Lake Isle Retreats is a revelation – situated on Inis Rath, also nicknamed (and signposted as) Hare Krishna Island, it is based in an old hunting lodge on a small island in Lough Erne. Where once rich landowners and their guests enjoyed shooting, these days pursuits are much more peaceful.
Non-Denominational Retreats on the Hare Krishna Island
The island is owned by ISKCON, the International Society for Krishna Consciousness, better known as the Hare Krishna movement to most people. But Tim McEvitt, who runs Lake Isle Retreats with his wife Champa, is at pains to point out that the retreats on offer here are non-denominational and open to everyone.
Okay, maybe not all – one of the weekend programmes on offer is “Live Like A Monk”. We are not talking Franciscan or Capuchin here, but that would be on par with similar offers from other monasteries.
The Full Programme – From Simple Relaxation to Vegetarian Cooking
But apart from trying out the Hindu monk's life, the programme run by Lake Isle Retreats is as diverse as you could want (descriptions are taken from Lake Isle Retreats literature):
- Exotic Vegetarian Cookery - Fun cookery lessons from the experts. Learn to cook a few Govinda`s specialities for yourself.
- Holistic Adventure Holiday Body, Mind and Soul Retreat - An exciting holiday with walking, meditation, yoga, Eastern philosophy discussions and hiking, with plenty of nice friends to make along the way. Day-trips exploring remote and exciting regions of Fermanagh and well-preserved nature reserves.
- Live-as-a-monk-for-a-Weekend Challenge - You may have seen the odd adventure reality TV shows were the contestants have to swing from the vines in the jungle and swim crocodile invested waters, etc. Now it could be your turn for a challenge with a difference. Are you up for it?
- Mind Body Spirit Personal Retreat - An enlightening way to spend a relaxing and educational weekend: Yoga (suitable for all), meditation, philosophy, great food and two cookery workshops.
- Personal Retreats - You pick any three of eight great courses, namely Meditation, Yoga, Vegetarian Cookery, Kirtan, Eastern Philosophy, Massage Therapies (women only), Monastic Living and Inner Coaching.
- Women's Relax and Restore Retreat - A weekend of pampering with full-body aromatherapy massage, reflexology, Indian head massage, meditation, yoga and very tasty vegetarian meals.
Accommodation and Amenities on Inis Rath
Let's be upfront – the island has electricity and running water, so you are not lacking basic comforts. But if your retreat needs to be sweetened by all sorts of modern conveniences, you might find them lacking.
Accommodation is basic, but the rooms are clean and comfortable, with lots of wood and natural fibres, futons and light colors. Rooms of different sizes are available, according to your needs and wishes, but unless you book a private room (en suite) you'll have to settle for shared facilities and a little bit of that “youth hostel” or “summer camp” feeling. Which, in itself, is a bonus ... communicating with other participants, staff and the occasional monk is as much of the allure of Inis Rath as the wide swathes of nature you can enjoy.
By the way ... no TV in the rooms ...
Participants in the retreat will enjoy vegetarian meals of a very high quality – about the same fare you would get in the excellent Govinda's in Dublin (which actually uses some vegetables grown on Inis Rath in the extensive vegetable garden).
Just Visiting and Relaxing ...
Apart from the self-guided retreat to just hang out, you are welcome to visit Inis Rath and enjoy nature – there are woodland walks around the island and wide swathes of sensibly landscaped gardens. A ferry runs on Sundays and you'll find yourself within minutes in a seemingly total isolation, free to do what you like.
Well, within limits – as Inis Rath is a private island you will have to operate within certain limits here. No smoking, no drinking and no eating of meat are the main points.
This also applies to those cruising on Lough Erne and using Inis Rath's jetty as a stop. You are welcome to do so, but slapping a few steaks on the grill is a serious faux pas and will get your karma screwed up to no end.
