FAQ

This section is being updated all the time with new questions coming in being added to this section.

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• Overview of what we offer
• About Residential courses
• About the Centre
• Getting to the centre
• About booking on a course
• WeeklyClasses
• Ireland, the Burren, weather, getting here, what to bring
• About Yoga
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Overview of what we offer

The Burren Yoga and Meditation Centre offers residential courses in all forms of yoga, for all levels all year round.

We also provide weekly yoga classes for local people from September to May inclusive.

Our weekend residential courses begin Friday evening with dinner at 7.00 pm and finish Sunday 1.30 pm after lunch.

Our week long residential courses begin Friday evening with dinner at 7.00 pm and finish the follow Thursday at noon.

We hold week long courses Christmas, New Year, Easter and during June, July and August. The rest of the year we hold weekend courses.

We do not provide retreats outside the times and dates listed in our Calendar of Retreats.

All our courses for the next few months are listed on the website at
Calendar of Retreats

The description of what type of yoga is taught on a particular course is listed in our Calendar of Retreats above. By clicking on any course, you will see

• The type of yoga being taught on that retreat
• A bio of the yoga teacher who is instructing that weekend or week
• A full timetable of classes and other activities for that course
• Dates and prices
• An overview of the course and who it is suitable for

The types of yoga we teach are listed at What type of yoga is best for me ?

We are very excited that the 6 minute video clip on Burren Yoga has been completed 2nd November 2009 and can be seen at

New Movie clip

About Residential courses

Can a beginner attend one of your courses

Yes. Most of our courses are open to beginners, but you should be careful which course you chose.
Courses for beginners

I have a lot of experience in Yoga. Do you have courses suited for me

We have the best of teachers from all over the world. The teachers who teach at the centre have a high level of experience and will be well able to take you further into your own prafctice.
Courses for advanced

Do you run Teacher Training courses ?

Yes. Yes our last Yoga Teacher Training course which consisted of 16 days in October 2007 and 16 days in January 2008.

Please see details for our next Yoga Teacher Training at Yoga Teacher Training with David Muehsam

What benefits can i get from yoga?

You can get benefits on a

• physical level including
  • better health
  • better posture
  • improved breathing
  • improved flexibility
  • improved sleep patterns
  • able to relax better
  • more energy
• mental level including
  • better peace of mind
  • more refreshed
  • better enthusiasm for life
  • more creative and open to new things
  • clearer thinking
• an emotional level such as
  • more balanced
  • less likely to get angry or have outbursts
  • more optimistic
  • less lethargic
• other levels including
  • seeing the bigger picture
  • more care for others
  • getting to know oneself more
  • evolving ones motives and patterns
  • preparing for the future while living fully in the present
  • communing more with all

Who can learn yoga

Some people make the mistake to think that only young flexible people can take up yoga.

This is not true.

Yoga can be taken up by anybody. But you must be careful which type of yoga course you go on.

You don't have to be fit, but you do need to be careful which course you chose.

Courses for beginners

I want to come on my own. Do i have to book a single room?

Most people come on their own.

When you select 'sharing' on the on-line booking form, you will be given a bed in one of the dorms which sleep 4 or 6.

We have separate dorms for males and females.

I have never been to a yoga centre. What can i expect

The atmosphere is informal and friendly. Most people come on their own and feel quite at home when they arrive at the centre and feel the peaceful atmosphere.

We don't wear shoes inside the house so most people wear socks or bare feet indoors.

The buildings are modern and warm with underfloor heating throughout.

We are very excited that the 6 minute video clip on Burren Yoga has been completed 2nd November 2009 and can be seen at

New Movie clip

What happens when i arrive at the centre?

When you arrive you will be shown where your bed is. This will be either in a room sharing with 4 or 6 people, or in a single room if you have booked this.

Most people arrive between 6:00 and 7:00 pm and they leave their bags in their room, and relax upstairs in the lounge which has views overlooking the Burren hills.

We have dinner at 7:00 pm and this gives people time to settle in as they enjoy the amazing vegetarian food prepared by Paddi the chef.

Can i sign up for a weekend only on a week course?

Yes. More information at
Attend weekend only

Whats the timetable for each day?

The timetable is different for each course.

As the weekend or week progresses, the activities and classes follow the timetable, so you will simply follow the timetable and have a good time as you improve your yoga practice and get to know the other people on the course.

So best to click on the course you are interested in, and when you scroll down to the end of the course description, there will be a timetable of yoga classes, meals, outings in the Burren etc.

I want to find out more info about a particular course

If you click on any course, you will see

• Description of that type of yoga
• Who the course is suitable for
• Timetable for that course
• Prices
• Information on who is teaching that course

Show me photos from previous courses

If you would like to see photos from previous courses, or read a report from previous courses, please see the
Photo Gallery

How do i know which type of yoga is best for me

Its best that you take your time to read the descriptions of the different types of yoga that we teach here. These descriptions are very clear and you should know after reading the descriptions which one appeals to you more.

Types of Courses

If you are still not sure, simply phone the centre and ask Dave, or send an email with your query.

What type of people come on the courses

Most come on their own.

The types of people on the courses are very varied.

Some are Irish, some from the UK, some from Europe, Scancanavian countries, Americans, Canadians, and a few from further afield.

Some are just curious about yoga wanting to try it out, and see what they can get out of it.

Some just want a good weekend away.
Type of people who come

I am unfit. Can i come

There are various different types of yoga which we teach. Some are very strong and some are quite gentle.

It all depends on the levels of your fitness, whether you are slighly unfit or very unfit, whether you have any other heath problems or not.

Best to read the descriptions of the different types of yogas on offer.

Types of Courses

The most gentle would be the Kundalini yoga or the Satyananda yoga.

And if in doubt, please phone Dave at the centre or send him an email.

What age group come

Most are between 20 and 50.

Some people are young, some are in their sixties, we have had a 14 year old with her mum, and a granny in her seventies who would put us all to shame.

Again it all depends which type of yoga you are interested in.

Please read the full description of the type of yoga, and make sure it is suitable for you.

Do people come on their own

Yes, most people come on their own.

But sometimes a couple of friends come together, or husband and wife, or mother and daughter.

What are the prices and timetables for the courses

These are listed for each course at
Calendar of Retreats

Do i have to go to all the classes and all the activities

All the classes and activities are optional.

But these courses have been well planned out to have a good balance between yoga classes indoors in the yoga room, and also outdoor activites in nature.

You are encouraged to follow all the classes but are free to decide which ones to skip.

You are asked to let us know that you are skipping one or more classes rather than disappearing off without telling the instructors on the course.

You are also requested not to encourage others to miss classes or outdoor activities.

Can i take free time to myself

Yes, you are welcome to skip some classes or outdoor activities. But please let us know that.

Can my partner come too

Yes, its possible for your partner to stay at the centre, and not attend the classes. They may eat with us and come on the outdoor activities if they like.
Prices - scroll down to partner prices

Can i bring my child or baby with me

We don't have child minding facilities at the centre.

Many people come on our retreats to get a way from very busy lives, and they often seek the peace and quiet of a retreat.

In the interest of maintaining this peace and quiet, we don't allow babies or children under 14 to attend.

I snore. What should i do

Please be considerate of others and book a single room for yourself.

I need to talk to my children on my mobile phone. What should i do

Many people 'think' that they must be contactable every minute of their lives.

We ask you to take the time to yourself while you are at the centre without making or receiving phone calls. Other people in your life will respect that you wish to take time to yourself.

Even if you have never done this before in your life, we ask you to give it a good try.

If you have to make a special phone call, please do so outside the yoga centre on the road outside, well out of earshot of anyone else. Please note there is very bad coverage in and around the centre and you may have to walk about half a mile to get good coverage.

Please make arrangements that you don't need to be contactable while you are here if possible.

I don't have a car. Can i come on the outings ?

Usually others on the course will give you a lift in their car.

However, it is nice to have your own car, as it gives you the freedom to go back and visit one of the special places that you may like to see by yourself.

For more information about hiring a car, please see Car Hire Rental

What happens if there are not enough cars ?

This case has only arisen once in over 7 years.

And that week, we went on local walks nearby to the centre.

About the Centre

Are the buildings new or old

The newly built centre is designed for natural light, space, human friendly surroundings, relaxation and comfort.

The buildings are super insulated with large windows pull in much natural light and solar heating from the sun.

There is under floor heating throughout the whole centre.

Photos of the Centre itself

Whats the accommodation like

We have 3 single rooms.

We have 2 double rooms each with a double bed.

We also have two rooms for 4, and 1 room for 6.

We have a maximum of 15 people on each course.

The beds are individually carved by Johney Ray and are a work of art. All beds have comfortable hotel quality mattresses, mattress covers, douvets and pillow.

All bed linen is 100% Egyptian cotton high quality 400 thread count.

Freshly cleaned sheet, pillow case and douvet cover on all beds.

Bath towel and hand towel also supplied.

Information and prices for rooms can be seen at
Accommodation and BB

Are there on-suite bathrooms ?

No. We have 4 bathrooms which are shared between the 15 participants on the course and the yoga teacher teaching.

What are the surrounding areas like

The centre is on a two acre grounds at the foot of the Burren hill range.

Kinvara is the nearest village and is 5 miles away. Kinvara is a picturesque seaside village located at the inner most tip of Galway bay.

Immediatly around the centre there are only 5 houses in a 1 mile radius, and the closest Burren hill "Sliabh Carron" is 2 minutes walk away.

There is rarely traffic on these back roads of the Burren hills.

There are walks by the road, up the hill, along the side of the hill, over grassy fields all from the centre.

Within 5 miles drive, there are innumerable beautiful locations.

Interactive Burren Map

What are the rules of the centre

The main rule of the centre is to respect the peacefulness and tranquility while still having a good time here.
Guidelines at the centre

Is the centre warm or cold

The centre is super insulated with underfloor heating throughout. Even if it is freezing outside, it is still warm and comfortable inside.

In the Burren we rarely get snow in the Winter. It is one of the warmest places in Ireland, as the heat absorbed by the rock during the summer, is slowly emmitted during the winter. Also the proximity to the gulf stream warms the air by 1 or 2 degrees.

What are you facilities like?

Do you have internet facilities

Yes, but one important aspect about coming on a yoga course, is to take time for yourself away from your everyday life.

You are asked not to bring in newspapers, not to listen to the radio or watch tv. Instead of distracting yourself with these modern preoccupations, you will have time to spend with yourself. To get to know your thoughts, your inner world and also how you react with others.

So, yes we have a wireless network which you may use if you bring your own laptop with you. But this should only be for emergency use and not to be used as a distraction.

The computer in the office is not for public use.

Is there internet facilities locally

There are internet services in Kinvara (5 miles) and Gort (6 miles).

Is there clothes washing facilities at the centre

We have buckets and washing powder where you may hand wash any clothes you need to. There are washing lines outside.

There is a launderette in Gort.

We recommend that you bring enough clothes with you for your stay.

Can we use the phone in the centre

The phone in the centre is not for use by visitors except in emergency.

Before you come on a course you should make provisions so that you will not need to be contacted during your stay.

It is important that you have time to yourself while you are here, and also that other visitors also have their space and quiet.

Mobile phones should be switched off at all times.

If you need to use your mobile phone, please do so outside the centre and well away from anyone else.

Do you have a lounge or reading area?

Yes we have a lounge upstairs with comfortable setees where you can lie back and lounge ;-)

The views are spectacalour and look out over the Burren hills.

We also have a small reading area with some setees where you can browse and read our yoga books during your stay.

Can i smoke

If you need to smoke, please do so outside the centre. There is an area outside the front gate where you can go if you wish to smoke. You are asked to dispose of the cigarette butts in the bin provided and not simply throw your butts on the ground.

Is there alcohol at the centre

No, we don't have alcohol at the centre.

Can i drink real tea or real coffee?

You are welcome to help yourself to real tea or real coffee in the kitchen at any time during the course. We also have a wide range of over 15 different types of herbal teas if you prefer caffeine free drinks.

Are the beds comfortable

New mattresses have been bought for the beds in Autumn 2008 and these are hotel quality and many people ask us where we have bought them so they can buy them for their home.

The beds are individually carved by Johney Ray and are a work of art.

All beds have comfortable hotel quality mattresses, mattress covers, douvets and two pillows.

All bed linen is 100% Egyptian cotton high quality 40 thread count.

Freshly cleaned sheet, pillow cases and douvet cover on all beds.

Bath towel and hand towel also supplied.

Whats the difference between a hotel and the yoga centre

We do not pamper our guests. We do not wait on you hand and foot.

You are also expected to help out with maintaining the kitchen and keeping the centre clean and tidy, and this provides a nice way to interact with others and also to bring some of your own good energies inot the centre and to the group as a whole.

There is a lovely feeling of a group of like minded individuals who are are interested in yoga and tend to be caring happy people.

Is the yoga room, the accommodation, eating area and bathrooms all at the same location

Yes, there are all within two buildings on the same grounds which is about 2 acres at the foot of the Burren hills.

Getting to the centre

I don't have a car. How can i get there

You may come by bus or train, and the last 6 miles by local taxi.

How exactly do i get to the centre?

Information about getting here by Air, Car, Public transport or Taxi at
Getting here

About booking on a course

How do i know if there are places left on a course

Best to email or phone the centre to ask.

How do i book onto a course?

How to book and deposits

How soon do i need to book to be sure of places left.

The best advice is to book as soon as you know you would like to attend the course. No money will be debited from your credit card at your time of booking.

But you will be making an agreement that your card will be debited for the 'cancellation deposit amount' if you decide to cancel at a later date.

Sometimes you may be lucky booking a place the week before the course.

Some courses book out weeks in advance.

We have only 3 single rooms, so if you would like a single room, please book very early.

What is the cancellation deposit amount

Please see Booking and Deposit conditions In general the later a cancellation is received, the larger the cancellation deposit amount.

How do i know if there are any single rooms left?

You may simply submit your booking, by clicking 'Booking on-line' at the top of the screen, and filling out the booking form, requesting a single room.

If there is a single room available this will be reserved for you. If all the single rooms are booked, you will be informed when the centre acknowledges receipt of your booking details within 24 working hours of you submitting your booking.

Or you may email or phone the centre to ask.

I have a special diet, how do i know you can cater for my needs?

We can cater for special diets. We have not received any special diets that we have not been able to cater for.

Any special diets must be specified on your booking form at the time of booking.

How do i know that i will be suitable/able for the level of yoga on the course?

Please read the section on 'Who the course is suitable for' by clicking on the course listed in the 'Calendar of Courses'.

Also please read
What type of yoga is best for me ?

If you are still unsure, or have a particular injury or illness, please contact the centre.

I don't have a Master or Visa card, how can i book?

You may either ask a friend if you could use their card details to book for you.

No money will be taken from their card unless you cancel.

Or you may post cash to the full amount of the course in a registered letter.

Or you may post a cheque to the full amount of the course + 5% to handle administration work.

Can i pay in cash when i arrive at the centre

Yes. Everyone pays in cash when they arrive at the centre. Credit cards are only debited if you cancel your booking.

Can i pay for the course in full by credit card.

Yes. But there is a 10% charge for all credit card payments. This is to cover the costs of the bank, the extra office work required here, and the time taken before the money is transferred into the centre's bank account.

Can i pay for the course by cheque

Yes. But there is a 5% charge for all cheque payments. This is to cover the extra office work required here, and the time taken before the money is transferred into the centre's bank account.

Can i book for my friend

Yes. But please be aware, that you will be liable for the 'cancellation deposit' if they cancel.

Ireland, the Burren, weather, getting here

About the Burren, and activities on courses in the Burren

Getting here; Airport info, taxi pickup from airport, maps, bus, directons

Overseas guests tips and information, weather

See The Burren activities
Outdoors in the Burren. Big file with photos.

About Yoga

See About Yoga

Weekly Classes

See Weekly classes

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