5-Night Wellness & Detox Retreat on Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way

A typical day starts with gentle Hatha yoga before breakfast, often followed by meditation or Yoga Nidra later in the morning. Meals are vegetarian and organic, cooked on site with seasonal ingredients, and the food is consistently singled out in reviews — vibrant, flavoursome, and designed to support digestion rather than weigh you down. Afternoons include guided walks through the countryside, woodland or along the coast, with time in the hot tub and sauna most days. Sea swims are available for those who want them. Juice fasting is part of the detox programme, so if you're on a weight loss retreat there's more structure around meals.

What sets this apart from similar retreats is its history and the family behind it. Cloona was founded in 1973 and is Ireland's longest-running detox and yoga retreat, still run by the same family. The lead teacher is Dhara, who guests mention by name in reviews as the person holding the space. Because it's been running for over fifty years, the daily rhythm is well-honed without feeling rigid — there's a gentle structure but plenty of room to rest.

The location is a big part of it. You're on the Wild Atlantic Way, at the foot of Croagh Patrick, just outside Westport. The landscape is dramatic but the retreat itself is quiet and sheltered. Walks take you through woodland and out to the coast, and the sea is close enough for a dip. Westport is easily reached by train, car or plane, so you can get here from Dublin or Knock without a huge trek.

The retreat runs over five nights in its main format, with shorter weekend and three-night options also available. Groups tend to be small and mixed — solo travellers, couples, friends — with a wide age range. Nobody is made to feel like they need to be fit or experienced. The yoga is all levels, and the walking is gentle. If you want a serious fitness camp, this isn't it. If you want to feel genuinely rested and lighter by the end of the week, this is exactly that.

Accommodation is in the main house and surrounding buildings, with a mix of private and shared rooms. The house itself is warm and lived-in rather than hotel-sterile, with communal spaces for reading or chatting and gardens to sit in. The team provides fresh, plentiful water and healthy juices throughout your stay, and treatments like massage can be booked on site. Many guests come alone and leave having made friends.

What's included

- 5 nights accommodation (shared or private rooms) - 3 organic vegetarian meals daily (or juice fast option) - Daily Hatha Yoga and Yoga Nidra sessions - Guided walks through countryside, woodland and coast - Use of hot tub and sauna - Sea swims (optional) - Fresh juices and herbal teas throughout - Welcome and closing sessions

What's not included

- Travel to and from Westport - Travel insurance - Massage and other treatments (bookable on site) - Personal expenses - Airport or train station transfers (can be arranged separately)