THE ‘MANA 3 NIGHT RETREAT’

Posted on 17/02/202320/05/2024 by HIBlog

THE ‘MANA 3 NIGHT RETREAT’

at Kilmokea Country Manor & Gardens

May 16th to 19th 2023

Enquiries & To Book phone Emma 051 388109

‘Start the day off right with Morning movement followed by reflection time throughout the day. End the day feeling relaxed, pampered and inspired’

Day 1

Arrive at Kilmokea between 2.30pm and 3.30 pm for the introduction to your beautiful, individually designed bedroom.

4 pm. Join Johanna and Emma in the drawing room where you will receive a warm welcome followed by a gentle meditation.

5 pm. Time to explore your retreat space before dinner allowing you to unwind and connect with your surroundings.

7 pm. Healthy Organic Vegetarian 2 course dinner in the Dining room.

8:30 p.m. Evening gathering with Qi Gong at the Italian Loggia & Pool.

Day 2

8.00 am. Energise with Qi Gong movement on the lawn, whilst listening to the morning birds.

8:30 am Breakfast in the Garden Conservatory

10 am Mindful walk to the Vegetable Garden

10:30 am Explore the world of growing your own fruit and vegetables

12:30 pm Lunch in the Garden Conservatory followed by an afternoon of replenishing your inner resources. Press the pause button on everyday life with a relaxing afternoon in the Jacuzzi and Indoor Heated Pool and Gardens.

4 p.m. Forest bathing/ Shinrin Yoku in the Woodlands. This health promoting, nature connection practice aims to enhance wellbeing, relieve stress and encourage relaxation. Enjoy a guided walk, and soak up the healing benefits of the natural environment through one’s five senses.

6.30 p.m. Healthy Organic Vegetarian 2 course dinner in the Dining room.

8 p.m. Evening Meditation under the Stars.

Day 3

8 a.m. Energise with Qi Gong movement on the lawn, whilst listening to the morning birds.

8:30 a.m. Breakfast in the Garden Conservatory.

10 a.m. Stunning gentle Beach walk, with optional Sea Swim. Enjoy an Introduction to seaweed delights and the practice of earthing.

1:30 p.m. Kilmokea lunch followed by an afternoon of replenishing your inner resources. Press the pause button on everyday life with a relaxing afternoon in the Jacuzzi and Indoor Heated Pool and Gardens.

6 p.m. Open fire dinner in the Woodlands with evening meditation to finish

Day 4

8 am Meditation & Qi Gong movement in the Gardens.

9 a.m. Breakfast in the Garden Conservatory.

10am Our closing gathering. Depart feeling revitalised, restored & renewed.

Participation in daily activities and workshops is always optional.

Mana Retreat Hosts.

Emma Hewlett.

Emma Co owns and lovingly looks after Kilmokea Country Manor and Gardens with her husband, Mark. Guests have been staying at Kilmokea under their care for over 25 years, enjoying the Hewlett home with all the gorgeous offerings on site. Extensive gardens, indoor heated pool, tennis court, croquet lawn, jacuzzi, sauna and gym. Emma is the Chef in the evening for paying guests where she prepares a wide range of seasonal organic locally sourced food, much of which is grown in the gardens under her care.

She is an Holistic Aromatherapist who works with organic Irish essential oils. Recently she qualified as a vibrational flower essence practitioner and forest bathing facilitator. She practices Qi Gong and meditation daily, loves being outside and sea swims throughout the warmer months. She spends her relaxing moments on the beautiful local beaches and walking with her dogs in the woodlands amongst the trees.

Johanna Brown

A history graduate from Trinity College Dublin Johanna spent over 20 years working and travelling, including 5 years living and working in Jordan. 10 years ago she started running art and nature classes which evolved into her own ‘Forest school’. This involves outdoor education through school programmes in after school groups and camps. She has also led teacher training in this area, and workshops for mental health.

Passionate about foraging, eco-art and learning more about nature-based solutions she is also a certified Forest Bathing practitioner. Johanna enjoys Qi gong regularly, meditation, nlp, swimming in the river and sea, and walking. She loves sharing the joys and benefits of nature and leading groups of people outdoors, promoting mindfulness and well-being.

Everything you need to relax at Kilmokea Country Manor & Gardens:

3 nights accommodation in beautiful individually designed bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, cotton sheets and floral bathroom soaps.

Invigorating Water from our own well which has been filtered through reverse osmosis and a vortex.

Daily delicious, nutritious, locally sourced, organic vegetarian food with a vegan option available by prior arrangement.

Secluded Property with Historic Gardens which highlight the location of the mythological foundation site of Ireland, with the first landing of Cassair, followed by peaceful Celtic monks in the 7th century who farmed the lands. The Viking boats which sailed up the River Barrow and settled at Kilmokea preceded the arrival of the Normans in 1169. Kilmokea are proud members of Hidden Ireland and offer accommodation to guests wishing to experience authentic Irish hospitality in their historic home.

What to Bring:

Optional to bring a musical instrument, a story or song for the Open Fire evening in the woods

Outdoor activities will require appropriate clothing so please bring a coat, outdoor footwear, sun cream, a water bottle and Beach towel if swimming

Feel free to wear pyjamas for the meditation or loose comfortable clothing.

Click here to learn more about this amazing retreat

Go Exploring at Lough Bawn House

Posted on 20/05/202203/08/2022 by HIBlog

Book a stay with Verity and go exploring at Lough Bawn House!

The house and estate has been in the same family since it was built in 1820 by George Battesby, the current occupier, Verity’s, Great Great Great Grandfather. The house is being lovingly restored by Verity, having returned from England to live in the family home. Verity ran her own catering and events company in Gloucestershire for over 20 years. Her passion for cooking & entertaining shines through. Guests enjoy an extensive and varied breakfast with much of the ingredients being grown or reared by Verity herself, and delicious dinners are on offer. Breakfast is eaten in the large newly restored dining room, with wonderful views over the lough and of the parading peacocks on the rolling lawns.

Both of the large, en-suite rooms have fine views down the length of Lough Bane and over the wooded hills while the single room and the twin/double room have sweeping views of the surrounding parklands. Guests are warmly welcomed and encouraged to relax in the homely drawing room in front of a roaring fire or to explore one of the many local historical sites, gardens, walks or cultural entertainments on offer.

What to do whilst at Lough Bawn House!

There is so much you can do while staying in Lough Bawn House! Travel westwards along the River Shannon to the historic town of Athlone, Mullingar and Kells. Heading east brings you to the vibrant city of Dublin! Ramble through beech tree forest at Mullaghmeen or cycle on the Royal Canal Greenway and Old Railway Line.

Play golf at courses in Mullingar, Virginia, Kells Headfort, Slieve Russel, and the K Club. Visit the Lough Crew Megalithic Cairns & Passage Tombs, Hill of Uineach and Newgrange. Visit Tullynally Castle, Belvedere House, Loughcrew, and Ballindoolin gardens. Explore Ireland’s Ancient East with historic places like Fore Abbey with it’s Nellie and Nancy walk and Trim Castle. Kilbeggan Distillery Experience, Lockes Museum, Causey Farm, Sheridan’s Cheesemongers and farm shop.

Click HERE to learn more or to book a stay with Verity and go exploring at Lough Bawn House

Best Places to Stay 2022

Posted on 26/03/202214/04/2023 by Aidan Gallagher

This morning the Irish Independent has published its Fab 50: Ireland’s best places to stay 2022. We are so delighted that Hidden Ireland has two houses included in the list! Clonalis House in Castlerea, Co Roscommon and Birdhill House & Gardens in Clonmel, Co Tipperary appear under the heading of “cool castles & character stays”!

Clonalis House

To quote Nicola Brady when it comes to historical properties, Castlerea’s Clonalis House is top of the pile.

Life at Clonalis House is all about kicking back with all the ingredients for a lazy weekend in the country.

Expect the good-old fashioned hospitality of bygone days, roaring turf fires to sit next to and a charismatic ambience. Curl up with a book on a sofa in the library or borrow a pair of wellies and take a stroll in the 700-acre woodland estate.

Clonalis House won the O’Flynn Group Heritage Prize, recognising the dedication to history and preservation of old Irish architecture.

To quote Carol-Anne, from Clonalis House “it’s a never ending project”.

An excellent choice for inclusion in the Irish Independent’s Fab 50, Ireland’s best places to stay in 2022.

Click HERE to book a stay in the beautiful Clonalis House.

Birdhill House & Gardens

Thomas Breathnach called to Yvonne & Robert in Birdhill House & Gardens. Another stunning Hidden Ireland house which is the latest addition to the Hidden Ireland family. Thomas found a villa-like splendour and an all-season appeal , with sun trap terraces, palatial bedrooms, and inviting spaces to curl up in. The house also boasts a beautiful decadent drawing room and a library that is just bursting with character! Condé Nast Traveller has tipped Tipperary as one of the best places in the world to visit in 2022.Click HERE to book a stay in Birdhill House & Gardens!

Click HERE to read the full list of the Irish Independent’s Fab 50 Ireland’s best places to stay in 2022!

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter for news, updates and any offers that are available!

Treat your Mother to a Hidden Ireland Gift Voucher for Mother’s Day this year and your mum can treat herself to a stay in one of the best places to stay in Ireland for 2022!

Explore the Wild Atlantic Way

Posted on 16/03/202214/04/2023 by HIBlog

Is it time you went to explore the Wild Atlantic Way?

The Wild Atlantic Way is a world-renowned touring route up the wild and rugged west coast of Ireland. The northerly tip starts on the Inishowen peninsula in Co Donegal and it finishes in the beautiful town of Kinsale in Co Cork, some 2,500 km.

If you are limited on time you can do it in a week but 2-3 weeks would be better. It is a driving (or cycling) tour that meanders its way casually along the Atlantic coast line. The Wild Atlantic Way highlights some 188 of the very best discovery points to see! It also affords you the opportunity to steer off the well sign posted route and explore many more memorable attractions.

You need not try to do it all. Pick out a region or two and explore at a leisurely pace. Come back another time to do some more. Maps are deceiving in Ireland. It takes longer than you might expect because there is so much to see and do around every bend in the road and behind every blossom laden hedge.

Hidden Ireland & The Wild Atlantic Way

Hidden Ireland accommodation is scattered up and down the trail giving you a great choice of where to stay while you explore the Wild Atlantic Way. An historic Country House bed and breakfast might suit you for a couple of days or a whole house vacation rental in a cottage, lodge or even a manor might suit an extended stay better. It will be a memorable experience to share with friends or family.

Make sure to check out what Hidden Ireland can offer as you explore the Wild Atlantic Way! We even have a map to help you organise your trip along the west coast! Click HERE to check it out!

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter too!

Explore the Mourne Mountain Region

Posted on 10/02/202214/04/2023 by HIBlog

Explore the Mourne Mountain Region! From dramatic mountains sweeping down to the sea to miles of sandy beaches and magical Forest Parks. The Mourne Region has it all.

The Mourne Mountain range has many walks for all abilities and boasts many wonderful views. The tallest peak Slieve Donard was the inspiration for the Percy French song “Where the Mountains of Mourne sweep down to the sea” as it dominates the quaint seaside town of Newcastle. The world class Royal County Down Golf Club sits between Newcastle and Murlough Beach which is a protected wildlife reserve and one of the most picturesque places for a swim in Ireland.

When you are exploring the Mourne Mountain Region there are 3 forest parks in the area. Tollymore Forest is 3 miles outside Newcastle and Castlewellan Forest is 5 miles from Newcastle. It has many forest walks and a mature maze to keep you occupied for hours. Kilbroney Park can be found in the pretty village of Rostrevor and was one of the areas which inspired CS Lewis to write The Tales of Narnia. You can climb up to the Cloughmor Stone and look out over Carlingford Lough to the Cooley Mountains. All three parks have designated bike tracks and bike hire is available.

Downpatrick is also close by and you can visit St Patrick’s Grave at the Cathedral and follow St Patrick’s trail. The many stone circles and Neolithic Dolmens in the area are also well worth a visit.

There is so much to discover in the Mourne Region and all over Northern Ireland. To learn more about discovering Northern Ireland click HERE.

Hidden Ireland also have two Country Houses, namely Kiltariff Hall & Tyrella House where you can stay and explore this whole area

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.

Birdhill House and Gardens

Posted on 06/02/202214/04/2023 by HIBlog

Book a stay at Birdhill House and Gardens which offers the ultimate mix of homeliness and grandeur. The perfect place to reflex and re-energize. Enjoy the welcoming warmth of this mid 1700’s Georgian country house. Nestled in the Suir valley with panoramic views of Knockmealdown and Comeragh mountains.

Explore the tranquil and breathtaking beauty of the gardens. Take the time to relax on one of the many terraces. Sip a glass of wine or dine al fresco around the fire pit. If you feel like a little exercise you might stroll along the river bank, be tempted to take out the rowing boat/kayak. Or maybe enjoy an energetic game of tennis.

On a chilly day sit by a roaring fire in the drawing room or gather friends and family around the kitchen table to play games. Hide away in the library for a quiet read surrounded by relaxed elegance.

Retire to the delightfully decorated bedrooms and snuggle down for sweet dreams, but be warned: the morning chorus here at Birdhill House & Gardens is quite spectacular. Oh! And watch out for Millie and her daughter Hettie, the sweetest of dogs.

Birdhill is a labour of love and a lifestyle choice for Yvonne and Robert.

All the restoration and maintenance work tirelessly themselves and have designed and constructed a 4 1/2 acre gardens from scratch, without any help from machinery.

Just three boys and a girl on their summer holidays from school. The result is a beautiful home and spectacular gardens that they feel privileged to be custodians of and to share with others.

Click HERE to book a wonderful stay at Birdhill House & Gardens.

Don’t forget to follow us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter.