Step out of the busy pace of life and immerse yourself in community with like minded others in beautiful, natural surroundings at Bru Moytura Ecolodge in Sligo!

Who is this retreat for?
Women and non-binary folk in the LGBTQ+ community seeking a space to connect with others that goes beyond the usual pub and club scene. This includes individuals who are open to shared experiences, participation in group activities, and developing meaningful connections with others who are on a similar journey to yourself.

Open to adults only, aged 18+

This is an alcohol free event.

When does it take place?
You can arrive from 4pm on Friday July 11th and the retreat will run until Sunday July 13th.

Is there a full schedule for the weekend?
Yes – we are currently drafting the schedule but it will include swimming, hiking and good company. You don’t have to partake in everything – it is up to you to decide what you want to do with your time.

Friday
Arrival and settling in rooms from 4pm onwards
7.00pm Dinner
8.30pm Welcome circle and introductions
9.30pm You are welcome to have an early night or stay up for chats around the fire / play board games

Saturday
TBC

Sunday
TBC

What time can I arrive and when do we depart?
You can arrive any time from 4pm onwards on Friday. Dinner is at 7pm that evening so we ask that everyone arrives before this if possible. On Sunday you are welcome to leave at any time before 12pm.

How much does it cost?
Our early bird costs €270 + booking fee. Once this is sold out the cost is €300 + booking fee per person, which includes the following:

• Two Nights accommodation in a newly renovated rural setting. Click here to see more information about the locality.
• Vegetarian lunches (1) and dinners (2)
• Buffet Breakfast Saturday & Sunday morning (cereals, oats, fruits, nuts, bread, plant based yogurt milk and butter, jams, tea & coffee)
• All activities – yet to be finalised
• Use of all on site facilities
• Freedom and peace of mind in a digital-free environment
• Opportunity for social interaction with like-minded people

Tell me more about the venue and locality?

Bru Moytura (formerly The Gyreum), Ireland’s first ecolodge to be awarded the EU Eco-Label for tourist accommodation, offers a venue like none other.

Located near Castlebaldwin, Co. Sligo, overlooking Lough Arrow and nestling in the heart of Sligo’s cairn topped mountains. Check out the venues photo gallery here.

Walking through the front door, you enter the main room, both grand and cosy at the same time. A sunken circle at its centre, houses comfy seating and cushions, perfect to warm up by the fire, read a book or simply get lost in thought. Around the outer wall, those keen on japanese-style sleeping arrangements will find cuby-style beds (each with its own curtain, light and space for luggage). This great ringed hall gives plenty of space to practise yoga, find your own nook, grab a book from our library or play a game of chess.

Radiating out from the centre are the sunlit dining room, overlooking the foothills of Sligo, the bathrooms, dorm rooms and botanical conservatories.

How many beds are in each room?

9 x sleep pods around the central circle for single use as well as:

1 x double rooms
3 x dorms
a. with a double + a bunk + a single bed
b. with 3 x fitted single beds and 2 x normal single beds
c . an eerie with 2 x bunks (above the central circle with a 360 view of the surrounding hills)

Beds will not be assigned in advance unless you have put in a specific request to share with someone else, meaning people can choose their room on arrival based on what is still available at that time.

How will I get to the venue?
Brú Moytura Ecolodge is a convenient 25min drive from Sligo City.

For easy directions simply search “Bru Moytura Retreat Centre” on Google Maps.   

There is no public transport available that brings you directly to this venue. However, Sligo train station is 25 minutes drive from the venue. Taxis will be available outside the station but it is best to pre-book a taxi. If stuck we will arrange a lift to and from the train station. We may also be able to offer a car share depending on where you are travelling. Please email karina@kmurray.ie if you need to arrange this.

If you are travelling from Dublin we will also do our best to arrange a lift for you from the city, it will depend on who else is attending and what time they are leaving.

Full Address: Bru Moytura, Corlisheen, Castlebaldwin, Co. Sligo, F52 D290

What kind of food is available?
All of the food will be vegetarian. Exact menu TBC!

Can I bring alcohol to this retreat?
No – we are intending to have an alcohol free weekend so we ask that you don’t bring alcohol to this retreat

What should I pack?
Bring comfortable clothes to wear during all activities. It is likely we will be in the outdoors a bit so pack appropriately– you know how unpredictable the weather can be!

You will also need your swimwear and a large towel if you want to swim with us.

Please bring any medications and day to day items that you will need over the weekend.

Who is hosting this retreat?

Karina, the founder of Conscious Connections, is hosting this retreat as a way to offer alternative ways of connecting with others in environments that foster improved health and well-being for everyone who comes along. She has a Master’s degree in Health Promotion and has dedicated both volunteer and work efforts to the LGBTQ+ community for several years. Health promotion in its various aspects, including physical, mental, and emotional well-being, is a particular passion of hers.

More information on Karina can be found in the About section of this website.

How do I register?

You can register via this Geek Tickets Link or at the Register Here button at the top or bottom of this page.

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel your space 7 days before the event you will receive a full refund. Unfortunately we cannot offer any refund after this date unless we find someone else to take your space.

My question isn’t answered above. Who can I contact?
Please email karina@kmurray.ie for more information