0539489851

The Courtyard, Shillelagh, Coolattin, Co.Wicklow

 

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Hopefully you’ll find the answers to many of your questions here, if there is something you want to ask about then please use the contact form on the right hand column. Thank you. 

What should I to bring?

*You do not need to bring a yoga mat or other yoga props. We have top quality mats and props.

Yoga Clothing or similar

Yoga clothing should be formfitting, made from a lightweight material with lots of stretch, generally it is better to wear clothing that is both comfortable and made from breathable fabric (like cotton, bamboo or jersey). Your top clothing is as important as your bottom half as yoga requires a lot of arm movement as well as leg movement. If you don’t have any of the above most sport shops usually stock this type of clothing. TK Maxx can be useful and is priced reasonably. Tracksuit bottoms are not recommended. A sleeveless lightweight formfitting top and another lightweight formfitting long sleeve top would be recommended so that you can wear this to the class and take it off if you get warm. Please leave your shoes outside the yoga room.

Walking boots and extra runners. Keep one pair of shoes clean for walking around inside the house

Warm clothing

Rain jacket with hood or hat

Water bottles. You should bring water to your classes to keep hydrated. You can use the water from the kitchen taps to fill your bottles. It is pure private well water.

*Excellent quality yoga mats are provided, you do not need to bring your own

*Towels and bed linen are all provided.

Where shall I park?

Please park your car in the allocated carpark at the front of the property. Please park as neatly as possible so that all the cars can fit and so that other cars can still pass through. We keep the courtyard car free.  If you are coming with a friend you could try to arrange travelling in 1 car as it would be more environmentally friendly.

Do I bring any food?

Meals provided at the Retreat

Friday Afternoon: When you arrive it is nice to be able to have a hot drink such as tea, herbal tea, coffee and a tasty treat. We will leave out some freshly baked sweet treats.

Friday Evening – Main course & dessert

Saturday Morning – Light breakfast before class (in form of an all-in-one breakfast bowl)

Saturday Lunch – Delicious Soup and Salads

Saturday Mid Afternoon – Feeling peckish? We will leave out some tasty treats!

Saturday Evening – Main course & dessert

Sunday Morning –  Light breakfast before class (in form of an all-in-one breakfast bowl)

Time of arrival?

Please check the timetable for your retreat. To avoid stress and rushing it is best to arrive an hour before your first class!

How is the accommodation set up?

There are 4 courtyard houses, The Grooms, The Saddler’s Loft, The Dairymaid’s and Tindal’s cottage. Some of the bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms and some have shared en-suite bathrooms where 2 bedrooms have access to the same en-suite. This system works however you just have to remember to lock both doors. Each house has well equipped kitchens, not that you will be cooking! The water in the kitchen taps is well water from our private well and is as pure as you can get. You can fill your water bottles from your kitchens to bring with you to the yoga classes.

What can I do in my free-time on the Saturday afternoon?

Trek

Trekking routes are given to those who want to go for a trek or a walk or if you prefer to go for a walk by yourself there is a lovely country track beside to the property

The Farmshop

The Farm Shop in Tinahely is about 12 minutes by car. The owners of the Farm shop are relatives of the Allen’s at Ballymaloe and they have adopted a similar style throughout the café, with pretty table clothes and interesting memorabilia. The farm shop sells handmade crafts and artisan produce. There is a cafe on-site.

Relax

You can chose to simply relax at the Courtyard in one of the 4 sitting room areas or outside on the lawn if the weather is nice.

Do I share a room or do I have a single occupancy room?

Yes, our guests share rooms, however private rooms are available on request at an extra supplement rate.

Will I get free time?

You will have free time, please see schedule. You can also be assured that no classes are compulsory, we hope that you will attend all  classes but if you feel like missing a class to have some downtime or a rest then that is fine but please inform the teacher and Olivia so that we know where you are in the event we are worried about you.

Do we cater for special dietary requirements?

Yes we can cater for any allergies and intolerances, we can not cater specially for individual dislikes. Please make sure to note in your booking form if you have any intolerances or allergies.

What is the schedule/timetable?

Timetables vary according to the retreat – please see retreat timetable under the specific retreat description

Who are our hosts?

Olivia

Olivia runs The Courtyard Yoga Retreat and will be on hand throughout the weekend for any questions, help or support that you may need.

Noel & Dee

Noel and Dee, Olivia’s parents, are the proud owners of this special property which they have painstakingly restored from a state of disrepair when they purchased the property 12 years ago. When Noel retired as a veterinary surgeon he bravely took on this project. The project has been a great success and has kept him out of mischief for many years. It is thanks to Noel and Dee that we have this very special yoga retreat venue today. Dee is still working as a teacher and she will retire this summer. Noel and Dee are great hosts and love to welcome our guests. Noel will be on hand when you arrive and will help you settle into your house and ensure that you are comfortable.

We employ a small panel of yoga teachers, all of whom are highly experienced and have more than 10 – 15 years experience. Your teacher will support you throughout the retreat. Please feel free to speak with them with any concern relating to the classes, the yoga practice, any illness, injuries etc. All our teachers are very approachable and professional and they are there to ensure you enjoy your classes and that you learn lots whilst you are with us.

Directions?

From M11/N11 Dublin

N11 – From Dublin

Coming from Dublin turn off N11 at Rathnew village, head in the direction of Glenealy and Rathdrum. Pass by Rathdrum to Ballinaclash and Aughrim. Cross the bridge in Aughrim and turn right for Tinahely and Carnew. Continue for 12 minutes (do not take the turn to Tinahely continue until the turn right for Coolboy, enter Coolboy and turn right at the pub, cross the little bridge and turn left towards Coolattin and Shillelagh continue past Coolattin Golf Club entrance on right. About half a mile after the golf club you will come to white railings on the right which is the back gate to golf club. The Courtyard and Coolattin Lodge is opposite the white railings on the left.

From M50 – M9

Come off the M9 at Castledermot, kildare head in the direction of Tullow, as you enter Tullow take a left, pass through the town and take a right to Shillelagh at the top of the town. Pass through Shillelagh and keep going straight you will come to a bend to the right, do not follow to the right but carry on up this road, Coolattin Golf Course will be sign posted at this junction, continue up this road towards Coolattin Golf club about 1 km up this road you will come to a forestry gate with white railings on the left, Coolattin Lodge/The Couryard is on the right. You will see granite pillars with lights. Coolattin Lodge is written on the pillars.

From Shillelagh to The Courtyard

If you find yourself in Shillelagh village head east towards Coolattin or Coolattin Golf Club. The Courtyard is 1 km on the right opposite the white railings.

What is the Wifi Code?

Coolattin_wifi

Password: guestaccess

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