Brigid's Winter Blessing
A SOUL RETREAT OF WARMTH, STILLNESS AND MID WINTER NOURISHMENT
MOUNT ST ANNES, COUNTY LAOIS IRELAND
SUNDAY 7th / MONDAY DEC 8th 2025
As winter deepens, we pause.....
In the quiet hush of midwinter, when the days are short and the soul longs to breathe,
we gather by the gentle fire of Brigid — Celtic goddess of hearth, healing, and holy inspiration.
This two day retreat is a time for deep rest, soulful creativity, and sacred stillness.
A time to be held, to soften, to remember what matters - dreaming the dreams of what we desire, what will support us to be fully alive as the seasons change.
A pause to tend to your inner flame.
Date: Sunday Dec 7th /Monday Dec 8th
Time: 10 am Sunday – to 4:00pm Monday
Place: Mount St Annes Retreat and Conference Centre, County Laois, Ireland
Contribution: €280 ( inclusive of accommodation, food, and retreat sessions)
Questions: please email hello@mindfulfacilitation.com
Why Come?
Because you are tired.
Because something inside you needs tending.
Because you want a day with no pressure, no doing — just deep, gentle being.
Because Brigid’s presence brings light in the darkness, and you are ready to receive.
This retreat is for you if you’re longing for:
Time out of the rush
A reconnection with inner wisdom
Soulful supportive company
A sacred space that honours the winter within
You do not need to be “spiritual enough” or “ready.”
You only need to arrive — as you are.
AS WINTER DEEPENS, WE PAUSE
In the quiet hush of midwinter, when the days are short and the soul longs to breathe,
we gather by the gentle fire of Brigid — Celtic goddess of hearth, healing, and holy inspiration.
"May Brigid’s flame warm your spirit,
her cloak shelter your soul,
and her well restore your deepest self."
If your inner fire feels low, if you’re seeking peace, stillness, and sacred connection…come. This is your invitation to rest, restore, and begin again — held in the heart of winter, and in Brigid’s light.
" We had a wonderful three days at the 2025 Bealtaine retreat. The location was peaceful and beautiful, the food was delicious, and the pace was slow, yet covered a lot. Dee was warm, kind, and shared her vast knowledge in a simple, down-to-earth way. It was a truly special time for me and my daughter, and we often talk about the experience. We’re looking forward to the opportunity to participate again. Thank you so much, Dee! "
Mary and Riona
What these two days will hold
🕯️ Celtic rituals to honour Brigid’s symbols: flame, well, cloak, and hearth
🧘♀️ Gentle embodied movement to ground and warm the body
🌊 Meditation & Deep Rest including a guided “Winter Nest” soul journey
🎨 Soul Sparks, igniting inner light through sacred imagery and reflection
💞 Anam Cara healing and compassionate ancient practice
🍲 Seasonal nourishment lunch, snacks and warm drinks
🌟 A blessing ritual to close, and a gift to carry the light
home with you.
Our Retreat Schedule
Day One / Entering The Stillness/Tending The Flame
Our focus: Letting go, moving into stillness, honouring the sacred dark.
10.am. Welcome and candle lighting, connecting with Brigid
10.30. Meditation on Brigid's flame and well for healing &
inspiration
11.am. Coffee
11.20 Letting Brigid's Cloak touch us
Journalling
12.20 Anam Cara deep listening
1pm. Lunch
2.30 Winters Nest - relax and integrate with
Brigid inspired yoga nidra
3.15. Coffee break
3.35. Flow- relax with gentle creativity
5.15. Quiet candlelight circle with blessing
Dreaming with Brigid/ Blessing The Path Ahead
Today we focus on nourishing ourselves, building our resilience, visioning our spring
9.30 am Welcoming the light with celtic music & morning
meditation
10.15. Meeting Brigid in nature ( outdooor if possible)
11 am Coffee
11.20 Brigid's well - healing water ritual
11.45 Creative integration - movement & breath
12.15. Anam Cara deep listening / journaling
1pm. Lunch
2pm Shamanic journey - blessing the path ahead
3pm Coffee break
3.20. Gathering the threads - integration, gratitude &
sacred sending forth
Dee helps over busy, humans to deepen their capacity to pause, to rest, and to prevent or recover from burnout, and so to blossom - to come home to calm and balance. Dee is the founder of two unique gold standard programmes, Compassionate Leadership for organisations, and Blossom for women who want to develop exquisite self care and resilient leadership skills. All of Dee's work draws on her unique approach to mind, body and soul nourishment for 21st century living, blending ancient wisdom and nature with modern neuroscience. It is Dee's delight to share these simple practices from nature, neuroscience and mindfulness, reminding us that we are human beings, not just human doings, and that we are made for ease, peace, joy and connection. Dee loves leaning in to the reality that that
' we are all just walking each other home.'
Guided 450+ women as an Anam Cara (Soul Friend)
Facilitated retreats for 700+ women leaders
Provided wisdom supervision to 600+ women in leadership
Taught mindfulness to over 2,000 professionals
SECURE YOUR PLACE NOW
Please remember to take out insurance to protect you from travel or other disruption which may affect your participation
Retreat Investment €280
MAYBE YOU ARE WONDERING...
I know that investing in yourself takes a little courage and is no small thing. You want to be sure, to know as much as you can about what to expect, how it will work, if it is really for you before joining me on this unique retreat. I totally understand. I too always take my time, ask my questions and reflect if it is right for me before jumping into any new venture. So I have answered the most frequently asked questions about the retreat below. If our question is not answered here, or you have another you can book a zoom chat with me Here
Mount St. Anne's Retreat and Conference Centre
Killenard, Portarlington, Co. Laois, Ireland
Post Code: R32 WN59
The retreat only includes overnight accommodation for Sunday Dec 7th. However you could contact the secretary in Mount St Annes to enquire if B&B might be available on Saturday 6th.
Telephone: +353 (0)57 8626153
Email: secretary@mountstannes.com
There is also a hotel just a few minutes drive from Mount St Annes - Heritage Hotel
You are strongly advised to take out insurance at the same time you book your place on this Brigid's Winter Blessing retreat to protect you in the event of any unplanned travel or participation disruption.
Ample free parking on-site
- Public transport available from Dublin
- Local taxi service available from Portarlington Railway Station
Comfortable, layered clothing
- Rain gear and walking shoes
- Indoor shoes/slippers
- Yoga mat ( if you have one) blanket & cushion (if you like)
- Journal for reflection
- Any personal comfort items
Absolutely. This retreat is specifically designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of previous experience. If traditional mindfulness hasn't worked for you before, you'll discover a gentler, more natural approach here.
No prior knowledge needed. We weave these ancient wisdom traditions in a way that's practical and relevant for modern life, regardless of your background or beliefs.
The retreat balances guided sessions with ample space for personal reflection. All activities are invitational - you're free to participate or take time for yourself as needed.
Full payment is due 90 days before the retreat start date, after which refunds cannot be made, but if you have paid in full before this 90 day deadline you may request a refund. Refunds are not available after the 90 day deadline, but from this time if you no longer wish to or are able to participate in the retreat you may transfer your place to another. Please contact Dee re the process for this transfer of a place.
MOUNT ST ANNE'S RETREAT AND CONFERENCE CENTRE
Mount St. Anne’s dating from 1820 is set in delightful pastoral landscape, four miles from Monasterevin and ten miles from Portlaoise. Distant views of the Wicklow mountains to the east and the gentle slope of the Slieve Blooms to the south combine with rolling parkland and stately trees to create an atmosphere of serenity in which the spirit is revitalised and energies are restored.
Extensive Grounds
Glass Atrium
Walled Garden
Dining Room
Woodland
Ensuite Single Bedroom
Sitting Room
Oak Room - Our Meeting Space
MAYBE YOU ARE WONDERING...
I know that investing in yourself takes a little courage and is no small thing. You want to be sure, to know as much as you can about what to expect, how it will work, if it is really for you before joining me on this unique retreat. I totally understand. I too always take my time, ask my questions and reflect if it is right for me before jumping into any new venture. So I have answered the most frequently asked questions about the retreat below. If our question is not answered here, or you have another please email me hello@mindfulfacilitation.com.
Mount St. Anne's Retreat and Conference Centre
Killenard, Portarlington, Co. Laois, Ireland
Post Code: R32 WN59
Overnight accommodation is not included in the night before we gather for this retreat, but you can independently inquire if B&B is available in Mount St Annes for Saturday Dec 6th by emailing
secretary@mountstannes.com |
.
Alternatively you could book a room at The Heritage a hotel just a couple of minutes drive from our retreat venue .
You are strongly advised to take out insurance at the same time you book your place on this Celtic Mid Winter retreat to protect you to protect you in the event of any unplanned travel or participation disruption.
Ample free parking on-site
- Public transport available from Dublin
- Local taxi service available from Portarlington Railway Station
Comfortable, layered clothing
- Rain gear and walking shoes
- Indoor shoes/slippers
- Yoga mat ( if you have one) blanket & cushion (if you like)
- Journal for reflection
Absolutely. This retreat is specifically designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of previous experience. If traditional mindfulness hasn't worked for you before, you'll discover a gentler, more natural approach here.
No prior knowledge needed. We weave these ancient wisdom traditions in a way that's practical and relevant for modern life, regardless of your background or beliefs.
The retreat balances guided sessions with ample space for personal reflection. All activities are invitational - you're free to participate or take time for yourself as needed throughout the day.
Refunds are available for 60 days after purchase, or up to 60 days before the retreat date which is Oct 8th - whichever is applicable. If you don't qualify for a refund you can still gift your place to another - just email hello@mindfulfacilitation.com to arrange this.
Book With Confidence
Unique opportunity to rest with Brigid's energy
Experienced Facilitator supporting over busy women in professional and family caring roles for over 20 years
SECURE YOUR PLACE NOW
Please remember to take out insurance to protect you from travel or other disruption which may affect your participation
Retreat Investment €280
What Participants Have Said
Karen Power
Children's Mindfulness and Yoga Teacher
When you are busy with ideas and life's stresses, Dee brings this sense of calm and has a natural ability to ground you so you can move forward from a better place. I highly recommend Dee, her professional and friendly approach inspires people to be their best.
Katie Hourigan
Regional Coordinator
Multiple Sclerosis Society of Ireland
I would highly recommend Dee Hennessy as a passionate and experienced mindfulness teacher. She has years of practice supporting people working in in human care organisations and community groups in how we respond to stress and improve our well-being. Availing of Dee’s service as in investment in yourself. My work has benefited for it as has as my personal life.
Dorothy Surrett-Thomas
Programme Coordinator
The Irish Cancer Society
I found Dee to be considerate and gentle as she moved some fairly significant mountains! I was so impressed by her commitment and style that I joined a her mindful transformation programme. I was even further impressed by Dee's attention to detail and thoroughness. I will definitely join Dee again in the future and would recommend that you do as well!
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