All Retreats

/

Spirituality Retreats in Ireland

/

Spirituality Retreats in Portarlington

/

Celtic Spirituality - Bealtaine Retreat for Women

Video thumbnail
Play Icon
Gallery Two
Gallery Three

Celtic Spirituality - Bealtaine Retreat for Women

May 1 - 4, 2026

Portarlington, Ireland

avatar of host

Hosted By

Dee Hennessy

5.4k followers

calendar icon

3 nights, 4 days

calendar icon

25 person retreat

Highlights

  • Celtic Spirituality Through Bealtaine Celebration

  • Anam Cara Spiritual Companioning

  • Sound Bath and Shamanic Experience

  • Surrounded By Nature

Details

This retreat runs over three full days beginning on Friday, May 1st, 2026, and includes a full-day programme for Saturday, May 2nd, Sunday, May 3rd, and Monday May 4th, when we finish at 4 pm. The investment is for a fully inclusive experience with single ensuite accommodation, beautiful freshly prepared meals and retreat sessions for the three nights and four days of our time together. This transformative retreat is for women who have been carrying too much stress and who are long are in the habit of putting their own needs at the back of the line. So, if you are feeling like life is somehow passing you by,or that you have to wait until the time is right to look after yourself, this retreat is for you. With the Bealtaine resources of reconnecting with yourself and nature, in the compassionate space of Anam Cara (soul friendship), you will move with ease to a more nourishing way of being, no matter what the external or internal challenges of your life. This is a precious time apart to come home to your inner calm, to reconnect with the earth, and step into a life overflowing with purpose, joy, and the warm energy of Bealtaine.

Location

Portarlington, Ireland

Portarlington, situated on the border between County Laois and County Offaly in Ireland, is a town with a rich heritage that traces back to the Huguenot settlement in the 17th century. The town is known for its unique blend of Irish and French cultural influences, historic architecture, and the scenic beauty of the surrounding countryside. With the River Barrow flowing nearby, Portarlington offers leisurely activities such as angling and riverside walks. The town also hosts an annual French Festival, celebrating its Huguenot heritage with music, dance, and culinary delights, making it a distinctive spot within Ireland's midlands.

Venue

Mount St. Anne's Retreat and Conference Centre

4.7 ★ 83 Reviews

venue image

At Mount Saint Anne’s Retreat and Conference Centre, we welcome all people. We offer nourishment for body and spirit in an environment of natural beauty and simplicity. We are inspired by the Spirit which shaped Nano Nagle (our foundress). We reach out in faith, in a spirit of hospitality, compassion, and simplicity to all creation.

Garden

Garden

Towels

Towels

Coffee / Tea

Coffee / Tea

Cafe

Cafe

Kitchen

Kitchen

Free Parking

Free Parking

Bathroom

Bathroom

Accommodation

Private, Ensuite Room

Private room for 1

$1,380 USD total

1 / 1

Mount St. Anne’s, dating from 1820, is set in a delightful pastoral landscape in Ireland's ancient midlands. Distant views of the Wicklow mountains to the east and the gentle slope of the Slieve Blooms to the south combine with rolling parkland and stately trees to create an atmosphere of serenity in which the spirit is revitalised and energies are restored. The Georgian house has gracious and spacious rooms where we will gather, and plenty of nooks for you to take time for yourself indoors when you are not drawn outdoors to the walled garden or surrounding fields with cows or sheep inviting you to simple presence and rest.

Meals

meal image

Meals provided

Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

Diets catered

Vegan · Vegetarian · Gluten-free · Dairy-free

You will be well taken care of in this beautiful retreat space which excels at creating a feeling of being immersed in the best warm Irish hospitality. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are prepared fresh with wholesome, mostly locally sourced ingredients. Please let us know of any specific dietary needs or preferences at the time of booking so that your food will be served just as you want it.

Schedule

This is a gentle time of leaning into the energy of Bealtaine. As we connect with this ancient living Celtic wisdom tradition we rest and restore, let go of what is no longer serving us, and come home to our own inner peace from where we will blossom. Ritual, meditation, Anam Cara ( soul friendship or deep listening), sound bath and shamanic journey, journaling and creative time are all beautifully paced to invite a time of rest, and restoration, deep inner healing and celebration of community.

Testimonials

info

Dee is a gentle and gifted coach. The ease with which she helps me / anyone to come home to calm is masterly. Dee's ability to ask the right questions have helped me to go deeper within, and to honestly face where I am in life. I encourage anyone seeking a deeper connection with themselves and others to spend time with Dee. Thank you Dee for who you are - a gentle, peace-filled, beautiful woman of integrity who inspires hope.

Denise Boyle, Director Global Action Programme, Mercy International. Ireland, Rome

I loved every minute of this retreat with Dee. A blessing. The pace was perfect. Her way of teaching is compassionate, kindly, full of care, and yet light hearted. Real nourishment.

Marie Nee , Chaplain, Ireland

Did this retreat with Dee and have to say it was superb, very enjoyable and very relaxing. Dee is a wonderful teacher and very experienced. It really was very beneficial to me and I would have no hesitation in recommending it.

Babs Morris, Social Care Worker, Ireland

We had a wonderful three days at the 2025 Bealtaine retreat. The location was peaceful and beautiful, the food was delicious, and the pace was slow, yet it covered a lot. Dee was warm, kind, and shared her vast knowledge in a simple, down-to-earth way. It was a truly special time for me and my daughter, and we often talk about the experience. We’re looking forward to the opportunity to participate again. Thank you so much, Dee!

Mary and Riona Lawless, Ireland

One of the best retreats I have ever attended. Dee is a wonderful facilitator. I released ‘stuff’ after many years trying. Thank you sincerely Dee.” Mary Duggan

Mary Duggan - Brigid's Winter Blessing Dec7th/8th 2025, Ireland

This is the best selfcare, restful, warm, welcoming time spent in years. A very settling experience.

Olive Talbot, Brigid's Winter Blessing Dec 7th/8th 2025, Ireland

Thank you Dee for a liberating, deep, meaningful retreat, the honesty, vulnerability, and the decadence of care.

Susan Millett, Ireland

The retreat was beautiful. The structure of the retreat was perfect, ran very well by Dee. I met a group of beautiful, amazing women. I feel so whole and refreshed. I highly recommend tis retreat. It worked wonders for me. Thanks so much.

Rebecca Collins Brigid's Winter Blessing Dec 7th/8th 2025, Ireland

A beautiful heart- led person centred retreat by Dee. The Brigid’s Winter Blessings came and my heart is full of love and gratitude. The group of beautiful souls called to come were like a celtic gathering which was nectar for my soul. Coming from Cornwall to County Laois in Southern Ireland was a pilgrimage indeed, and the journey unfolds even more as the pahway opens, guided by Brigid’s flame, cloak and well. Thank you Dee. Much love and blessings.

Debbi Walker Brigid's Winter Blessing Dec 7th/8th 2025, England

Dee’s Brigid’s Winter Blessings exceeded my expectations. Along with a wonderful education on Brigid’s spiritual legacy, Dee demonstrated how in practical terms , we can use the symbol of the cloak, well and fire to encourage a sense of letting go anything that does not serve our spirit, while at the same time understanding there is a perpetual ember in our heart that we can nurture and encourage to burn brightly, and the cloak symbol we wrap around ourselves for protection. The comfort and care of the retreat house is so nourishing, and balm for the soul.

Lisa Power, Ireland

It was beyond any expectations I could have had. Your attention to detail, your in-depth planning, your attitude to each one of us and even to those who were unable to attend, was phenomenal. The warmth and hospitality that I met with from arrival to departure were similar to that of a warm, cosy blanket!

Siobhán McGann, Ireland

1 / 11

Host

avatar

Dee Hennessy

Kilkenny, Ireland

With a background in Philosophy, a primary degree in Theology, Dee is a specialist in Mindful Leadership (knowing how to regulate ourselves as we support others). Dee helps over busy, humans to deepen...

1 language

English

Teaching for 3 years

Joined Insight Timer in Aug 2022

What's Included

Yoga Nidra

Mindful Walking

Soundbath and Shamanic Journey

Deep Muscle Relaxation

Bealtaine Ritual

Anam Cara Deep Listening

Celtic Chants and Music

Circle Dancing

Bealtaine Creative Workshop

Free time to enjoy rest, relaxation, and the beautiful nature all around us.

Not Included

Flights

Travel to or from the venue

Insurance

Personal care requirements

Your preferred drinks/ snacks/ treats for evening time

FAQs

Cancellation policy

The remaining balance for the retreat is due 365 days prior to the start date. If this balance is paid earlier than these 365 days, you are eligible to cancel and receive a full refund of this remaining balance, provided you do so at least 365 days before the retreat begins.

Meditation Retreats

Meditation Retreats in Portarlington

Meditation Retreats in Ireland

Health & Wellness Retreats

Health and Wellness Retreats in Portarlington

Health and Wellness Retreats in Ireland

Sprituallity Retreats

Spirituality Retreats in Portarlington

Spirituality Retreats in Ireland