Welcome to Monalea retreat centre, a unique converted stone barn high on the southern reach of the Wicklow mountains, one hour from Dublin and 15 minutes drive away from the sandy beaches of Ireland’s east coast. The barn stands above our young oak, ash and birch forest and is near beautiful mountain hikes, some with sea views. We host yoga and meditation retreats as well as family get-togethers with accommodation for up to 20 people. You can rent the space for your own retreat or we can organise one with teachers, catering and guided hikes.
Between barn
and
farmhouse
yoga
mats and equipment
dining
places
Woodland
and
garden
YOGA
ROOM
YOGA
ROOM

A SPACE TO UNWIND
The barn is a large interior space that can absorb big groups, perfect for indoor entertainment if the weather is wet and windy outside. With hammocks on the mezzanine and sofas around the fireplace there is room for everyone to relax. There are indoor swings for kids at the end of the barn (or adults) and a well equipped kitchen at the other end of the long room for convivial cooking. On sunny days there is a large patio with outdoor furniture, a barbecue, pizza oven and fire pit. There are marked walks through our young forest and two grassy areas for outdoor games or yoga.
OUR STORY
We found the barn in 2000, high on a south facing slope in a secret valley. We fell in love with the dramatic interior space and the light that poured through. At the time it was filled with happy cows and straw but we knew we could make it something special for humans too. We lovingly restored it over a number of years, maintaining the integrity of the original building, just adding an extension to the back for extra accommodation. We wanted to create a space for quiet retreats and calm. We cleared a ruin for the walled zen garden and every year we add something new. We planted the forest in 2012 and we are always planting more trees of every variety as well as indginous plants to enhance the grounds and do our bit for the planet.