Who our retreats are suitable for
In general our eco yoga retreats are suitable for all ages, men and women, complete beginners to advanced.
Dave has hand-picked the best yoga and meditation teachers and has limited the maximum number of retreat participants to 15, so no matter what your age or level of ability our teachers will be able to guide you at a pace and level that is suitable for you.
However, some of our courses are quite gentle while others are more dynamic and physically challenging.
90% of people come on their own
The atmosphere at the Burren Yoga and Meditation Centre is relaxed and friendly, and most retreat participants come on their own.
We only take a maximum of 15 people on each retreat, and within a couple of hours it will be like everybody has known each other for many years.
Many people have remarked that they were expecting very high quality yoga and meditation instruction, and the best of food, and great guided outings, but were very surprised at the the huge social aspect of meeting like minded people within this very friendly and fun atmosphere.
Age, Injuries or previous experience
Some of the factors which may influence which retreat and which type of yoga may be best for you are
- age
- any injuries
- physical problems such as a bad back
- any health condition
- if you ever practiced yoga before and what type of yoga
Other factors which may influence your decision are whether you are more interested in
- fitness
- relaxation
- learning to let go of thoughts
- stress reduction
- losing weight
- meditation
- improving awareness
- all of the above
So if you are younger and even though you may be a complete beginner, you may prefer to choose a course which is a challenge for your fitness and is more challenging than the gentle courses.
If you are older, or have any back, neck or knee injuries you may prefer to try one of our more gentle courses.
But the choice is entirely yours. No matter which course you choose, the teacher will ensure that you do not work beyond your limits.
About 20% of our visitors have never practiced yoga before, and it is a great way to begin the path of yoga and meditation having an excellent yoga teacher to guide you.
About 30% of the people on our retreats have been here before, so this gives a nice atmosphere and before you know it, all you will hear is laughter as everyone gets to know each other.
If you need advice, or are not sure which retreat would be best for you, please do not hesitate to contact Dave who runs the centre either by email or the phone number in the footer area at the bottom of this website.
Retreat types listed in order of most gentle first
Most of the retreat types below take place between 2 to 4 times per year.
Most gentle listed first
You can see which ones are coming soon, on our Calendar of eco yoga retreats
- Gentle yoga and meditation for senior citizens by Dave Brocklebank
- Uma Dinsmore Tuli yoga for menstrual health, fertility and pregnancy
- Uma Dinsmore Tuli women’s yoga retreat (usually in July)
- Yoga and meditation with Lisa Petersen
- Tadhg Ferriter’s Satyananda yoga
- Restorative yoga with Simone Meschnig
- Hatha Yoga and meditation with Bella Hancock
- Hatha Yoga and meditation with Niamh Jones
- Grainne McLaughlin’s Satyananda yoga
- Dave Brocklebank’s Satyananda yoga and Meditation
- Mindfulness and yoga with Kevin Taplin
- Mindfulness and yoga with Eleanor Dawson
- Hatha yoga and meditation with Marie Quail
- Hatha yoga and meditation with Niamh Jones
- Asana Pranayama and meditation with David Muehsam
- Mindfulness and yoga with Dara Loughrey
- Vinyasa and Yin yoga with Carmel Cronin
- Anusara yoga and meditation with Kanta Barrios
- Vinyasa flow and Restorative yoga with Rachel Beare
- Vinyasa yoga and meditation with Cathy Pearson
- Yoga Bootcamp and meditation with Niamh Jones
- Vinyasa yoga and meditation with Kathryn Moynihan
- Bikram yoga and meditation with Niamh Jones
- Ashtanga Vinyasa and meditation with David Collins
The last 3 types of retreats are reasonably challenging, so if you are a complete beginner to yoga and are over 50 years old and wish to book on one of the last 3 types of retreats, then best to check with Dave first.
He will chat with you to see if you have any back neck or knee injuries or any other health conditions which may make one of the more gentle courses advisable for you.
Independent traveller
Our retreats are ideal if you are travelling on your own and would like to spend an inspiring week in one of the most beautiful places in Ireland, The Burren.
Most people come on our eco yoga retreats on their own and the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.
Irish people are very sociable and over dinner on the first night you will be chatting to the others in the group as if you had known them many years 😉
Singles holiday breaks
Sometimes it is best to come on your own to a yoga retreat.
That way you will be able to simply be yourself and not feel that you have to chat to someone if you would like to stay quiet, or not feel you should do the gentle sea walk when what you really would like to do is the hill climb that looks over Galway bay with stunning views of the Atlantic ocean and the Aran Islands.
Being on your own gives you the flexibility to be able to do what feels right to you at any particular moment, without having to take someone else into account.
This makes it easier to tune inwards, notice and observe the effects of some of the practices on your internal peace on mind, rather than be distracted by interacting with a friend.
Great social way to meet like minded people
The atmosphere on our eco yoga retreats is informal and relaxed and there is a genuine warm friendly feeling at the centre, so that one feels at home within the first 5 minutes.
The most usual sound you will hear in the kitchen is chatting and laughter, and it is very easy to make new friends as the whole group bonds very well together and we all head out as a group on the guided outings.
Womens group
Sometimes it is nice to relax and nourish yourself in a group that is safe for women and just in the company of women.
We usually offer some retreats that are women only, although most of our retreats have both men and women on them.
Single persons holidays
A great way to visit Ireland is to come on one of our eco yoga retreats for your first week’s holiday. Get to meet and socialise with Irish people and hear their tips and advice on where best to go, and also possibly to hear about festivals or music events that may be happening the following week.
And then take your second week to either stay in The Burren and to soak up this relaxed pace of life on the West coast of Ireland or who knows….maybe one of the other retreat participants will invite you to see another special place in Ireland.
Mum and Daughter, couples or friends
Although most people usually come on their own, sometimes these retreats can be a nice way to spend some time with your daughter or your sister or your boyfriend or even a group of friends.
We have guided outings that you are welcome to come on. But if you prefer to break off from the rest of the group, Dave will give you many options on places to see, things to do, and excellent places to eat.
Bring your partner with you – Flexible Packages
We have flexible packages available where you or your partner can sign up for
- the whole retreat (which is the best value)
- stay less than the whole retreat
- accommodation, meals and outdoors but not the classes
- a taster day on one of our retreats
- accommodation only
Can you spot Kathryn Thomas the Irish Television presenter?
The options can be seen at Eco Yoga Retreats Packages and Pricing
Everybody is welcome at Burren Yoga 😉
Just leave your cares and worries behind, and come along with an open heart.
Reviewed 13th July 2021
This was my 1st time to do anything alone and it turned out to be the best impulse decision I ever made! The centre was spotless and the lighting that flowed through it was uplifting in itself. The bedroom was lovely and comfortable with a huge window letting in light and overlooking nature.
The fully tiled bathroom felt very luxurious with a large shower and heated towel rail!
The food was delicious, and plentiful. Really impressed with so many new flavours and all vegetarian, my body was flooded with goodness all week.
Our yoga teacher Grainne, went above and beyond and as I am building my strength after an illness last year, I never felt under any pressure to keep up with the group on hikes or classes, It was perfect for me.…
