Information for Timeless Waves, Arms of Rock retreat – 16-25 July 2016
In a nutshell…
Accommodation: Mainistir House – a simple and homely hostel offering dormitory style beds and a few doubles/singles. It’s a fun place to stay with very good vegetarian food. For those wishing for a little more luxury and space there is a B&B with en- suite rooms just over the road.
Costs: There will be a non – refundable deposit of £150 - this covers the leaders' expenses and materials – deadline for this is 1 April 2016. (10% discount for deposits received before 1 January). Flights from London to Shannon from around £75. Transport from Shannon to Inishmore via bus and ferry - around £35. 8 nights in Mainistir House – including breakfast and evening meal - £225. Retreatants to pay for their own flights and to book accommodation directly with hostel or the B&B after paying the deposit to the leaders. Retreatants may want to bring a little extra money for possible bike hire, a “pub” meal Irish style, and of course, the inevitable tempting tourist shop full of wonderful Aran knitwear!
In more detail……
Getting there..........
Flights:
These will of course vary according to the time you book and where from. A quick search in October 2015 gives economy return flights from Stansted to Shannon at £72.00 leaving at 9.00am. There appear to be similar priced flights from Manchester. The sooner you book the cheaper it will be!
(Alternative transport: There are ferries from Holyhead to Dublin and Fishguard to Rosslare and trains and coaches from Dublin across to Galway.)
Shannon to Inishmore – bus and ferry:
You will be met by John and Lindy at the ferry port [Kilronan] on the Isle of Inishmore on 16th July.
The ferry leaves from the mainland at Doolin at 5.00pm on the current timetable. www.doolin2aranferries.com or 065 707 5949. 32 Euros return fare from Galway to Inishmore [includes bus]
(Do check that you book with this company and leave from DOOLIN. There are other ferry companies operating)
You are advised to be at the ferry about an hour before departure with pre-booked tickets available on-line.
If you are flying into Shannon airport, get the connecting bus to Galway where you can pick up your ferry tickets from the local office near the bus stop and you will be given directions to the other bus stop to get the bus to Doolin.
It is likely that your flight may be very early if you are coming on an economy flight, or if you come in late the night before, but Galway is a great place to explore and to get a feel for the Irish ways!
The Park Inn at Shannon airport is reasonably priced and just 2 minutes walk away.
We suggest that you travel as a group on the ferry as above, even if you plan to start your own pilgrimage a few days before.
Staying there....
Hostel. Mainistir House.
Most of us will be staying at Mainistir Hostel. Dormitory and smaller rooms are available. It is a characterful place with good food [all Vegetarian] and rooms for our group gatherings. Tariff: from 20 Euros per night [dormitory] some twin & triple rooms available at slightly higher cost. 3 course vegetarian dinner at the hostel currently 15 Euros (9 nights dormitory accommodation and evening meals = 315 Euros.]. Generally we will all be having our dinner here and having our daily check ins. For more information and to book go to: http://www.aranislandshostel.com/
Local B&B. An Realog.
For those of you who would like guaranteed comfort, en suite and full Irish breakfast, alternative accommodation is available nearby, You will still be able to join us for group gatherings and evening meals. 35 Euros pp. per night, Single occupancy 45 Euros..
For more info and to contact owner: http://www.visitaranislands.com/inis-mor-inishmore-island/accommodation/bed-breakfasts/an-realog-bed-breakfast
If you can’t decide which place to stay in contact Lindy who has recently visited both:
lindy@belindalatham.co.uk
Extras:
Bring 2.50 Euros per day for sandwich lunchWe may eat at the local pub one evening which could be up to 30 Euros but his can be decided by the group.
Some of us may hire bikes one day at approx. 10 Euros per day.
There are tempting gift shops with interesting books.........
Possibility of exploring the other islands [Inis Oirr, Inis Meain] – around 15 Euros
Entrance fee [4 Euros] to Dun Aengus stone age fort [check on-line for info about the fort]
Around 10 Euros per person for a local tour/stories/worship and history given by Dara , resident Celtic Priest. (www.daramolloy.com)
Other Information …..
Local amenities: There is a well stocked Spa supermarket which has a cash machine and a small Visitors Centre on the north of the island by the Dun Aengus Stone Age Fort.To make a booking: Send us a deposit and booking form. This is a non – refundable deposit of £150 - this covers the leaders' expenses and materials – deadline for this is 1 April. (10% discount for deposits received before 1 January). Send this to John Harley, 23 Hamilton Road, London SE27 9RZ. Cheques payable to John Harley. Or if you prefer to pay electronically: Mr John N Harley, acc no, 83284982, sort code 089300. Please book as early as possible to ensure the retreat can go ahead.
We have tried to keep the cost of the retreat as low as possible. When you have sent your deposit and booking form please do not book any of your travel until we confirm we have space for you. As soon as we have confirmed that we can offer you a place we encourage you to look at all the travel information we have supplied and book flights as soon as possible to get a low price (or ferry and train/coach) to Shannon and onward bus and ferry to Inishmore. Also reserve your bed at the hostel or B&B (give reference of Unitarian retreat) and pay in full on your arrival. If in the unlikely event we have to cancel the retreat because of a lack of participants booking in we will give you as much notice as possible and return your deposit in full.
Programme: Our retreat will include eight days of creativity, walks, exploration of ancient sites, meditation, storytelling, living mindfully, reflecting together and relaxing. Each day there will be time for group workshops and activities, sharing and free time. We will start each day with a sharing circle after breakfast so we can deepen our experiences and support each other. Each day will involve shared activities for all the group and free time for your own exploration or relaxation. People of all faiths and none are welcome. No previous experience of retreats or art necessary.
With your deposit please complete the booking form and return to John Harley.
Booking form available at www.beherecreate.co.uk
We hope you can join us! Any questions at all? email Lindy at lindy@belindalatham.co.uk or John at jharley@unitarian.org.uk or if you would prefer to speak to us: Lindy – 0117 950 7906 and John at 0208 670 9280
Booking form
