Christmas Retreat 2026

This Christmas yoga retreat in Carlingford, County Louth, is a five-day stay over the turn of the year, with four nights at Eagles Rock Retreat. It is led by Martina Durnin, an Iyengar yoga teacher, and her partner Stuart, with a cacao and sound meditation led by Jackie Fitzpatrick. Beginners and seasoned practitioners are both welcome. The days combine yoga, meditation, walking, vegan food and time to rest, with room to reflect on the year ahead and what you want to leave behind.

What to Expect

Each full day begins with a morning meditation at 7.30am, followed by a two-hour yoga class at 8am. Classes are rooted in the Iyengar method, with props and variations offered for every level, so nobody waits for anyone else to catch up. Themes shift through the stay: a grounding class on the first full day, work from the core on the next, and shoulder work and heart opening on the final morning, which closes with a circle.

Brunch is served at 10.30am, and afternoons are left open for guided walks, free time or optional extras. On the first full day Stuart leads a walk or hike. The next day there is a guided hike to Carlingford along the Táin Trail, with an optional climb up Slieve Foy, a snack in the village and an optional HOTBOX sauna. Another afternoon offers a guided walk toward Ravensdale on the rail trail. An optional massage treatment is available too. Late afternoons are for restorative yoga with yoga nidra, and on the first full day, a cacao and sound meditation.

The first evening opens with an introduction, an opening circle and a gentle yoga class. On New Year's Eve there is a small ritual to let go of the old year and invite in the new, held by the fire if the weather allows. New Year's Day starts with an optional sea swim. The last morning begins with a guided meditation walk with Stuart. Departure is at leisure between 2pm and 2.30pm. The schedule may be adjusted according to the weather forecast.

About Martina Durnin

Martina Durnin is a level 3 Iyengar yoga teacher. She began practising in London in 1999 and qualified as a teacher in 2004. Her own posture and physical imbalances improved through steady practice, and it is the deeper psychological benefits that keep her returning to the mat. She later trained as a physical therapist to deepen her understanding of how the body works and where it struggles. Martina co-founded Carlingford Yoga and has run residential retreats with Stuart since 2012.

About Jackie Fitzpatrick

Jackie Fitzpatrick is an integrative counsellor, coach and mentor with more than twenty years of experience guiding individuals and groups through emotional, psychological and spiritual healing. Her work draws on ancient wisdom, contemporary psychology and her natural claircognisance. She leads the cacao and sound meditation.

The Setting

Eagles Rock Retreat has five guest bedrooms, all en-suite, with views toward the Glenmore Valley and the Irish Sea from some rooms. Beds are hand-crafted, with curtains made from saris brought back from India. Rooms sleep between two and four, and the largest has a jacuzzi bath. There are no single rooms, though one may be possible if the retreat is not full, for a supplement. More than half of guests come alone and are paired with someone of a similar age.

Meals are vegan and cooked in the house, including a two-course brunch each full day and dinner each evening. Serious food allergies can be catered for with advance notice. The house is dry and shoe-free.

By car, the retreat is about an hour from Belfast and an hour and a quarter from north Dublin, around 15 minutes from exit 18 of the M1. Hourly buses run from Dublin airport and the city centre, and a train serves Belfast. A free transfer runs from Dundalk train and bus stations, and guests are asked to arrive in Dundalk between 3pm and 4.30pm. No car is needed once you arrive.

Before You Go

All levels are welcome, and small numbers mean each guest gets individual attention. Children aged 14 and over may attend with a parent or guardian. Towels, bedding, yoga mats and equipment are provided. Bring hiking boots, a rain jacket and slippers. WiFi is available but switched off at night, and guests are encouraged to put their phones away. Sauna, massage, the sea swim and travel to the retreat are not included in the price.