The Spirit of Ireland: Plant Wisdom Retreat

Have you been looking for a special retreat this summer, that nourishes you at the soul level, comfortably connects you to nature and weaves in history and magic? A special time where you can just be in a small group, without any responsibility aside of enjoying your food, the sites, the company and while you learn, effortlessly receive potent tools from skilled teachers that will benefit you and your family for a lifetime? If so, this trip is just for you! I am trilled to be offering this once in a life time trip along side of my dear friend and fellow Flower Essence Practitioner, Herbalist and Yogi Extraodinaire Brooke Sullivan. The Spirit of Ireland: Plant Wisdom Retreat is a boutique vacation curated for the wisdom seeker wanting to connect to plants, ancient Ireland + its myths and lore while enjoying excellent food, the company of like minds and deep nourishment.

You Will:

  • Experience private tours to sacred sites not even the locals know about

  • Visit the site of the first and continuous Beltane Fire, learn about its history + do private ceremony at the site

  • Enjoy a leisurely stroll through wooded, oceanic, cliffside and lunar-like terrain, inspiring the magic in you as it inspired JRR Tolkien to write the Hobbit

  • Visit ancient holy wells, caves and wish fulfilling trees for deep + powerful connection to the land

  • Make flower essences from the flowers and sacred waters of Ireland

  • Take the time to meditate with the plants, walk through labyrinths, rest against the mysterious dolmens and feel the power of ancient tombs

  • Feel exquisite as you eat farm to table fresh with time to relax and enjoy life

  • Learn about the ancient peoples and their ways with local guides and historians

  • Enjoy being in the company of experienced herbalists, where the mysterious life of plants are illuminated + a renewed connection to Mother Nature blossoms

  • Learn a myriad of practical health + spiritual benefits from plant and tree allies, and a certification for the time we spend together

  • Feel your time in Ireland was well spent as you will depart replenished, knowledgeable and adventure-satiated.

I have been on a few retreats with the fearless leader, Brooke Sullivan, and I couldn't recommend a better experience to treat yourself with! From the remote sacred sites pulsing with ancient energy to delicious and healthy meals and amazing friendships created...the retreats are well organized with lots of activities as well as time for rest. Throughout the time with Brooke, connecting with the plants in different parts of the world has the ability to connect us to our roots no matter where in the world we may be. One receives a melange of tools to take home & I am forever grateful for this deep & nourishing connection to the plants that Brooke's teachings enhance.

- A. Woodward, CA

Lupo teaches plant wisdom from a heart centered space which encourages students to continue to connect with the plants in a sacred and traditional way. With her as  your guide you will have the opportunity to form deeper relationships with plants, which is an extremely transformational and healing experience.

- C. Harris, Connecticut

REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW OPEN – CLICK HERE TO CLAIM YOUR SPOT ON THIS 2019 RETREAT

Program Dates: Aug 1-7, 2019

Itinerary

Day 1: Pick Up At Dublin Airport

11am to depart for Lunch in Mullingar and then to the powerful and mystical site of the ancient Beltane fires, Uisneach, considered the navel center of Ireland. Here we will walk the grounds learning about the history and lore with our native guide and the keeper of the grounds {said to be a Sidhe guardian} and do a rich opening ceremony involving the sacred power of the legendary Catstone (Stone of Division). From the hills we will travel west to check in at a luxury hotel in Sligo in time for dinner.

Day 2: Knocknashee

Known as the legendary “Hill of the Faeries” and is one of Ireland’s seven most sacred hills. The name comes from the Irish “knock” (cnoc) meaning “hill” and “shee” meaning “fairy”. At the foot of this his legendary “Hill of the Fairy’s” is Gilligan’s World which is the original home of Lupo’s Great Grandmother Mary and where her family resided for centuries. On the grounds you can find a Dolman, all 13 sacred celtic trees and a Faerie Ring (Celtic Ring Fort) on the property that sits at the base of Knocknashee. There is a very rare white hawthorn tree on the grounds as well! Breakfast + dinner included.

In the evening we arrive at our lovely retreat center for dinner and our home base for the duration of the trip.

Day 3: The Burren

Enjoy a leisure filled day at our our luscious 52 acre retreat center. Complete with trails, 2 labyrinths, a stone circle, herbal gardens, orchard, pond and more…we will explore as well as continue our studies with the native plants of Ireland. After dinner, for folks interested, we can visit the town of Galway for traditional Irish Music and pub experience. Breakfast, lunch + dinner are included.

Day 4: Sage’s Cave

Walk along the sea, on ‘limestone flagstones’, taking in the sea air. Here we may also find flowers to make essences. Afterwards, we will go the short distance to a very magical cave where a sage from 800 AD meditated for over 7 years. There is truly a shimmer in the air when approaching this very sacred space, complete too with another holy spring and flowers to make medicines. Breakfast, lunch + dinner are included.

Day 5:  Magical Wooded Walk

This is a 2 hour walk over the ever changing landscapes of the Burren. Through wooded areas that inspired J.R.R. Tolkien to write the Hobbit, across meadows, “lunar landscapes” that are a signature of this area, lovely views of inland Burren and an ancient Holy well + wish fulfilling tree, this place is a delight. Expect to possibly see the Druid on site as perhaps a few unicorns:) Feedback from past participants: “this is quite possibly the most magical and best walk I have ever done in my life.” Followed by tea and cookies at the local farm and then a delicious lunch back home. Breakfast, packed lunch + dinner are included (but not the tea + cookies)

Day 6: Cliffs Of Moher

No trip to Ireland would be complete without a visit to these majestic cliffs. Situated in County Clare and bordering the Burren, the Cliffs of Moher are one of Ireland’s most spectacular sights. Standing 230 metres above the ground at their highest point and 8 km long, the Cliffs boast one of the most amazing views in Ireland. On a clear day, the Aran Islands are visible in Galway Bay as well as the valleys and hills of Connemara. A famous Harry Potter scene was also taken in one of the caves, and when the weather is good, is easily seen from the cliffs. Breakfast + packed lunch included

Then to Dublin for evening/next morning flights. Meals on own, breakfast available at hotel.

HIGHLIGHTS​:

  • Intimate group size, not to exceed 18 people

  • Daily herb and essence classes, workshops & ceremonies

  • Medicine making

  • Local Guide/s

  • Certificate of Completion

  • Completely escorted

  • Meditation (and optional yoga) with Brooke to embody the ancient teachings and power of the plants

  • Ceremony with Lupo and our native guide to embrace the magic of Ireland + its lore

  • Making flower essences from the flowers and sacred waters of Ireland

  • NO CROWDS!! We visit mostly secret, hidden gems (plus 1-2 “touristy” places

  • “Home Base” is a retreat space with labyrinths, ponds and herbal gardens

We accept PayPal Credit, 6 Months Interest Free (Click Here for more info)

REGISTRATIONS ARE NOW OPEN – CLICK HERE TO CLAIM YOUR SPOT ON THIS 2019 RETREAT!

WHAT’S INCLUDED:

  • Transfer to/from Dublin airport (DUB) at designated times

  • Single and Shared room accommodations – we will do our best to facilitate single rooms for all travelers in need.

  • All breakfasts, most lunches and some dinners as specified in the itinerary

  • All entrance fees as outlined in the itinerary

  • Airport pickup/drop off and all ground transportation as per the itinerary

  • Herbalism classes taught by Lupo Passero & Brooke Sullivan (Community Herbalists & Flower Essence Practitioners)

  • Meditation + (Optional Yoga) with Brooke

  • Medicine Making

  • Certification in Plant Spirit Wisdom

  • Local Guides

NOT INCLUDED:

  • Airfare; ​please do not finalize/purchase any airfare​ until we have confirmed that this departure will go. If it does not go due to lack of participants, all funds will be refunded. We are keeping watch on airfare trends and are happy to help coordinate air travel if so desired.

  • Travel insurance (we very strongly recommend this, see registration form for more info)

  • Some meals as specified in Itinerary

  • personal expenses/spending

  • alcohol/drinks

  • any transfers not mentioned in the itinerary

  • paper/notebooks and whatever you like to have for note-taking

  • All participants are required to bring 12 one-ounce amber bottles with dropper tops, these can be easily ordered on amazon for less than a dollar a piece.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION:

  • Travel documents ​- A valid passport is needed.

  • Weather ​- It is much like the weather in the Northeast, but perhaps with a bit cooler. For a better feel, you can check the weather online to get an idea of what to expect.

  • Money (Euros) – ​Our personal experience has been to use the local ATMs to get Euros. There is, of course, a fee. Check with your bank. Consider the convenience, security and ease of having access to your money most anywhere you go and the fee suddenly seems reasonable. Do NOT use Traveler’s Checks – there will be no place to cash them in. Please also keep in mind that credit cards are not always as widely accepted as in the US.

  • Baggage ​- we ask that you pack as lightly as possible. Our transportation has limited baggage stowage.

  • Backpacks and water bottles ​- are recommended and are very useful for our daily outings.

  • Notebooks​ – consider what kind of notebook is most comfortable for you as we will not always be in a “classroom” setting.

  • Comfortable shoes and layered clothing –​ highly recommended for our daily outings. Evenings are cool. Meal times will be casual. Please remember, pack simply and lightly!

  • Hiking ​- there will be plenty of walking and hiking. Most of it is considered easy, but there are a few places where the hike is more moderate. There will always be a place where you can sit out if so desired.

Every effort will be made to follow the itinerary as noted. We reserve the right to make adjustments as necessitated by weather, safety and unforeseen variables.