This retreat includes six days of restful reflection at the Corrymeela Community in Ballycastle. With the theme “Resilient Spirit,” this portion of the retreat explores spiritual practices that build resilience in our lives. During this time we will experience workshops with Sara Cook (resilience and wellness skills), Paul Hutchinson (reflective practice and storytelling) and Pádraig Ó Tuama, via Zoom (poetry as spiritual practice). One of the days at Corrymeela will be a dedicated retreat day for personal and group reflection – silence can be chosen if desired. In addition, throughout your stay there will be free time to walk the local coastal areas, movement practices such as yoga, and sessions on local music and Irish culture. The entire program is facilitated by Kiran Young Wimberly, a Presbyterian minister and spiritual director based at Corrymeela, who will weave together music, prayer, sharing, and spiritual practices for resilience from the Celtic and Ignatian traditions.

This listing is for the 6-day Corrymeela retreat. If you wish to register for the full pilgrimage including the Corrymeela retreat plus four days in Glendalough and Dublin, please visit this page.

Please note that this pilgrimage is priced in British Pounds.  It does not include transportation to/from Corrymeela. Those traveling from the United States or Canada should add the option for transportation and will also need to book an additional night at an airport hotel on April 14 as the transfer to Dublin airport will not arrive in time for flights to the US and Canada.

A discount of 50 Pounds is available to residents of Ireland and Northern Ireland using discount code IRISH at registration.

US and Canadian participants need to arrange their own airfare to Dublin, departing today (April 8), to arrive on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 by 10:00 AM. 

International participants arrive at Dublin Airport by 10 AM to meet the private coach for transport to Corrymeela. Those coming from Ireland may arrive at Corrymeela beginning at 2:00 PM. We will dine together at Corrymeela and the retreat begins at 7:00 PM. 

Our focus today is “Resilience and Wellness” with Sara Cook.  Sara is a social worker who has worked in conflict response, peacebuilding and mediation in Northern Ireland and internationally for the past two decades. Sara offers trainings in the Community Resiliency Model through the Trauma Resource Institute, providing practical tools to balance the adversity and the joy in our lives. 

All meals are included. 

Our focus today is “Reflective Practice and Storytelling” with Paul Hutchinson. Paul  is a mediator, therapist, artist and retreat leader. He is a former Director of the Corrymeela Peace and Reconciliation Centre and the founder/Director of Imagined Spaces. Paul has over 25 years experience as a mediator and peace practitioner and has worked extensively in Northern Ireland, in North West of England (as a Neighbourhood Renewal Advisor), in New York, Jerusalem and Canada. 

All meals are included. 

Today participants can opt for whatever most nourishes their own spirit. There are scenic walks in the area, many quiet place for reflection, and Kiran will lead a personal/group reflection sessions throughout the day. Silence can be kept if desired. All meals included. 

Our focus today is “Poetry as Spiritual Practice” with Pádraig O’Tuama.  Pádraig is a theologian, writer, and conflict transformation practitioner. He is a member and former leader of the Corrymeela Community of Northern Ireland. He has authored many books and is the co-host of the On Being podcast "Poetry Unbound."

All meals included. 

In the morning, Kiran leads the retreat closing, including worship and lunch. Those not continuing to Glendalough can depart anytime after lunch. Those continuing to Glendalough will depart at 2:00 PM, arriving about 6:00 PM at The Glendalough Hotel for dinner (included) and overnight accommodations.