Frequently Asked Questions
Hopefully you’ll find the answers to many of your questions here, if there is something you want to ask about then please use the contact form on the right hand column. Thank you.
What should I to bring?
*You do not need to bring a yoga mat or other yoga props. We have top quality mats and props.
Yoga Clothing or similar
Yoga clothing should be formfitting, made from a lightweight material with lots of stretch, generally it is better to wear clothing that is both comfortable and made from breathable fabric (like cotton, bamboo or jersey). Your top clothing is as important as your bottom half as yoga requires a lot of arm movement as well as leg movement. If you don’t have any of the above most sport shops usually stock this type of clothing. TK Maxx can be useful and is priced reasonably. Tracksuit bottoms are not recommended. A sleeveless lightweight formfitting top and another lightweight formfitting long sleeve top would be recommended so that you can wear this to the class and take it off if you get warm. Please leave your shoes outside the yoga room.
Walking boots and extra runners. Keep one pair of shoes clean for walking around inside the house
Warm clothing
Rain jacket with hood or hat
Water bottles. You should bring water to your classes to keep hydrated. You can use the water from the kitchen taps to fill your bottles. It is pure private well water.
*Excellent quality yoga mats are provided, you do not need to bring your own
*Towels and bed linen are all provided.
Where shall I park?
Please park your car in the allocated carpark at the front of the property. Please park as neatly as possible so that all the cars can fit and so that other cars can still pass through. We keep the courtyard car free. If you are coming with a friend you could try to arrange travelling in 1 car as it would be more environmentally friendly.
Do I bring any food?
Meals provided at the Retreat
Friday Afternoon: When you arrive it is nice to be able to have a hot drink such as tea, herbal tea, coffee and a tasty treat. We will leave out some freshly baked sweet treats.
Friday Evening – Main course & dessert
Saturday Morning – Light breakfast before class (in form of an all-in-one breakfast bowl)
Saturday Lunch – Delicious Soup and Salads
Saturday Mid Afternoon – Feeling peckish? We will leave out some tasty treats!
Saturday Evening – Main course & dessert
Sunday Morning – Light breakfast before class (in form of an all-in-one breakfast bowl)
Time of arrival?
Please check the timetable for your retreat. To avoid stress and rushing it is best to arrive an hour before your first class!
How is the accommodation set up?
There are 4 courtyard houses, The Grooms, The Saddler’s Loft, The Dairymaid’s and Tindal’s cottage. Some of the bedrooms have en-suite bathrooms and some have shared en-suite bathrooms where 2 bedrooms have access to the same en-suite. This system works however you just have to remember to lock both doors. Each house has well equipped kitchens, not that you will be cooking! The water in the kitchen taps is well water from our private well and is as pure as you can get. You can fill your water bottles from your kitchens to bring with you to the yoga classes.
What can I do in my free-time on the Saturday afternoon?
Trek
Trekking routes are given to those who want to go for a trek or a walk or if you prefer to go for a walk by yourself there is a lovely country track beside to the property
The Farmshop
The Farm Shop in Tinahely is about 12 minutes by car. The owners of the Farm shop are relatives of the Allen’s at Ballymaloe and they have adopted a similar style throughout the café, with pretty table clothes and interesting memorabilia. The farm shop sells handmade crafts and artisan produce. There is a cafe on-site.
Relax
You can chose to simply relax at the Courtyard in one of the 4 sitting room areas or outside on the lawn if the weather is nice.
Do I share a room or do I have a single occupancy room?
Yes, our guests share rooms, however private rooms are available on request at an extra supplement rate.
Will I get free time?
You will have free time, please see schedule. You can also be assured that no classes are compulsory, we hope that you will attend all classes but if you feel like missing a class to have some downtime or a rest then that is fine but please inform the teacher and Olivia so that we know where you are in the event we are worried about you.
Do we cater for special dietary requirements?
Yes we can cater for any allergies and intolerances, we can not cater specially for individual dislikes. Please make sure to note in your booking form if you have any intolerances or allergies.
What is the schedule/timetable?
Timetables vary according to the retreat – please see retreat timetable under the specific retreat description
Who are our hosts?
Olivia
Olivia runs The Courtyard Yoga Retreat and will be on hand throughout the weekend for any questions, help or support that you may need.
Noel & Dee
Noel and Dee, Olivia’s parents, are the proud owners of this special property which they have painstakingly restored from a state of disrepair when they purchased the property 12 years ago. When Noel retired as a veterinary surgeon he bravely took on this project. The project has been a great success and has kept him out of mischief for many years. It is thanks to Noel and Dee that we have this very special yoga retreat venue today. Dee is still working as a teacher and she will retire this summer. Noel and Dee are great hosts and love to welcome our guests. Noel will be on hand when you arrive and will help you settle into your house and ensure that you are comfortable.
We employ a small panel of yoga teachers, all of whom are highly experienced and have more than 10 – 15 years experience. Your teacher will support you throughout the retreat. Please feel free to speak with them with any concern relating to the classes, the yoga practice, any illness, injuries etc. All our teachers are very approachable and professional and they are there to ensure you enjoy your classes and that you learn lots whilst you are with us.
Directions?
From M11/N11 Dublin
N11 – From Dublin
Coming from Dublin turn off N11 at Rathnew village, head in the direction of Glenealy and Rathdrum. Pass by Rathdrum to Ballinaclash and Aughrim. Cross the bridge in Aughrim and turn right for Tinahely and Carnew. Continue for 12 minutes (do not take the turn to Tinahely continue until the turn right for Coolboy, enter Coolboy and turn right at the pub, cross the little bridge and turn left towards Coolattin and Shillelagh continue past Coolattin Golf Club entrance on right. About half a mile after the golf club you will come to white railings on the right which is the back gate to golf club. The Courtyard and Coolattin Lodge is opposite the white railings on the left.
From M50 – M9
Come off the M9 at Castledermot, kildare head in the direction of Tullow, as you enter Tullow take a left, pass through the town and take a right to Shillelagh at the top of the town. Pass through Shillelagh and keep going straight you will come to a bend to the right, do not follow to the right but carry on up this road, Coolattin Golf Course will be sign posted at this junction, continue up this road towards Coolattin Golf club about 1 km up this road you will come to a forestry gate with white railings on the left, Coolattin Lodge/The Couryard is on the right. You will see granite pillars with lights. Coolattin Lodge is written on the pillars.
From Shillelagh to The Courtyard
If you find yourself in Shillelagh village head east towards Coolattin or Coolattin Golf Club. The Courtyard is 1 km on the right opposite the white railings.
What is the Wifi Code?
Coolattin_wifi
Password: guestaccess