Beijing and Brussels were once on her political itinerary, but now she is back in the Burren where she belongs. Brid∅n Twist, former president of the Irish Countrywomen's Association (ICA), has forsaken life in the public eye for a career in spiritual healing and self-discovery - if "career" is the appropriate word.
She regards it as a natural progression at a time when there is a great yearning for alternatives to organised religion and institutional medicine, fuelled by current tragic events abroad. Ms Twist's own experiences in mainstream political life - as ICA president and Labour candidate in Co Clare - influenced her decision to take a step back and out.
The result is the Burren Holistic Centre, a tranquil retreat within the shadow of Mullaghmore mountain. Nasturtiums run riot over a garden shaded by woodland and punctuated by limestone rock on the grounds of Ms Twist's father's farm.
She describes how she and her husband, Rob, designed and built the centre. A labyrinth of stone and a sweat lodge of branches have been constructed with the help of Native American Indians, while an eagle in flight has been painted from natural clay on a large boulder marking the lawn.
The labyrinth comprises 13 turns, reflecting the 13 phases of the moon, and four tall stones represent compass points. Inside the 100-year-old house, a beautifully furnished room with bright drapes and cushions allows space for meditation, while there is accommodation for groups of up to 16.
The seeds were sown three years ago, after Ms Twist experienced a major personal crisis. She had become one of the most influential women in the State and led a life of constant national and international travel. In 1995, she was part of the Irish delegation which attended the UN Women's Conference in Beijing. In 1997, she ran unsuccessfully as candidate for the Labour Party in her native county. She looks back on those years with no great nostalgia. "The loneliness, the lack of support that women have when they reach this sort of position in society has never been seriously acknowledged.
"But it is universal for all women," she emphasises. "Women are still managing the home, relationships, their children's lives and, if women are to take on the top jobs, there has to be everything from good childcare to flexible arrangements which allow for their absolute efficiency. We still haven't reached that stage in this society."
She found herself on a route to self-destruction. "When you finally hit bottom, as I did, there is a part of you that wonders what point there is in living any more. All I had worked for seemed meaningless. The birth of my first grandson was the turning point for me. I realised that I wanted to see him growing up."
"During my journey, there were people who were there for me, who taught me about the value of sacred space, accepting who you are, discovering creativity and returning to the natural environment. I suppose I wanted to share that. I have been fortunate enough to be able to do that here." Now a year old, the centre is used by groups running their own courses, while treatments range from integrated energy therapy, Reiki healing, body talk and massage to stress-management and personal growth. There are plans for a Zen garden and Ms Twist describes the centre as "a work in progress".
The Burren Holistic Centre, Rock Forest, Tubber, Co Clare, is at (091) 633212.