Dreaming Retreat: An Irish Journey with Ajeet

Dreaming Retreat is a five-day spiritual retreat in Dromgarriff, County Cork, Ireland, led by the Irish musician Ajeet. It brings together gentle yoga, meditation, sound and song, visits to ancient sacred sites, and time by the sea in the quiet, golden end of the year. It suits anyone drawn to a yoga and meditation retreat with music at its heart, and no prior musical or spiritual practice is needed.

What to Expect

The retreat opens on Thanksgiving with a feast of local food, friends and music, followed by a welcome gathering and orientation. The middle days settle into a rhythm. Mornings can begin with an optional sauna and sea swim, then yoga and meditation in a space overlooking the bay. The practice is gentle and suited to all levels: restful poses, flows and meditations meant to calm the nervous system and help you soften into what the days bring.

Music is the centre of the gathering. Ajeet shares songs, stories and music each day, and the group sings together, journeys through quiet soundscapes into meditative space, and joins traditional Irish music sessions in the local pub. Local musicians come to play, and the songs of the seals over the bay and the slow air of a whistle by the sea are part of the picture.

You will also explore the wild landscape of Cork and Kerry on Ireland's west coast and visit ancient sacred sites. Áine Brosnan, a local archaeologist and longtime friend of Ajeet's, joins the group to share the history and stories of the land. There are teachings on native trees and plants and on the healing practices and remedies that have long belonged to this place. Guest guides from Ajeet's community, just over the mountain, add to the sense of friendship running through the days.

On the last evening, which is Ajeet's birthday, the retreat closes with a fancy dress soirée, followed by a closing gathering and farewell. The final morning includes one more yoga and meditation session.

About Ajeet

Ajeet is a multi-instrumentalist, producer and songwriter whose music moves from traditional Irish folk to mystical, meditative soundscapes. She draws on the folk traditions of her Irish background, and her band brings together musicians from Spain, Ireland and the United States. Many of her songs carry folklore, dream images and myth, and she has always loved the stories that cultures pass down.

Her first two albums were built around mantra: Sacred Waters (2013), music for Kundalini Yoga meditations, and At The Temple Door (2014), which weaves songs and mantras with harmonies from Snatam Kaur. Darshan was recorded in Bali, and Haseya, produced by Maneesh de Moor, takes its title from the Diné for "she rises". Shuniya and Indigo Sea followed in 2018, then the LUNAR EP, whose four songs follow the phases of the moon. The retreat takes place near her home, so she shares the places that mean the most to her.

The Setting

Dromgarriff sits in the heart of an old growth native rainforest above the bay, among oak, hazel and holly, in a landscape that recalls how much of Ireland once looked. It is a newly renovated estate of small, intimate houses set in nature, and the group has it quietly to itself.

Rooms range from shared twin rooms to spacious private rooms, with couple discounts for those sharing a bed. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are gourmet, local and organic.

The nearest airports are Cork (about 58 minutes), Kerry (1 hour 28 minutes) and Shannon (2 hours 53 minutes). You can rent a car, or arrange a group shuttle, depending on your flight arrival time, or a private taxi. Recommendations are available if you want to explore Ireland before or after.

Before You Go

The retreat is open to all levels, and sessions are in English. Included are all yoga and meditation sessions, guided exploration of the sacred sites and landscape, the traditional music sessions, all meals, accommodation, beach and sauna access, transportation during the retreat, the Thanksgiving opening feast and the birthday celebration. Airfare, airport shuttles or taxis, and any travel or lodging before or after the retreat are extra.