Our Food

You'll be surprised how good vegan food can be!

Olivia is passionate about food. She trained at Ballymaloe Cookery School and then furthered her interest to specialise in vegetarian cooking.

Where vegetarian and vegan food is concerned it’s all about getting a good balance of flavours, textures, colours and of course using quality, wholesome and fresh ingredients. Everything is cooked from scratch which is a rare commodity these days. We operate a zero-waste policy. Vegetable cuttings are used in our compost for our vegetable patches and there are seldom leftovers on the plates which we just love.

At The Courtyard Yoga Retreat you will be well nourished with beautiful healthy and nutritious meals. Our food is different from any other yoga retreat in Ireland. Many of the dishes have been inspired by my travels to India, Thailand, Vietnam, Loas, North Africa and of course her time spent at Ballymaloe Cookery School.

We use fresh herbs and spices extensively, herbs and spices enhance the natural flavour and the enjoyment of food and also have a therapeutic value. We grow our own herbs, and when we have plentiful we use our own carrots, potatoes, courgettes, lettuce, swiss chard, apples and other home grown ingredients from our vegetable garden. If you happen to come in strawberry season you will have the pleasure of fresh strawberries as we have an abundance at peak season! We also forage in the forestry nearby for nettles, wild garlic, elderflower, blackberries and wild raspberries.

Meal time is such an important and fun part of our yoga retreat, the food is always a popular talking point.

Simple colourful vegan soup & Salad

Vegan Treats

Gaspacho

Chia & Kiwi Vegan breakfast bowl

Light fluffy lime cake

Choco almond treats

Our home-grown Courgettes and beans

Our Courgettes

Vegan Breakfast jar coconut granola

Freshly picked Garden Carrots

Frances with freshly juiced Vegetable

Vegan desserts – Mango & Coconut

Natural Loose Tea

Raw Vegan Tasty Treats

Vegan Coconut Rhubarb Crumble

Rice Noodle

Beetroot from the Garden

A Simple Salad

Beetroot and Coconut

Freshly picked strawberries

Maldivian Mango Curry

Vegetable Muffins

Detox Biscuits

South American Bean Stew

Vegan & Strawberries from the garden

Vietnamese Yellow Curry

Tasty Vegan Snacks

Detox Biscuits & Recipe

Our Guest Reviews

"Great retreat today. Beautiful venue. Will definitely return"

Carol O Sullivan

10 Dec 2017

"My husband and I have nothing but positive to say about The Courtyard. We made to feel very welcome from start to finish, with a ‘home-away-from-home’ sort of feel the food was an absolute treat and the yoga teaching was insightful and inspiring. Would give 6 stars if we could."

Claire O’ Malley

19th March 2018

"Myself and my Mum had the most fantastic weekend at the Courtyard Yoga Retreat. Everything from the Yoga, to the food, to the setting and the welcome was second to none. Liz Richards is a particularly experienced and excellent yoga teacher. Olivia’s cooking is simply delicious. It is so satisfying, light but filling and extremely tasty and easy to eat. Both Mum and I can’t wait to come back. Thanks v much, Ali"

Ali O Connor

23rd March 2018

"Just back from a most amazing yoga retreat at the courtyard. From the warm welcome, yummy treats by the fire, amazing yoga sessions by Liz, and delicious and nutritious food, it was all just perfect for what I was looking for; rest, restoration, learning, good food and lovely company. Liz is a great teacher, bringing it right back to the basics and through her almost meditative stream of instruction bringing you to a new level of yoga awareness. Thank you all at the Courtyard. I will be back!"

Mathilde Murray-Veldt

14 Jan 2018

"Came to the courtyard retreat with my sister last weekend. It did not disappoint…..beautiful surroundings, comfortable accommodation and delicious vegetarian food. Olivia and her family were very welcoming, always on hand and worked so hard to make our weekend effortless. Liz is an amazing yoga teacher. Her classes allowed us to focus on the body, breath and mind. I felt revitalize and relaxed after a weekend of delicious food, excellent yoga and great company. Wonderful way to start the year!"

Geraldine O’ Gara

15 Jan 2018

"Just back from a weekend yoga retreat and feeling renewed and energised. The yoga classes were truly enjoyable and the vegetarian cuisine was excellent! Olivia is the perfect host and created a warm and friendly atmosphere throughout the weekend. I am looking forward to returning and enjoying another gorgeous weekend in this wonderful venue."

Jackie O’Brien

14th Jan 2018

"Just spent the weekend here . What an amazing place to kick start the year with mind blowing yoga , fantastic food and beautiful surroundings! A great experience I can’t wait to repeat !"

Clara De Paolo

15th Jan 2018

"Words cannot adequately describe how truly amazing the courtyard yoga retreat is … I was looking forward to my weekend but the reality was far better than my expectations. The yoga was incredible and meditative – I learnt more in a weekend than ever before… and the food…… amazing!! A nurturing wellness weekend- I will be back as soon as I can – thank you"

Fiona Barry

18th Jan 2018

"Fantastic day..enjoyed the fresh home made lunch, the desserts & the lovely sweet treats left out for us, The yoga was amazing & Liz is a super teacher, Olivia really made us feel @ home looked after us very well.Great company & beautiful scenic views around the area Will definitely be back"

Deirdre O Farrell