Click link for
Show me current info on Satyananda yogaPre 2005 information on this page.
Please click link above for up to date information
Course Description What is Satyananda Yoga
Satyananda Yoga is a traditional form of Yoga which includes Asanas, Pranayama, Tantric practices, Cleansing practices, Mind focusing practices, Pratyahara and Meditation. It differs from Asthanga and Iyengar yoga in that it does not place the main focus on Asana, but rather works on the multi layered aspects of our being right from the beginning.
When one is introduced to Satyananda Yoga, the first 12 weeks of classes include pranayama, asana, and a tantric technique of Yoga Nidra which is used to systematically relax the body and the mind, and eventually helps our consciousness to move beyond the mind. This deepening of awareness is carried out while practicing gentle asanas at the beginning and keeping the awareness inward focusing on how one’s being ‘feels’ from the inside. This is far from many of the Asana Yoga classes which often try to make sure the body is in 100% correct alignment, and focus on how the body looks or appears from the outside in an asana.
One’s initial experience of Satyananda yoga is usually that one notices the deep relaxation experienced during the classes and the calmness and peace of mind which slowly develops. At the same time the asanas begin to work with any tensions which may be held in the body and ones awareness of bodily tension and how to release tensions improves with ones experience.
As one progresses practicing Satyananda Yoga one proceeds to unravel or become aware of the conditioning of our mind and the patterns of our mind and thought patterns. This ‘self knowledge’ allows one to step outside the ‘reaction mode’ that many of us reside in, and begin to work towards our higher potential.
A side effect of the Satyananda classes is that ones body becomes stronger and leaner and one’s general health usually improves as a result of the physical asanas and also the awareness of our body and breath and other internal energies. However, this is considered a side effect and is not the central goal of the practice.
The main emphasis of Satyananda Yoga is on inner awareness. Breathing techniques are taught from the beginning and most of the postures are practiced with the eyes closed and the awareness directed inwards.

The instructors on this course will be Veronique from France who teaches Satyananda yoga in Marbella South of Spain and Dave Brocklebank who teaches at the Burren Yoga and Meditation Centre.
Who it is suitable for
The Satyananda yoga classes begin quite gently and these classes are suitable for all ages, whether fit or unfit, large or small.
The instruction is given in such a way that experienced practitioners can practice at a deeper level of awareness, while the classes are also suitable for beginners to Yoga.
This week long retreat is an ideal opportunity to get away from the usual stresses and strains of everyday life and to immerse yourself in a tranquil Yoga filled week to refresh and cleanse your inner being. The week is suitable for those who are new to Yoga or those with previous experience who wish to immerse themselves in a consistent daily practice for the week.
Timetable for the week
Friday
- 18:00 – 19:00 Arrive and settle in
- 19:00 Dinner
Saturday
- 7:00 – 7:45 Breathwork and Meditation (An
introduction for beginners)
- 8:00 - 9:30 Yoga class
- 9:45 Breakfast
- 10:30 Outdoors in the Burren (This will vary from
sea walk to a walk through the hills. Some walks will
include visits to ancient sites.)
- 14:00 Lunch
- 16:30 - 18:00 Yoga class. This class can also be
used to bring up questions about any of the postures
or about Yoga.
- 18:30 Dinner
- 20:30 - 21:30 Meditation or Breathwork or Deep
Relaxation
Sunday
- 7:00 – 7:45 Breathwork and Meditation
- 8:00 - 9:30 Yoga class
- 9:45 Breakfast
- 10:30 Outdoors in the Burren (This will vary from
sea walk to a walk through the hills. Some walks will
include visits to ancient sites.)
- 14:00 Packed Lunch
- 16:30 - 18:00 More time in the Burren (Swimming in
lake, walking etc.)
- 18:30 Dinner
- 20:30 - 21:30 Meditation or Breathwork or Deep
Relaxation
Monday
- 7:00 – 7:45 Breathwork and Meditation
- 8:00 - 9:30 Yoga class
- 9:45 Breakfast
- 10:30 Outdoors in the Burren (This will vary from
sea walk to a walk through the hills. Some walks will
include visits to ancient sites.)
- 14:00 Lunch
- 16:30 - 18:00 Yoga class. This class can also be
used to bring up questions about any of the postures
or about Yoga.
- 18:30 Dinner
- 20:30 - 21:30 Meditation or Breathwork or Deep
Relaxation
Tuesday
- 7:00 – 7:45 Breathwork and Meditation
- 8:00 - 9:30 Yoga class
- 9:45 Breakfast
- 10:30 Outdoors in the Burren (This will vary from
sea walk to a walk through the hills. Some walks will
include visits to ancient sites.)
- 14:00 Lunch
- 16:30 - 18:00 Free Time
- 18:30 Dinner
- 20:30 - 21:30 Meditation or Breathwork or Deep
Relaxation
Wednesday
- 7:00 – 7:45 Breathwork and Meditation
- 8:00 - 9:30 Yoga class
- 9:45 Breakfast
- 10:30 Outdoors in the Burren (This will vary from
sea walk to a walk through the hills. Some walks will
include visits to ancient sites.)
- 14:00 Lunch
- 16:30 - 18:00 Yoga class. This class can also be
used to bring up questions about any of the postures
or about Yoga.
- 18:30 Dinner
- 20:30 - 21:30 Meditation or Breathwork or Deep
Relaxation
Thursday
- 7:00 – 7:45 Breathwork and Meditation
- 8:00 - 9:30 Yoga class
- 9:45 Breakfast
- 10:30 Outdoors in the Burren (This will vary from
sea walk to a walk through the hills. Some walks will
include visits to ancient sites.)
- 14:00 Lunch
- 16:30 - 18:00 Free Time
- 18:30 Dinner
- 20:30 - 21:30 Meditation or Breathwork or Deep
Relaxation
Friday
- 7:00 – 7:45 Breathwork and Meditation
- 8:00 - 9:30 Yoga class
- 9:45 Breakfast
- 10:30 – 11:30 Tidy and clean up centre
- 12:00 Lunch
- 12:30 Depart
Accommodation
The accommodation at the centre is in rooms of 2, 4 or 6 people sharing. There are also local B&B's and a hotel.
More details
Accommodation at the centreCost of the course
The cost of the course is 600 Euro and includes accommodation and the best of vegetarian meals.
If you chose to attend the weekend only the cost is €300.
If you choose not to stay at the centre and would prefer to stay in a B&B, the cost of the course is 550 Euro. A list of B&B’s is provided below;
091-637206
091-638088
091-637593
091-637425
091-637127
Booking a place on the course
Click below for on-line booking and information on how to book.
Booking on a courseDirections to the centre
The centre is 5 miles from Kinvara at the foot of the Burren Hills. There are no road signs and you will need detailed directions in order to find the centre for your first visit. There are detailed directions on the website www.burrenyoga.com under ‘How to find the centre’ and then under ‘detailed directions’.
You should print these out and bring them with you.
How to get to the centre
Shannon airport is 50 minutes drive from the centre. A hackney will cost approx 80 Euro.
If you are travelling to the centre it is easiest to get here by car. The directions on the website include directions from Dublin, Galway and Limerick.
If you have room and would like to offer someone a lift then please let the centre know.
The closest bus is to Gort. There are buses from Galway city to Gort each hour. A local hackney from Gort will cost approx 10 Euro. Phone 086-8337786, 087-2684062, 086-8248851.
If you would like a lift, then please let us know and we will try to link you up with someone travelling by car.
What you should bring with you
For a list of essential things to bring please click
What to bring with you
Bed linen is supplied, but you will need to bring your own towels.
We do not wear shoes inside the house so you may like to bring slippers or thick socks. However, the underfloor heating makes bare feet quite comfortable all year round.
We do not let the weather stop our hill or sea walks, so it is always a good idea to bring good walking shoes, raingear and also swimming gear if you would like to swim in the lake which is near the centre.
Other courses at the centre
There are other courses which are held at the centre throughout the year.
These include Yoga courses some of which are Satyananda yoga which emphasises inner awareness, breath awareness, relaxation and is suitable for all ages, fit or unfit.
There is also Astanga Yoga which is quite strong and dynamic and requires a good level of fitness. And there is Iyengar Yoga which requires a medium degree of fitness.
There are also Yoga-Dance workshops, Shiatsu courses, Vegetarian cooking, Detox courses, Stress Management courses and also Relaxation breaks.
More information
There is more information on the website www.burrenyoga.com
If you would like to receive monthly updates of new courses planned at the centre, you may add your e-mail address to the mailing list on the website.
If you do not have an e-mail address, and would like to receive monthly updates then please send your name and address to the centre.
Alternatively you may phone the centre for more information on 091-637680
Best Wishes,
Dave