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Sometimes our lives are so busy and complicated that we crave a few days to escape the madness and just find a bit of peace. A retreat or workshop is the perfect way to find a quiet moment to reflect or do something new.
Glenstal Abbey near Murroe, Co Limerick welcomes guests to join the Benedictine monks for reflection time. You can stay in the guest house and join in the liturgies and silent meals. The individual God pods in the forest are ideal if you want some hermit time and are happy to cater for yourself. You can join in for meals if you wish. glenstal.org
If eco credentials are important, a stay in the wind-powered cabins of Ard Nahoo are the perfect middle-of-nowhere retreat. Enjoy the lush Leitrim countryside, luxuriate in the outdoor hot tub, have a massage or treatments. Join a yoga class or just laze around. ardnahoo.com
Far out on the Beara Peninsula everyone is welcome at the Dzogchen Beara Meditation Retreat Centre. The peaceful surroundings allow you to relax and contemplate. There are a range of workshop events including ones on facing loss, healing grief, contemplative walking,meditation and more. dzogchenbeara.org
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Unlock your inner artist at the Burren College of Art summer workshops. Learn how to open your eyes and be inspired by the surroundings of Co Clare. Take classes in painting botanicals or try a digital photography workshop, Burren Collegeis near Ballyvaughan. burrencollege.ie.
The peaceful environment of Anam Cara writers' and artists' retreat in West Cork is an ideal place to do some work or join in a retreat. Open to writers, poets, musicians and artists, stays of a week are recommended to benefit from the tranquil setting. In the Beara Peninsula, theRretreatis set in beautiful surroundings and is conducive to letting your thoughts flow. anamcararetreat.com
jscales@irishtimes.com
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