meditation Centre. The attention to detail was impressive and the food delicious. Dave, our tutor for the weekend, was encouraging, flexible and ensured that the sessions were pitched to the needs and levels of the group. I will look forward to returning again as soon as the opportunity arises.
Stayed August 2010, travelled solo
“I will definitely be returning, life is too short not to!”
Reviewed 3rd February 2012
As I type I’m wistfully recalling that this time last week I was in the first yoga class of the weekend, embarking on what was another wonderful experience at the Burren Yoga and Meditation centre. To arrive on a cold and dark evening and have one’s senses greeted by the fabulous aromas from Paddi’s kitchen is the ultimate comfort. By the powers of Paddi and Dave combined, the Centre manages to nourish both body and soul.
My weary soul which arrived on Friday evening was certainly lightened by Sunday afternoon, thanks to both of them. Although it felt as if the weekend flew, Dave managed to slot in lots of yoga, meditation, outdoor activities and quiet time. He is the very definition of organisation, which allows his guests to truly relax and leave the hectic world behind.
Our group featured guests with a variance in yoga abilities and ages and this led to an interesting blend, both within the Yoga classes and at the conversations over meal-times.
I left on Sunday afternoon with a feeling that I had deepened my Yoga practice and armed with some invaluable cooking tips from Paddi. I will definitely be returning, life is too short not to!
Stayed January 2012, travelled solo
“A Beautiful Experience”
Reviewed 10th Jan 2012
We attended a six day yoga retreat at the Burren Yoga & Meditation Centre. We have been to other retreats in Europe and found our Ireland retreat most enjoyable!
The accommodations were warm, welcoming and comfortable. Each afternoon fabulous aromas would waft their way upstairs to the common areas fortelling the gourmet cuisine which was being prepared for our dinner. I cannot say enough about how fabulous the food was! The yoga and meditation was just what we needed and the friendships we made were such a bonus to this offering. Dave escorted us on several daily excursions. His open heart gave us all a place to call home in the gorgeous Burren!
Stayed January 2010, travelled as a couple
“2nd Time Round…..and better again”
Reviewed 3rd Jan 2012
Fantastic stay over the end of 2011 & the start of 2012. My trip was the Satyananda Yoga retreat. I cann’t recommend it more highly to anyone. It doesn’t make a difference what level of yoga your into, the class can be modified to meet your needs. Tadhg, has many years of experience teaching which means he makes it so very interesting & so much fun! You can expect comfortable clean rooms, cosy, warm & inviting beds! A warm & cosy feeling in the centre that really allows you to relax & unwind during your stay. Our trips were fun, interesting! Winter weather but with the right rain gear (I would reinforce that you do bring that with you for our fabulous Irish weather) we had lovely trips in the great outdoor landscape of the Burren….it truely is rugged & incredibly beautiful!. Dave will make you feel right at home in his centre…If you are even considering booking, don’t think twice just click & book it. And if you can manage more than just three days take anything up to 6 days in this place. You will come back revived – more alive than you went – rejuvenated…..
Stayed December 2011, travelled solo
“This is a Trip which I am looking Forward to doing again, AMAZING!””
Reviewed 8th September 2011
I visited the Burren Yoga Centre in November last Year, it was a Gift for my Birthday. I was extremely apprehensive, Travelling out of the UK ,alone, for the First time ever !
As a Mother of Two small children it was the the first time I was leaving them with Daddy for a time & Venturing out to find a bit of “Quiet” , a break from being just “Mummy” and having a wonderful opportunity to be just “Me” for a weekend.
Despite having limited options on Flights into GALWAY from LUTON, I did manage to arrive on the Friday evening to the extremely Welcoming sounds & smells of everyone on Michael Ryan’s course eating the scrumptious Vegetarian delights of the rather talented chef/cook Patricia Keane “Paddi” : )
Dave was a fantastic host, friendly & balanced. I felt at ease & comfortable instantly. I remember feeling the under floor heating SO incredibly wonderful on my travelled feet on arrival !
The guidance from Michael over the two days was quite Brilliant. I enjoyed the Walk Out along the water’s edge on the Saturday & didn’t even notice the Rain ! : ) The Fish Cakes at the Restaurant that we ended our walk at STILL now has a fabulously lingering memory even after 10 MONTHS !!! For me, the opportunity to have a wonderful “Stretch” away from the stress of London & day to day routine was
So Fantastic that I intend to return to the Burren Yoga Centre once more this November, (it’s certainly on my wish list anyway). A great place to take a breath & just “Be”, with like minded people, where you can be as talkative or as “Quiet” as you want to be. Well done Dave for providing such a peaceful place to practice stretching the Mind, Body & Spirit. Thank You. Emma G x
Stayed November 2010, travelled solo
“Great time, wonderful people and strong yoga teaching!!!”
Reviewed 18th August 2011
The Burren Yoga and meditation centre is set in very peaceful location, near the mountain and away from major roads. As soon as I step out of the car I emerged in a complete silence. The centre set in a small nicely arranged green garden near the mountains. Also the bedrooms are small they are tidy with very comfortable beds. Why would i mind the size of the room, the time i spent there was only during my night sleep as there are so much activities arranged during the day.
I attended the retreat with Granville Cousins, who was teaching yogAsana and Meditation. I enjoyed the practise a lot. Granville had showed new and interesting approach to asanas. The practise was enjoyable and challenging. And i think we all felt great after the classes.
After the breakfast we had lots of time to explore beautiful Burren. Dave guided as to a walk up to Mullaghmore Mountain and walk around Black Head. We visited charming Kinvara town during the boat festival, and were swimming in a clear water of Lake Bunny wich located only 4 miles from the centre. During each trip we stayed for lunch in charming tea rooms, with a great service and food. The Burren shocked me not only for its beautiful nature environment but also for the warm-heartedness of local people.
Food was not only simply delicious, it was a gastronomic adventure. For breakfast you will have 6-7 different varieties of cereals, lots of fruit, nice homemade breads, honey, nut butters as well as a selection of herbal teas and infusions ( around 14-16).
Dinners were set in a restaurant manner with candlelight on each table. Yes the kitchen isn’t large, but i never heard anyone complaining about the size of the table as all attention was on the scrumptious vegetarian food. I am personally a raw vegan and i had a large choice of fresh foods nicely prepared and served especially for me.
As about the Karma Yoga, everybody is warned about it before booking the retreat. Also it takes not more than 20 min of your day, and there is a good quality dishwasher in the kitchen. The hot water is available at all the time. It isn’t a big deal.
The purpose of this retreat for me personally was to get some active quality time for myself away from the day to day life, to get to practise yoga and meditation without rushing to do some duties. I felt relaxed going home and still is which is a good sign for me. I stayed only for 3 nights and didn’t want to leave. I’m planning to come back to centre again, and surely for the Granville’s teachings next year.
Stayed August 2011, travelled solo
“Top class Yoga teachers, relaxing atmosphere and lovely people.”
Reviewed 28th February 2009
My stay in November ’08 was my third stay at the Burren Yoga Centre over the past two years. Each stay has been very enjoyable and relaxing. I’ve attend Ciara Cronins Ashtanga weekend course which is quite dynamic as well as Tadhg Ferriters Satynanda course which is at a more relaxed pace. I would highly recommend both teachers. The teachers are very supportive so beginners are catered for as well as advanced students.
Paddi’s vegetarian food is excellent and the atmosphere is warm, friendly and relaxed.
Location is beautiful and ideal for ensuring a complete switch off from daily routines.
Rose Bain Adare Ireland
Stayed November 2008, travelled solo
Short Videos testimonials with retreat participants
If you would like to see a few short 6 minute videos these can be seen at Video Testimonials
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