Step out of the busy pace of life and immerse yourself in community with like minded others in beautiful, natural surroundings.

Who is this retreat for?
Women and non-binary folk in the LGBTQ+ community who are looking for 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+

When does it take place?
You can arrive from 4pm on Friday August 30th 2024 and the retreat will run until the afternoon of Sunday September 01st

Is there a full schedule for the weekend?
Yes – please see below. 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 – Pizza Night in Slieve Aughty Cafe (vegetarian pizza – vegan can be requested in advance when registering). Dessert included.
8.30pm Activity to get to know each other – maybe speed friending (if not too intense for the group!) but we will have a few options prepared.
9.30pm You are welcome to have an early night or stay up for chats in the cafe.

Saturday
9.00am Yoga in The Studio onsite.
10.00am Buffet Breakfast.
11.00am A trail walk along Sliabh Aughty and Bolleyneendorrish River Circular (9.8km). A packed vegetarian lunch will be provided by the cafe, most likely quiche and salads.
2.00pm Arrive back at Slieve Aughty House – free time.
4.00pm Drive to Loughrea Lake (10 minutes) for a relaxing dip.
6.00pm Dinner in Slieve Aughty Cafe – a chickpea curry or something similar, followed by dessert.
7.00pm Open mic night with Bernie from the Wild Atlantic Gays

Sunday
9.00am Buffet Breakfast – pre breakfast swim for the brave at Loughrea Lake 🙂
10.00am – 2.00pm Oak Smoke Sauna is booked privately and will be on site for 4 hours for our use only.
Depart at your own leisure

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. On Sunday you can depart any time before 11am. The sauna is booked from 10am to 2pm so we will still be spending time on site until this is finished.

How much does it cost?
A few different room options are available:

Bunk Bed in a 4 person room – €280 + Eventbrite booking fee

Bed in a 5 bed room (single beds, not bunks) – €290 + Eventbrite booking fee – Please note – this room has a large bath tub with shower and not a walk in shower so do not reserve a bed in this room if mobility is an issue for you.

Bed in a triple room (single beds) – €300 + Eventbrite booking fee

Bed in a Twin room (single beds) – €310 + Eventbrite booking fee

Single room – €340 + Eventbrite booking fee

Included with all bookings are the following:

• Two Nights accommodation (including bedding & towels)
• Cooked vegetarian meals (2 dinners, 1 packed lunch for the hike) – plant based option available on request – needs to be booked when registering for the event.
• Buffet Breakfast Saturday & Sunday morning – vegetarian. Plant based option available on request (same as above)
• A trail walk along Sliabh Aughty and Bolleyneendorrish River Circulr (9.8km)
• A few group swims at Loughrea Lake (10 minute drive)
• Yoga session on Saturday morning (pre hike!)
• Enjoying a private sauna session onsite using the Oak Smoke Sauna and ice baths
• Use of all on site facilities, including their private walking trails
• Freedom and peace of mind in a digital-free environment
• Opportunity for social interaction with like-minded people

Beds will be assigned in advance. You will have the option during registration to request to share with someone else who has also registered. We cannot hold beds for people who have not yet registered.

What is your cancellation policy?

You can cancel free of charge up until 4pm on Friday August 23rd. After this deadline has passed we are offering no refunds, and your space cannot be passed over to a future event. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause but as a brand new business please understand that we cannot afford to take the financial hit that close to the events start date.

If we cancel the event for any reason on our side you will receive a full refund.

Tell me more about the venue and locality?

Slieve Aughty Centre is an eco-friendly equestrian and activity leisure  centre set on 17 acres of rugged Galway land. Guests have miles of trails for walking, cycling, horse riding and exploring nature as well as a stunning location for rejuvenation, relaxation and celebration!

We have booked The Three Towers, which consists of 9 Large bedrooms in the Eco House which are uniquely and individually designed to make you feel at home.  Carefully selected colour schemes and natural materials are used to create the bespoke bedrooms.

Seven of the nine rooms have access to shared balconies with stunning views of the forest, gardens and fields.

In keeping with their Eco ethos and policies, you will not find a television in your room and wifi access is only available in public areas.

There is a communal coffee/tea station on the landing which all guests are welcome to use throughout the day as  these facilities are not provided for in the rooms. Our group will have access to the cafe after it has closed so we can hang out in our free time.

How will I get to the venue?

The full address of the venue is as follows: Slieve Aughty Centre, Kylebrack, Loughrea, Co. Galway, H62 DX77 – It is best to use the postcode to find the venue if driving. Please visit their website here for more information on their location.

There is no public transport available that brings you directly to the Slieve Aughty Centre. If you do not drive and need a lift you will have the option to say so during registration. However, we cannot guarantee lifts so if we are unable to arrange one a few weeks in advance we will refund your order.

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?
The venue provides towels and bedding. You will need to bring your own mat if you want to take part in the yoga class.

Bring comfortable clothes to wear during the yoga session. It is also advised that you pack comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for the trail – you know how unpredictable the weather can be!

You will also need your swimwear if you want to use the sauna and cold water tub, as well as swimming at the lake. Maybe bring your own towel for outdoor use.

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 managing the planning of 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 Eventbrite link or at the Book Now button at the top of this page.

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