We've hosted hundreds of people from around the world on our retreats. Here's what some of our guests say about them:

"This trip was on the short list for best experiences of my life. I will never forget the beauty, love, joy, and acceptance I found here."

"I came to a new place, with new people and found places and people that brought me home in body, mind and spirit. This was a time to explore the living out of our authentic call."

"It was the perfect combination of vacation, retreat, education and sight-seeing."

"The spiritual immersion in Ireland led by Belfast native Gareth Higgins, singer songwriter Dave Wilcox and spiritual director Karen Moore was sublime. Ancient Celtic spirituality, local culture and beauty, and the combined wisdom of three great leaders was soulfully transformative. I highly recommend!"

"Knowing very little what to expect heading into the trip, I couldn't have asked for a better experience. I learned so much about Ireland, Celtic mysticism and myself!"

"The retreat was soul refreshing and it was one of those moments on the path of life that allowed me to contemplate the deep things of life and reframe them in a way that will guide me going forward."

"This retreat invites people to take a profound interior journey at the same time as they journey through present and historical challenges associated with the work of peace and reconciliation. Very quickly you realize this isn't just about Ireland, it is about your own heart."

"The experience opened doorways to deep needs to find my spiritual anchors at this stage of life. I discovered myself through the eyes of other loving attendees and was able to return that gift to others."

"I experienced things I wasn't expecting and accomplished things I never thought I could do. My life is richer and fuller as a result."

"For someone who bumbled along to this retreat not expecting to be challenged, it was a life changing experience. Times of pure joy, times of discomfort, times of confusion and times of peace all made this the most amazing start towards becoming my own best friend."

"Seekers of mystery, magic, beauty, and uncertainty... This is for you. But for those who are cynical, it's especially for you."

"This is a fabulous opportunity to experience the physical beauty, the political culture and history and the warm, friendly people of Ireland. Also an opportunity to slow down, reflect and connect with interesting, diverse people in substantive, heart-level ways."

"We were asked to come with an open heart and to be open to taking a journey. It definitely was a journey - intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. We were also told that it would be a place where all of us would be accepted - the darkness and the light - and that was also true. Incredibly intense and worthwhile."

"The Ireland Retreat was one of the most profound spiritual journeys I have ever undertaken, all in the delightful company of deep spirited and utterly engaging fellow travelers. It came at the right time in the right way and has changed my life."

We'd love to welcome you to a similar, but of course totally unique, experience.

Learn About Upcoming Retreats

Stories of Ireland

This retreat was an eye-opener for me. I’m grateful to have seen the beauty of Northern Ireland, and also to learn more about the long-standing political tensions there. It was inspiring to hear from people who worked to establish the peace that ended the terrible violence of “The Troubles,” and from people who are working today on peace and reconciliation. I loved the quiet of the countryside in County Down and the spectacular Mourne mountains, the lively haven of the Corrymeela community, and the illuminating experience of our long walk through Belfast. Gareth Higgins, a native of Belfast, is ideally suited to open up the treasures of this unique part of the world.

- Beloved Author Kathleen Norris

The eight days I spent in Northern Ireland were nothing less than magical for me. Gareth and Brian provided a soft place to land as they held the retreat participants in safety, trust and humor. The land of my grandfather called to me at a cellular level and I felt like I had arrived home. The amazing people we were introduced to only strengthened my resolve to dig deeper into the work of peace and reconciliation. The retreat was real—like the people in Northern Ireland—no gimmicks, no pretense, no pat answers—just a deep soul-to-soul encounter of grace. It will be unlike any other retreat you’ve been on. You will experience yourself gently opened to story—the story of the land, of the people, and if you are ready, the story of your own soul’s journey.

- Penny Nixon

I have journeyed twice to the North of Ireland for this beautiful, creative, and life-giving retreat. Gareth offers insight, opportunities for reflection, and engaging stories that inspire and challenge me to live and tell a better story through my own life. I delighted in ample opportunities to hear from other story-tellers, poets, and spiritual leaders, laugh and cry together with the other retreat participants, stand in spots filled with the stories and memories of past struggle and hope, and venture into stunning physical landscapes of sea, mountains, and pasture. I am deeply thankful for the experience of these meaningful, powerful, and playful days. I will assuredly return to make new discoveries and new friends.

- Michael Bush

“This retreat time in Northern Ireland has nurtured me, changed me and brought me much joy. Please give yourself the gift of this never to be forgotten experience.”

- Karen Moore, Inn-keeper, North Carolina

"Roughing it" ~ to me ~ means "no room service after 10pm." It was, therefore, a battle, of sorts, within me, to choose between the allure of a week of spiritual, cultural, musical, historical and joyful exploration ~ pitted against living in 400 year old, thatched roof cottages in Northern Ireland with a small assembly of strangers and a strong suggestion to set aside social media and news outlets in an attempt to build community. But I am glad I did! The food, the silence, the talks, the walks; the poets, priests, politicians, historians and troubadours that we visited and who came to visit us ~ all of them helped advance reflection, introspection, understanding and community-building ~ all the while respecting diversity. And there was plenty of time built-in for solitary walks, crafting one-to-one friendships, and exploring the geography of what is truly a magical, mystical isle.

- Dwight Lee Wolter

"We received an avalanche of graces on the retreat. Among the highlights was the gift of friendship, hospitality, and thoughtfulness--and the ease with which we could move from the profound and intimate to the refreshingly silly and fun. I suspect I'll be unpacking lessons from our time together for months. The entire retreat team embodied servant leadership: listening, consulting with, and assisting one another in ways that deepened the experience."

“I am finding maybe a small pathway to reconciliation in my own country, because I have been here. We couldn’t even have conceived of a pathway but you’ve showed us the fact that there is a pathway.”

“We couldn’t have paid for a better trip if we’d paid $10,000! You put us right in the center in places that conventional explorations don’t go. You’re not tour guides: you’re facilitators into a culture I’ve never known. I thought I knew about Ireland but it’s clear that I never knew about Ireland.”

“First and foremost, thank you for such an incredible time. We couldn’t think of a better way to introduce ourselves to Ireland, and y’all managed to surpass our already-lofty expectations. We’re missing every face we met. What a wonderful experience. Truly, thank you.”

We'd love to welcome you to a similar, but of course totally unique, experience.

Stories of Ireland

IN ADDITION TO OUR SCHEDULED RETREATS, WE ALSO SOMETIMES OFFER RETREATS TO FOLKS WHO WISH TO TRAVEL TOGETHER AS A GROUP. If you can gather a minimum of ten people, contact us to discuss the possibility - we’d be delighted to hear from you.