Arrival on Friday 30th April 2021

Saturday timetable

Sunday timetable

Close of retreat on Monday 3rd May 2021

Instructor Bio Carmel Cronin

Carmel Cronin has been practicing yoga and meditation for over 20 years and is originally from Limerick.

Carmel believes that meditation has the potential to create conditions of innate healing and combined with the physical practise of yoga and breathing, brings mental and physical balance to one’s whole being.

Her classes are focused on the simple breath & movement focus for the beginner to allow the body to open and experience the flow of vital energy, to more stronger flows for the experienced student- she believes strongly and encourages students to ‘ hold their own space with integrity’

As well as teaching Vinyasa yoga, Carmel also teaches Yin yoga which will be included in the afternoon classes during this retreat.

Read more Carmel Cronin’s full Bio

Description of Vinyasa & Yin yoga and meditation retreat

Feel energised and tune inwards with Carmel

Who is this bank holiday weekend Vinyasa & Yin yoga retreat suitable for

This course is suitable for complete beginners as well as advanced people.

An ideal weekend in May to let go of the stresses and strains of everyday life and to let go into a very peaceful and tranquil environment with a gifted teacher and share some time with like minded people.

As we approach the Summer season this weekend will focus on slowly clearing all the stagnation of the long winter months with Vinyasa flow to energise and awaken and strenghten the body and calming Yin and Meditation to de-stress heal and nourish depleated energy stores and frazzled nervous systems.

The flow class (Sat & Sun morn) will start with Pranayama (breath practise) to ground and center followed by Vinyasa flow sequences- Vinyasa means movements with breath making Yoga essentailly a breath focused movement practise or moving meditation.

Poses will be taught from foundational level up with sound anatomical principles so new students can work safely to explore or more experienced students can deep their practise.

Sequences will flow from simple to more energetic – this class will tone, strengthen and increase flexibility.

Each person will be encouraged to respect their own limitations and there is not comparison made between people. Each person will be given adjustments and variations suitable to their own level of fitness.

Carmel’s soothing voice will encourage each person to challenge themnselves in a safe way while she keeps an eye on each person and gives adjustments to each person.

The Vinyasa flow yoga class removes energy blocks and one can experience a feeling of lightness and enthusiasm.

Some of these postures are challenging and some of the postures that Carmel will teach will be more relaxing and restorative.

Carmel also studied the ancient technique of Yoga Nidra ( yogic sleep) which brings you to a very deep state of relaxation. In this state it is then possible for you to give some guidance to your inner self to bring positive results to your life.

The meditation will be a breath focused meditation based on the principles of focusing the mind on the flow and quality of the breath.

This is done in a comfortable seated position to allow free and unhindered movement of the Diaphghram.

As one progresses this helps the practitioner to relax and become the ‘witness’ of our thoughts rather then controlled by them allowing one to ‘down- regulate’ the nervous system, develop mindfulness and help with better sleep.

The Yin class will consist of long held seated poses where poses will be held typically held for 2 to 4 mins to access the body’s connective tissue. This stretches and tones ligaments, joint capsules, tendons, bones and all the body’s fascia preventing inflammation and improving mobility.

This practise will also work on the bodys energetic meridians address stagnation/ depletion and generally balancing our energetic body.

Beginners will be introduced gradually to meditation, which will deepen and lengthen in practice over the week and those wanting to just sit for longer periods will be allowed the space.

This is a great class to introduce the concept of mindfulness and I will introduce the core Buddhist text – the Satipatthana Sutta- the 4 foundations of mindfulness.

On Saturday after breakfast, Dave will lead the group on a guided outing and we will either do a hill walk in the Burren hills or a walk by the sea. All these activities are optional.

These guided outings are an important part of each eco yoga retreat and it is a lovely way to see some special places in the Burren well away from the usual tourist places.

The secret forest has been described by one visitor as the type of place that fairies and elves live, and when they heard us coming they hid out of sight, but did not have time to take away their fairy veils and magic feelings which fill the air.

During our guided outing we stop off for lunch at one of the best local restaurants or cafes. One favourite is the Ballyvaughan tea rooms where Stephen Spielberg flew in especially to order the cheese cake.

The Burren is famous for it’s wild flowers, and it is lovely to see wild orchids during the months from May to September.

Most people come on their own so it’s a great way to connect with like minded people and also make new buddies.

Gearoid the food genius will be feeding us amazing vegetarian food and if you have ever wondered what it would be like to be on a weekend veggie retreat rest assured you will be pleasantly surprised and may even get hooked! He has a brilliant reputation for preparing vegetarian food to the highest standard.

Carmel has many years now of experience teaching people from different backgrounds, age and level.

She teaches regular classes in Cork city, teaches workshops and retreats in Ireland.

On Friday evening and Saturday evening Gearoid the cook who used to work in a Hare Krishna restaurant in New York, will prepare “with love” a delicious vegetarian dinner and many people have said they have not eaten vegetarian food as good as this at any restaurant.

If this is your first time to come to Burren Yoga, please be reassured you will not go hungry…. just read the reviews 😉

The social aspect of these retreats where you meet like-minded people is a great fun element of the retreat.

Each person is cared for on an individual basis, and each person works at their own level and no comparisons are made between anybody.

By the end of the retreat you will be feeling lighter, more open in your body and your mind, and fully refreshed to bring this new energy and new practices into your everyday life.