0539489851

The Courtyard, Shillelagh, Coolattin, Co.Wicklow

 

About Us

A Family Run Retreat

I set up the yoga retreat with a vision of creating a holistic lifestyle hub where people can come together to enjoy yoga, mindfulness and meditation in a fun learning environment, to be nourished with delicious fresh homemade nourishing vegan food, enjoy country walks, relax or read a book on the lawn in summer or by an open fire in winter.

Most of us live very fast moving, stressful and sometimes sedentary lifestyles, which is having a negative impact on our physical and mental health. Yoga, mindfulness and meditation have been proven time and time again to help restore balance to people’s lives and reduce stress, sleep problems, anxiety, depression and other issues which are affecting so many people today. People are being over-prescribed prescription drugs for issues which can be dealt with in natural, holistic and fun ways. People are now looking for alternative solutions and turning to natural health care such as the Ayurveda (ancient Indian natural health care) which is becoming popular. Ayurveda promotes a holistic lifestyle approach which encourages balance through a tailored healthy diet, the practice of yoga and the practice of meditation.

A lot of us read self-help books in an effort to resolve personal issues, though in reality they all boil down to the same thing, we need balance, we need a healthy diet, we need time to be still, we need to actually learn how to be still, we need time for self-care, we need time to do things that are good for us and to do things that we enjoy. We need to connect with ourselves and nature. Connecting with oneself comes with stillness of the mind, this can be achieved through meditation, mindfulness practices, yoga and other disciplines such as tai chi.

I have a wonderful and dedicated team of staff who all work really hard to make the retreat a success. Our teachers are exceptional. They are highly qualified and all have between 10 and 20 years of experience in their field. I choose the teachers very carefully, choosing those who are true advocates of their professions and have a genuine love of teaching. Our teachers are very approachable and lovely people and they are there to support you.

We run each retreat as if it were our first retreat. Every retreat is special. We depend greatly on repeat business and referrals. Unlike other retreat centres, I made an executive decision to be a private retreat, i.e not to hire out our retreat to visiting or pop-up retreat groups, I believe this is paramount to maintaining high standards and consistency in relation to the food and tuition.

My parents Noel and Dee spent 14 years restoring this special property from what was a very dilapidated state. The courage and vision they had for this project was unquantifiable. The results are truly remarkable, thanks to a combination of Noel’s practical skill-set and self -learned knowledge of the renovation of old buildings and Dee’s exquisite taste of decor and finishing touches. The property has appeared in many renovation and interior design magazines to date.

Thanks for reading and hopefully see you at The Courtyard soon!

Olivia

Next Events
  1. Recharge Retreat

    24/03/2023 @ 4:30 pm - 26/03/2023 @ 12:30 pm
  2. Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness

    24/04/2023 @ 4:30 pm - 26/04/2023 @ 12:30 pm
  3. The Internal Art of Yoga

    19/05/2023 @ 4:30 pm - 21/05/2023 @ 12:30 pm
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Our Guest Reviews

Dear Olivia, Just a brief note to thank you for a wonderfully organized and thoroughly enjoyable weekend. Everything superb. Ambience, hosting, food, rooming, all excellent. Most importantly, the yoga I really enjoyed and teacher Liz was the best I have encountered. Muchas gracias. Adrian

Adrian Boyle

6th December 2019

I am hooked! This was my first yoga retreat and I was nervous as I wasn't sure what to expect, plus I was going solo! Well it turned out to be a wonderful weekend from beginning to end. It was so relaxed, welcoming and fun. The accomodation and surroundings are breathtaking and the food is delicious. I believe the weekend I spent there has been life changing for me, its the start of a new me that takes a moment to appreciate the wonderfulness of everyday and to enjoy every moment of life. Thank you Olivia, Liz (the yoga instructor) and Don (the aruveyda specialist). I cant wait to return. Maureen

Maureen O Hara

26 th October 2019

Definitely worth it such a beautiful place ,really lovely relaxing weekend great yoga teacher .food all home cooked delicious .Olivia and her mam are very welcoming to the amazing retreat weekend. Highly recommend it .

Louise O Reilly

10 November 2019

Beautiful home cooked vegan food and the location was so peaceful..accomadation was 5 star

Anna Jordan

13 November 2019

The whole experience was amazing. The yoga,the instructor, the food, the venue and the company. Perfect get away weekend in a beautiful location in Wicklow.

Becks O Reilly

10 November 2019

My recent stay was an amazing experience. As a first-timer at Yoga I was nervous of not keeping up in the classes. However our instructor Ann structured the class so everyone from total novice (me!!) upto instructor level (who was also attending the classes) were all fully included. The location and the buildings are amazing. The rooms are really comfortable and were renovated with a passion to detail. The courtyard buildings provide a really tranquil setting for the Yoga weekend. The food is amazing. I was amazed at the quality, taste and standard of presentation. Award winning in its own right. I highly recommend a visit and think I will be back very soon!!

Dave Kelly

25 August 2019

My stay here recently was calming and uplifting; it is a beautiful place and the yoga classes with Liz were very enjoyable and very beneficial in strengthening my own practice. She is a great teacher. The food was delicious and the accommodation was most comfortable. I highly recommend.

Brid Heffernen

8 July 2019

From the moment we arrived, we knew our weekend would be one to remember. The setting is beautiful, great food and accommodation, but most of all a warm welcome from Olivia and her family. The group was varied with yoga ability at all levels, so everyone felt included and looked after by Liz, our terrific teacher. I would highly recommend Courtyard retreats to all, and will be booking a return trip soon!

Emma Gallen

8 July 2019

I thoroughly enjoyed the venue, yoga, food, ambience and fun during the weekend at The Courtyard. Well done Olivia, Liz, Noel and Dee!

Angela Maguire

15 April 2019

The Courtyard is a very special place. Stunning location in the wicklow mountains and then you have the buildings that have been renovated beautifully to create a calm restful open space. The yoga classes with Liz Richards were incredibly well planned so as to be suitable for a large group with mixed ability from total beginner to a teacher trainer. Don Brennan gave a 2 1/2 hour talk on ayerveda that was simply fascinating. I floated home after a weekend retreat and will absolutely be back. Thank you Olivia, that was exactly what I needed.

Isobel Mc Carthy

16 April 2019

The Courtyard Yoga Retreat is a very special place. It provides nourishment for the body and soul. A truly authentic experience in a wonderfully authentic space and place. Superb yoga with Liz a true yogi, who generously shares her knowledge and guides each individual through the practice carefully and attentively. The food is a delight home cooked and delicious. Olivia has mastered the art of creating vegetarian food that tastes absolutely divine. The surroundings of the beautiful original house and courtyard buildings, which have been loving restored by her parents Dee and Noel top off the entire experience offering serenity in the heart of Wicklow. It’s a truly special place.

Patricia Duignan

16 April 2019

An absolutely amazing weekend. Olivia and her family are so incredibly welcoming and professional. The location is just stunning and so calming. They've done such brilliant job at restoring it. You can see how much love and hard work went into it. The food was delicious and there was plenty of it (which is important after lots of yoga!) Liz, our yoga instructor was so knowledgeable and intuitive. I've been doing yoga for nearly two years and I learned more in those few sessions with liz than I've done in all my time practicing. She's so passionate.

Beth Maguire

15 April 2019

Best yoga retreat I’ve been on. Olivia and her family are so kind and welcoming. Place is fantastic and relaxing. Liz the yoga instructor was so knowledgeable and managed the class of beginners to advanced at ease. Food was delicious too.

Hilda Maguire

15 April 2019

HAD A WONDERFUL WEEKEND @ THE YOGA RETREAT. OLIVIA WAS A REALLY GREAT HOSTESS, THE VEGETARIAN COOKING WAS AMAZING AND LIZ WAS A TRULY GOOD TEACHER. I ALSO ENJOYED DR DON BRENNAN WITH HIS AYERVEDIC SESSION. LOVELY WALKS IN THE AREA TOO.

Anne Reid

17 April 2019

"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

10 Dec 2017