Flex and flow: 8 of the best yoga classes and retreats around Ireland this summer

Rooftop yoga at The Marker

An integrated lifestyle brand created and developed by three friends with a passion for creativity and wellbeing, Flowstate launched in April 2019. Famous for their gorgeously colourful yoga and movement mats, the trio have also been known to organise their own wellness events and have plenty in store for this summer… namely rooftop yoga classes at The Marker Hotel. Classes kick off this Saturday from 9am to 10am and will run every Saturday for the rest of the summer. Yoga with a bird’s eye view of Dublin? Yes, please. 

Immersive yoga at the Van Gogh exhibition

Ireland’s first completely immersive yoga experience kicks off at the RDS today, courtesy of the much-loved Van Gogh exhibition. Teaming up with local teacher Maura Rath, yogis will get the chance to practise in the most incredible new worlds – surrounded by actual works of art! Maura has collaborated closely with the Van Gogh team to curate an all-encompassing experience that will help attendees reconnect with both their bodies and minds. 

Running from June 21st right up to the end of July, the multi-sensory 360° space will host a limited number of bespoke sessions suited to all fitness levels and abilities. Each session is one hour long and will explore new themes and varied yoga practices. Tickets start at €24.66 and you can book yours and see the full schedule here. 

Outdoor yoga at the Forty Foot

Maura Rath will be a busy woman this summer and has also launched her own outdoor yoga series. Taking place at Newtownsmith Open Space in Sandycove (right in front of the shell sculpture), classes will be followed by a restorative sea swim at the iconic Forty Foot in Dun Laoghaire. 

What if that good old Irish weather doesn’t hold out? No problem, as Maura’s beautiful studio is just a few minutes’ walk away so classes can be relocated there. Sessions started earlier this month and will run all summer long – classes take place at 7pm on Monday to Friday and at 10am on the weekends. Drop-in classes are €12 or you can avail of 8 classes for just €59. Find more information here. 

Yoga retreat weekend at Titanic Hotel Belfast 

Discover your inner zen at the Titanic Hotel in Belfast with a specially curated yoga weekend retreat. Suited to all ability levels, the weekend includes two vinyasa flow sessions, two restorative yoga sessions and an opening and closing ceremony led by experienced yogi Tara O’Rourke. The perfect excuse to visit Belfast and a great opportunity to chill out and take in the stunning sights of this impressive city, the hotel is immersed in history and is located in the former headquarters of Harland & Wolff, builders of the RMS Titanic.

Explore the city on your own time or opt for a guided tour in between yoga sessions, the choice is yours. The yoga weekend takes place Friday, July 1st to Saturday 3rd of July, and prices start at €370 per person* (based on two people sharing a double/twin room) – both breakfast and dinner are included. A day option only is also available for €190. 

The Gathering yoga festival at Burtown House

Brand new to Burtown House, their summer yoga festival is just the thing for those looking to try something a little different this year. A beautiful Georgian house near Athy, the building itself is extremely impressive… as are its surrounds which includes a charming 10-acre garden open to the public. 

A yoga retreat and festival all in one, The Gathering will see 200 attendees come together for three days of deep, heartfelt, intimate soul connection. Taking guests on a journey of self-exploration through the collective and individual union of body, breath and spirit, the idea is to encourage people to feel the interconnected flow of life that holds us all together. 

Led by a team of inspiring teachers and facilitators, there will also be the opportunity to take part in kirtan, sound healing, ecstatic dance, mantra circles, creative writing, acro yoga, forest bathing, storytelling around the campfire and much more. 

Tickets include an Indian-style vegan buffet twice a day as well as camping accommodation in a specially designated area within the grounds. Taking place July 29th to July 31st, tickets start from €375. 

Yoga and hiking along the Cliffs of Moher

One of the country’s top tourist attractions, the Cliffs of Moher is a firm favourite with both locals and blow-ins alike and for those of you who have yet to visit… yes, it’s very much worth the hype. 

Cliffs of Moher Retreats run a variety of different programmes, though the yoga and hiking combo is one of their best. Headed up by teacher Sarah Hagan, she weaves elements of softness, surrender and connection into her classes to ensure a nurturing space is created in which students can explore their true potential. 

This particular retreat brings attendees on a challenging cliff walk from Doolin to Liscannor and includes many perks such as time in the wood-burning hot tub, relaxing massages or even a quick sea swim if you’re feeling brave. One night plus two day retreats start at €350. 

Stand-up paddleboarding and yoga 

Explore the tranquil waters of Lough Gill on stand-up paddle boards as you make your way over to the enchanted Beezies Island. The pace is slow and contemplative and you can chat amicably with fellow paddlers or embrace the stillness with a simple meditation or intention in mind.

Once you reach Beezies Island, you’ll be guided through an uplifting and stress-releasing yoga flow. All excursions are laced with insights into yoga and outdoor psychology. Previous SUP or yoga experience is not required as all instruction is provided on the day. Prices start at €65, with the option to add food in for just €10 more. 

Eight-day yoga retreat at Killary Fjord

If one, two or three-day retreats just aren’t enough, then this marathon eight-day retreat in Connemara should do the trick. Organised by AdventureYogi, it’s one of the country’s most popular yoga retreats and includes everything from kayaking to daily yoga and mediation classes, hikes around the area and delicious plant-based meals to nourish and inspire. 

Yin, restorative and nidra yoga styles are all covered throughout the course of the eight days. Centred on embracing nature, much of the action takes place from AdventureYogi’s home which can be found right on the fjord itself.

Not scheduled to take place until September, it’s a good one to plan ahead for if your summer schedule is already full. Prices start at €1,796 and you can inquire about booking here.