Tucked away in the wild beauty of Donegal, The Journey Retreat by Lucille Cassidy is more than just a weekend away — it’s a soul-deep reset. Over three days of movement, breathwork, sea dips, moonlit fire circles, and nourishing meals, here’s what unfolded at this powerful all-women retreat.
In May, I had the pleasure of attending The Journey Retreat by Lucille Cassidy Retreats – a women-only wellness weekend. Nestled in the beautiful rugged beauty of Dunfanaghy on the west coast of Ireland in County Donegal, it was magical!
Hosted in the peaceful grounds of Sandhill House, this retreat offered more than just rest and relaxation. It channeled a profound reconnection with nature, the subconscious and feminine energy. Accompanied by movement, stillness, sea air, and a group of wonderful women, the experience was in equal parts grounding and empowering.
Here is a snapshot of what the weekend looked like and why I’d recommend it to anyone in need of a nervous system reset and soulful nudge inward.
The Location: The Wild and Wonderful Donegal
Sandhill House overlooks the hills and beach of Dunfanaghy – a gold mine of tranquility within Ireland’s renowned County Donegal – on the northwest coast.
My friend and I shared a bright, comfy room, and from the moment we arrived, we felt held by both the space and the surrounding nature.
Between activities, we could unwind in the on-site wellbeing area—complete with a sauna, hot tub, and ice plunge. This little sanctuary was open whenever we needed it, adding a gentle rhythm of relaxation to the weekend.
A Journey Through Breath, Movement & Stillness
The Journey Retreat wasn’t typical of wellness weekends where you switch off and do nothing Instead, it was about unwinding and tuning in to nature and one’s self. Through guided breathwork, yoga, walks in nature, and reflective journaling, we were invited to move at the pace of our own bodies. This was a chance to reconnect with our feminine energy, remember our inner strength, and soften into a sense of stillness that’s hard to come by in everyday life.
Everything was intentional—from the flow of the schedule to the food we ate—and each moment was a gentle nudge back to self.
What We Did: A Day-by-Day Look
Day 1: Arriving and Opening the Circle
After settling into our rooms, we began with a reformer Pilates class—just enough movement to help us land in our bodies after the journey to the retreat.
As the golden hour approached, we walked up to Horn Head Lookout for panoramic views and breathwork with a view!
We then headed back for dinner – a nourishing delight lovingly prepared by our in-house chef, Stevie. It set the tone for the weekend: wholesome, flavourful, and soul-satisfying.
We then entered our opening circle—complete with labyrinth meditation and oracle cards. There was something ancient and sacred about that first evening, surrounded by women, wrapped in blankets, sharing silence, inner thoughts, and stories.
Day 2-3: Nature, Breath, and Immersion
We began the day with an early morning coastal walk from Ards Friary to Lucky Shell beach and onto forest bathing among the trees. Guiding us along the way, Lucille weaved in mediation and movement along the way, allowing us to start the day feeling grounded and clear.
Breakfast was astonishing! Stevie made us a gorgeous array of breakfast fuel, including the likes of the most delicious overnight oats, chia pudding, hot foods, healthy sides, and fresh bread!
After breakfast, we headed to the beach where we could choose to sea dip with Janet, the Wim Hof guide of the group. The experience of jumping in that sea, with the waves crashing against your body alongside the energy of the group was exhilarating—awakening the body, mind and for me, my inner child!
Throughout the day, we were invited into movement sessions, breathwork, and journaling—opportunities to attune to our nervous systems and notice what needed attention.
In the evening, we came together for a fireside circle where we explored our feminine energy and cycles in more depth. Then we ventured to the beach for a full moon ceremony and sage cleansing which was simply magical!
The final morning consisted of a couple more moments in nature before we checked out and headed home.
A Shoutout to Chef Stevie & The Amazing Food
Throughout the weekend, the food wasn’t just a necessity — it was a ritual, a celebration, and a sensory experience all of its own.
Throughout each day, mealtimes felt like another chance to pause, unwind, and connect with nature all over again – but from your plate!
Chef Stevie’s creativity in the kitchen was genuinely inspiring. With each bite, it was clear this wasn’t just fuel — it was food to feel.
Stevie’s meal times catered for everyone, with plant-based and vegetarian taking a predominant spotlight given the nutrients and goodness we get from plants. Everything was homemade with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Whether it was a colourful taco bowl, a warming curry, or a nourishing breakfast spread, every meal was thoughtfully put together, artfully presented and full of flavour!
This attention to nourishment complemented the retreat’s slower pace and intentionality. It wasn’t just about eating well — it was about being well.
Moments Between
The unstructured time between sessions was just as powerful. Whether it was journaling quietly on the patio, soaking in the hot tub, chatting with new friends, or simply resting, there was no pressure to do. Just space to be.
What Made The Weekend Standout Special
This wasn’t just a retreat—it was a safe space for real reconnection.
- The all-women environment created instant trust and camaraderie.
- The immersion in nature reminded me how healing the outdoors can be.
- The facilitators were compassionate, intuitive, and truly present.
- The slow pace felt like an antidote to the overstimulation of modern life.
Lucille channels a deep message throughout every element of the retreat:
You are not broken. There is nothing to fix—only more of you to rediscover and honour.
Who This Retreat Is For?
- Women feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or disconnected
- Anyone craving time to slow down and hear themselves again
- Those seeking a more embodied way of living and making decisions
- Individuals open to exploring breathwork, movement, journaling, and emotional connection with their feminine energy
Whether you’re coming solo or with a friend, this is a powerful space to land and reset.
Final Thoughts: A Weekend to Remember
As I left Donegal, I felt lighter—more in my body, more connected to my intuition, and more at peace.
Lucille Cassidy has created something truly special with The Journey Retreat. It was a weekend of warmth, nature, stillness, strength, and sisterhood.
If you’re feeling the pull to pause, breathe, and come back home to yourself—I can’t recommend it enough.
For upcoming retreats and more about Lucille Cassidy Retreats, you can visit her website here.
Watch our Instagram reel here.
