Harvest - A Retreat of Reflection and Gratitude
With Amy Jennings, Shifu Yan Xin, Suphi McCabe, Isis Neal, Maria O’Reilly and Paul Quinn
September 14 - 17, 2026
Theme:
A slower-paced, soulful retreat designed to reflect on what has grown and to harvest the lessons, gratitude, and energy of the year so far. The Deerstone Retreats offer a supportive environment where you can step away from everyday demands, recharge, and reconnect with yourself.
Led by a team of experts across a variety of fields, each retreat combines practical skills, nature-based experiences, and moments of mindful rest. From guided hikes and seasonal foraging to yoga, meditation, and sauna rituals, the program balances gentle activity with time to pause, reflect, and simply be.
Across four days, retreaters can expect a rhythm of nourishing meals, restorative practices, and opportunities for personal reflection, all designed to leave you feeling refreshed, grounded, and ready for the months ahead.
Itinerary:
Day 1 – Monday, 14 September
3:00 pm: Check-in & Welcome Refreshments
4:30 pm: Opening Circle: Shaolin Wholistic Experience
6:30 pm: Dinner
8:00 pm – Guided Restorative Meditation
Day 2 – Tuesday, 15 September
8:30 am: Morning Meditation & Energising Yoga Practice
10:15 am: Breakfast
11:30 am: Autumnal Foraging & Plant Folklore
1:00 pm: Lunch
2:30 pm: Guided Hike through the Hills
6.30 pm: Foraged Feast
8:00 pm: Evening Fire & Ice
Day 3 – Wednesday, 16 September
8:30 am: Morning Meditation & Energising Yoga Practice
10:15 am: Breakfast
11:30 am: Free Time: Optional Journalling, Rest, Walk
1.00 pm: Lunch
2.30 – 3.15 pm: Piritus Sauna Experience – Group A
3.30 – 4:15 pm: Piritus Sauna Experience – Group B
6:30 pm: Dinner
8:00 pm: Tea & Meditation
Day 4 – Thursday, 17 September
8:30 am: Closing Practice: Shaolin Wholisitic Experience
10:15 am: Breakfast
11:00 am: Checkout
About the Leaders
Amy Jennings
Amy Jennings is a botanist, conservationist and beekeeper with a deep appreciation for plants and nature. A masters in biodiversity conservation allowed Amy to further explore her interest in ethnobotany, which looks at the connection between people and the plant kingdom. This research took her to countries like Afghanistan, Iraq, Jordan, India, Tibet and […]
Learn more about Amy Jennings
Shifu Yan Xin
Shifu Yan Xin is a 34th Generation Shaolin Warrior Disciple, a master teacher, and the living heart of KungFu.Life. His presence is quiet but powerful, his teachings ancient yet deeply alive—rooted in the wisdom of the Shaolin Temple and expressed through the fullness of his life experience. From a young age, Shifu Yan Xin was […]
Learn more about Shifu Yan Xin Suphi McCabe
Suphi, a native of Alabama, loves nothing more than growing and cooking fresh, soulful food. She also offers Pirtis Sessions—a cosy, heart-warming sauna experience to relax and connect. Both passions let her share warmth, nourishment, and a little Southern sunshine wherever she goes!
Learn more about Suphi McCabe
Isis Neal
Isis Neal has been working with food for over thirty years. Classically trained in French method her style of cuisine and approach to cooking and health evolved over time. Influenced by the places she’s lived and exceptional people she’s worked with. Formative years spent in Southern California, Dublin, time spent in Brazil and Paris as […]
Learn more about Isis NealMaria O’Reilly
Meet Maria O’Reilly, a creative and energetic professional, leading the way as a Certified Hiking Leader and Guide, an Executive & Business Coach & Workshop Facilitator. As co-founder of Bespoke Treks and Hikes, Maria shares a huge love for the outdoors; she has a real passion for both business leadership and bringing the rejuvenating influence […]
Learn more about Maria O’ReillyPaul Quinn
Paul is a fully qualified Mountain Leader and Guide. He is also a seasoned trainer in Mountain Navigation and Group or Team Management. Working with and on behalf of Mountaineering Ireland, he delivers programmes and training in Group Management Protocols and Plans for various hiking clubs and organisations. Paul’s backyard has always been Glendalough and […]
Learn more about Paul Quinn