fáilte gheal

joyus welcome

We are delighted that you have booked your event at Mucklagh Lodge and we look forward to welcoming you and your group. In this guide we cover the most frequently asked questions, useful information as well as some house rules.

Quick FAQ

  • What are the check-in / checkout times?

    Retreat participants may arrive from 2pm onwards on the first day of the retreat. Organiser/chef may arrive earlier by request. Checkout is 2pm (unless you requested a late checkout when booking).

  • How many guests can be accommodated?

    We have 21 single beds across 7 rooms. The breakdown of bedrooms can be viewed below, where you can download a room assignment sheet.

  • What is included in the rate?

    Exclusive use of the Lodge, and surrounding 20 acres of land. Firewood for the open fire. Heating (fair usage applies). Electricity. Linens, towels & handmade Soap. Toilet Roll, Kitchen cleaning supplies etc.

  • Can we get signal or wifi at Mucklagh?

    No, we believe that a digital detox and an EMF-free zone is part of the joy of coming to Mucklagh. Emergency comms are available, please enquire.

  • Can we drink the water from the tap?

    Yes! Our water comes from the mountain above us into our well and through our filtration system. It is the most pure water you can find and a shower or bath at Mucklagh is therapy in itself.

  • What about Catering?

    Mucklagh Lodge has a self catering kitchen, fully stocked with everything you need to cook for your group. Or you may wish to use our chef, details on the catering page.

  • Will we have complete privacy?

    Yes. We will keep a low profile as we understand you are here to be still and do the work with your participants. If you need us for anything just ask. And yes we are used to drumming, howling, releasing etc. We won’t be shocked!

  • What do participants need to bring?

    Linens, towels, hand soap & toilet rolls are provided. We advise wearing wellies/hiking boots and rain gear. It is pitch black at night so a torch is also advised.

  • How will I play music without wifi?

    We have a sound system with all the necessary cables to hook up your laptop or phone. You just need to make sure you download your playlist before arriving.

  • Do you have a projector?

    Yes we have a projector which we can help you setup. Please let us know in advance if you need this and what device you will be using. Download your presentation before arriving.

  • Is there parking?

    Yes, there is ample free parking in the driveway for around 20 cars. Please note parking is at owners risk.

  • What is there to do at Mucklagh?

    Walk the ancient forest, dip in the stream, hike on The Wicklow Way, star gaze, light the fire circles, forage for wild food, play games on the field, rest & be still. Sauna coming soon!

catering & food

Working with Local Caterers

Tip! Don’t forget to check if your chef will be going home at night or if you need to allocate a bed for them.

Feeding your guests nourishing wholesome meals is such an important element of any retreat. Your chef plays a vital component in the smooth flow of proceedings, and it’s essential that you have a good working relationship with that person. You need to be in alignment with not only the food they serve but also the energy they bring to the event. The following highly rated chefs have experience in our kitchen.

Bring your own chef

If you already have a chef in mind, that is wonderful and he or she might have some questions about the kitchen and what equipment is available.

Kitchen Equipment

If there is something specific you are looking for and don’t see listed here please reach out.

    • Electric Oven & 4 ring hob

    • Tall larder fridge

    • Undercounter freezer

    • Dishwasher

    • Toaster & Kettle

    • Nutri Bullet

    • Hand held blender (e.g. for soup)

    • Hand held mixer (e.g. for whipped cream)

    • Egg boiling machine

    • Slow Juicer upon request

    • Chaffing Tray (bring chaffing oil)

    • Plant Milk Maker

    • 30ltr Burko Kettle

    • Nespresso Coffee Machine

    • Popcorn machine

    • Large pots

    • Frying pans

    • Sauce Pans

    • Oven Trays

    • Wok

    • 48 Dinner Plates

    • 48 Side Plates

    • 48 Soup Bowls

    • 24 Small Bowls

    • 24 Pasta Bowls

    • 24 Tall Glasses

    • 24 Tumblers

    • 24 Mugs

    • 24 Cups & Saucers

    • Ample Cutlery

    • Knives

    • Colour coded chopping boards

    • Grater

    • Peeler

    • Garlic press

    • Ladels

    • Wooden spoons

    • Spatulas

    • Stainless steel mixing bowls

    • Weigning Scales

    • Measuring Cups

    • Loaf Tins

    • Sieves

    • Collanders

    • Wire Racks

    • Muffin trays

    • Cake Tins

    • Loaf Tins

    • Flan Dishes

    • Tea towels

    • Knife Sharpener

    • Large Bowls

    • Large Platters

    • 2 Raised Boards

    • Various Trays

    • 2 x Kilner 5ltr dispencers

    • Various Jugs

    • Candle Heated Serving Tray

    • Chaffing Tray (bring your own chaffing oil)

    • Place Mats & Coasters

    • Salt & Pepper

    • Egg Cups

    • Box of Service Utensils

Kitchen Rules

Closing Checklist

When you arrive the kitchen will be spotless and we expect it to be handed back the same way. We have provided a closing shift checklist. The list outlines all the tasks which must be completed before the checkout time.

Kitchen Checkout Time

We expect the kicthen to be handed back at the checkout time. So for example starting lunch at 1.30pm on the final day of a residential retreat, may not give your chef enough time to clear up by 2pm. So either please have lunch earlier or book a later checkout time than 2pm.

Brunch

A good tip is to provide a brunch on the final day as opposed to a breakfast and a lunch, this allows time for an early activity before brunch and a closing circle afterwards, giving the chef time to clean down and avoids guests feeling rushed.

Recycling

There is a list of items we can recycle above the bin in the kitchen. Please don’t overfill bins, tightly tie bags and leave in the large recycling bin at the shed.

Glass

Please put glass bottles & jars into the white buckets at the back door.

General Waste

Please don’t overfill bins, tightly tie bags and leave in the large recycling bin at the shed.

Food Waste

We do not have a compost pile so please put food waste into the general waste.

Sourcing Ingredients

International Groups & Chefs

It can be a challenge when flying in from abroad to coordinate the sourcing of food when you are not familiar with the area so we have put together this list of places to buy food.

Supermarkets

For large supermarkets you must travel to Arklow (30km/29min drive) or Wicklow Town (32km/40min drive). 
Wicklow: Tesco, Aldi, Lidl & SuperValu
Arklow: Tesco, Aldi, Lidl, SuperValu & Dunnes

Organic Produce

Top of the Hill Flowers & Veg
Tel: 083 022 9999
www.instagram.com/topofthehillflower_vegfarm

An Tairseach in Wicklow Town 
www.antairseach.ie/organic-farm-shop

Local Markets 

Roundwood Organic Market
Sundays 11am - 2pm - Dates vary 

Aughrim Town & Country Market
Saturday mornings 10am to 1.30pm 
www.facebook.com/aughrimtownandcountry

The BrookLodge & Macreddin Village Food Market
First Sunday April to October 12pm to 5pm
www.brooklodge.com/the-brooklodge-macreddin-village-food-market-returns-for-2024/

Local Stores

The two nearest villages are Rathdrum (14km/21min drive) and Aughrim (12km/15min drive). Both have a small convenience store, butcher, pharmacy, post office & fuel stations.

Eating Out

Retreat groups don’t typically go out to eat but facilitators and guests who are staying on with us might like to venture out. Here is a list of local places.

Glenmalure Lodge (15min drive)
Tel: 0404 46 188

La Taverna Armento (15min drive)
Tel: 0402 36 444

Jacobs Well, Rathdrum (20min drive)
Tel: 0404 46 282

Woodenbridge Hotel, Avoca (20min drive)
Tel: 0402 35 146

The Smokehouse, Avoca (20min drive)
Tel: 0402 35 146

Lynhams of Laragh (25min drive)
Tel: 0404 45 345

Wicklow Heather, Laragh (25min drive)
Tel: 0404 45 157

getting to mucklagh

The journey into the wilderness is the first part of the retreat.

We are located deep in the Wicklow Mountains. The road is narrow and bumpy, there are no streetlights, no houses, no signage and sometimes no signal. And we love it that way! We strongly advise that guests are not driving here in the dark unless they are familiar with the route. Even though we have found the Eircode Y14 RY62 brings you straight to us, we hear some people say they got lost. This could be due to loss of signal, so please advise your guests to screenshot the directions about 30 minutes away from here.

Coming from Dublin, Google maps seems to send many people through Glendalough. This route sometimes displays a shorter travel time, however while it is stunningly beautiful, it is a winding mountainous journey. For a smoother journey we recommend staying on the N11 until junction 16 signposted Ashford, however before Ashford go left down Milltown Lane, at the end turn right and coming through Glenealy/Rathdrum. At Rathdrum village you will still have to journey over ‘Brown Mountain’, but that leg is just 15 minutes.

International Guests

Flying into Ireland

The nearest airport is Dublin International Airport and is 100km away.

Group Transfers

A mini-bus seating 15 people, picking up at Dublin Airport and dropping off at Mucklagh Lodge will cost in the region of €350. The return journey can also be arranged and will cost the same. The journey should take 1 hour 30 minutes but only if travelling at off peak times. Avoid rush hour (morning & evening) journeys in Dublin at all costs!
Floods Bus Hire +353 83 061 1414
www.floodsbushire.ie

Private Transfer

Travel in style and book a private transfers with a door to door service. Prices in the region of €270 each way.
www.dublinpcd.com

Local Taxi

You won’t be able to flag down a taxi locally nor is there Uber, you will need to book a taxi in advance.
www.glendaloughcabs.ie
www.mickdunbar.com

Car Hire

Your participants may have plans to extend their stay in Ireland, hiring a car may be a better option. Much of Ireland is not accessible by public transport so a car will give flexibility and convenience. There are many hire car options at Dublin Airport. The same advice applies about avoiding rush hour traffic. Remember we drive on the left!

Public Transport

It is not possible to get here via public transport completely, but you can get to Rathdrum which is 20 minutes away as follows:

Dublin Airport to Connolly Station
Via Bus - Dublin Express Bus (takes 1 hour and costs €8, frequent service)
www.dublinexpress.ie

Connolly Station to Rathdrum Station
Via Train - Irish Rail (takes 1 hour 30 mins and costs €8, infrequent - approx. 6 trains per day)
www.irishrail.ie/en-ie

Once in Rathdrum, check if a fellow retreat participant can pick you up on the way. If not book a taxi in advance.

capacity & facilities

Total Capacity

A total of 21 single beds
The dining room seats 16 & the sunroom seats 6
The ceremony room can fit 15 yoga mats or 20 or so sitting (see Yoga section below for more info)

Bedrooms at Mucklagh Lodge

  • Mucklagh Lodge County Wicklow Room 1

    Room 1

    Occupancy – 1
    A single room on the ground floor with shared access to a wheelchair accessible shower room.

  • Mucklagh Lodge County Wicklow Room 2

    Room 2

    Occupancy – 3
    3 Single beds with an en-suite bathroom.

  • Mucklagh County Wicklow room 3

    Room 3

    Occupancy – 2
    2 Single Beds with a ‘Jack n Jill’ ensuite shower room shared with Room 4

  • Mucklagh Lodge County Wicklow Room 4

    Room 4

    Occupancy – 2
    2 Single Beds with a ‘Jack n Jill’ ensuite shower room shared with Room 3

  • Mucklagh Lodge County Wicklow Room 5

    Room 5

    Occupancy – 4
    4 Single bunks, 2 ontop, 2 below with an ensuite shower room.

  • Mucklagh Lodge County Wicklow Room 6

    Room 6

    Occupancy – 4
    4 Single bunks, 2 ontop, 2 below with an ensuite shower room.

  • Mucklagh Lodge County Wicklow Room 7

    Room 7

    Occupancy – 5
    5 Single beds, guests must use ground floor shower room.

Room Assignment Plan

Room Assignment Plan has been created to assist you in deciding where to put your guests. Please note that it is not to perfect scale. Room 1 is Ground Floor, the other rooms are 1st Floor. Room 5 & 6 each have 2 sets of bunks, which means there are 4 beds in each room. Room 7 currently has no ensuite and must use the downstairs bathroom.

Click here to download the plan.

More than 20 guests?

For time to time, retreat groups may need overflow accommodation for just 1 or 2 guests. It might be visiting facilitators, chefs or family members.

Please remember that adding extra guests may mean that the common areas (dining room and ceremony room) are just too full. We feel that 21 people in the Lodge is the comfortable limit. You need to use your own judgement on what is right for your event.

Camping & Vans
3 tents or 2 campervans may be pitched/parked on our grounds adding a maximum of 5 extra people to the total group size. Please advise us if this is the case. A small fee may be charged depending on requirements.

Local Accommodation Options
Ballytiege Lodge – 7 minute drive
www.ballyteigelodge.ie

Yurt in Aghavannagh – 6 minute drive
Their page on www.airbnb.ie

Brooklodge Hotel - 15 minute drive
www.brooklodge.com

Supplies

Upon arrival, the beds will be made with freshly laundered linens. On each bed will be 2 white towels and a handmade soap.

We also provide a small selection of teas and coffee pods in the dining room to get you started. Toilet rolls, kitchen roll and all cleaning products are provided.

A basket of dry logs and firelog is provided for each night of your stay. Should you wish to keep the fire going all day you may purchase logs from us onsite.

We operate a fair usage policy when it come to the heating. When you arrive we will discuss with you the right times to have the heating come on an off and set the timer accordingly.

Yoga Equipment

  • 15 Yoga Mats

  • 15 Bolsters

  • 25 Yoga Blocks

Yoga Space

The space fits 15 yoga mats comfortably but as you can see from the diagrams below, more mats can be fitted in depending on the suitability of your activity. Sound healing would not need as much space as yoga for example. The sofa and other furniture can be put into storage for the duration of your retreat if you feel it is necessary. Just consider that you will be sitting on cushions on the floor in the evenings. We need advance notice please!

15 Mats - Spacious

15 Mats - Spacious

15 Mats leaving the sofa in place

15 Mats leaving the sofa in place

19 Mats with leader at window

19 Mats with leader at window

18 Mats for Sound Bath with 1 mat at window reserved for sound equipment

18 Mats for Sound Bath with 1 mat at window reserved for sound equipment

19 Mats

19 Mats

Sound System

There is a speaker system in the yoga space (Adastra 5.25" Active Stereo Speaker Set 2x30W RMS). You can plug your device into the speakers using the following connections:

  • Mini Jack (headphone jack)

  • USB (for laptops with USB port)

  • Apple Lightening Jack (for iPhone)

  • USB-C (for Android Phone)

Please remember there is no internet here so you must have your playlist downloaded onto your device before you arrive!

Leave the modern world behind

Please be aware there is no mobile phone signal and no wifi here at Mucklagh. We are very proud of that fact for 2 reasons. We are protected from EMF radiation (helped also by the tress here), and we provide a digital detox environment where guests have no choice but to be fully present. This can be a challenge for guests who feel they are unable to be out of contact for whatever reason. We do have an emergency phone line. If you or a guest is in dire need to make a call you can visit us in The Cottage. If a guest needs to be contacted from outside, they may give our number out (0402 44 123). We will either pick up or a message will be left. In any event we will bring the message to the Lodge as soon as we receive it. Mobile signal can be found by either walking left, past the next cottage to the bridge, or by going right and up the Wicklow Way.

Fire Circle

The large fire circle in the lower field has bench seating for 30 people. This circle is suitable for large bonfires. If you wish to build a bonfire please discuss this with us as we often have scrap wood to burn.

There is a smaller firepit near the ceremony room which is under the cover of Laurel trees and is more suitable for smaller fires.

Local Talent & Guest Contributors

  • Group of men playing musical instruments at an outdoor event, smiling and enjoying the moment.

    Black Knott - Traditional Irish Muscians

    Contact Martin Kirwan
    Telephone 087 917 2592

  • A woman standing outdoors on a grassy hillside with rolling hills and cloudy sky in the background.

    Irish Language Kirtan Singing

    Contact Jenny Ní Ruiséil
    Telephone 086 848 3809
    Instagram     @jenny.ni.ruiseil

Other Services

  • Laundry

    Our laundry machines are stricly off limits to guests. For longer stays of more then 4 nights, we will change linens and towels.

    Thank you for understanding our machines are critical to the smooth operation of the Lodge.

  • Parking

    There is a large driveway at Mucklagh with space for about 20 cars.

    Please note that owners park their cars at their own risk.

  • Marketing

    We can help you market your event on our website so be sure to send us an image, a paragraph and a link for people to book.

    This service is optional and is free of charge. Your success is our success.

things to do locally

Beautiful Places to Visit in Wicklow

  • A landscape view of green rolling hills, a cemetery with old stone structures, a tall monument or tower, and two lakes in the background surrounded by forested hills.

    Glendalough

    30 mins drive
    Glendalough is a world-famous glacial valley in County Wicklow, renowned for being an Early Medieval monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by St Kevin. The valley now hosts a wide range of beautifully scenic recreational areas for picnics, walking, rock climbing and waterfalls.

    Visit Website
  • A garden with a gravel pathway surrounded by lush green plants and colorful flowers including purple and yellow blooms.

    Mount Usher Gardens

    40 mins drive
    Mount Usher Gardens is a 19th-century ornamental garden covering 22 acres. It features a diverse plant collection and landscapes that blend naturally with the River Vartry. This tranquil space highlights both native and exotic species while offering leisurely strolls through its meticulously designed paths.

    Visit Website
  • A hiker walking on a dirt trail along a hillside with lush green vegetation, trees, and a large rock, overlooking a valley with rivers and hills under a blue sky with a few clouds.

    The Wicklow Way

    The Wicklow Way is a spectacular long-distance walking trail that stretches approximately 132 kilometers through the stunning landscapes of County Wicklow. The route traverses lush valleys, rolling hills, and serene lakes, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. We are lucky to have the route pass by Mucklagh Lodge.

    Visit Website
  • A large black sculpture of a seated figure with jewelry and a headdress, placed in a pond, with greenery and trees in the background, and its reflection visible in the water.

    Victor's Way Indian Sculpture Park

    40 mins drive
    A unique sculpture park featuring an array of intricately carved stone sculptures, each embodying profound philosophical themes and insightful reflections on life and humanity.

    Visit Website
  • A tall, modern, spiral tower surrounded by trees and a lush green landscape under a cloudy sky.

    Avondale

    25 mins drive
    Discover a treetop walk above the grounds of a historic estate, with a spiral-shaped viewing tower that offers incredible views over County Wicklow.

    Visit Website
  • A tree-lined park pathway with pink and purple flowering trees arching overhead.

    The National Botanic Gardens, Kilmacurragh

    30 mins drive
    Kilmacurragh is renowned for its stunning landscapes, which include a mix of formal gardens, woodlands, and tree collections. The garden's historical significance is enhanced by its Victorian-era glasshouses.

    Visit Website

Ancient Sacred Sites

Ireland is home to many important sacred sites such as Newgrange, Tara & Uisneach, below a few local sites which may be of interest.
Visit Monumental Ireland for more information.

Piper's Stones Athgreany - 40 mins drive

Piper's Stones Athgreany - 40 mins drive

Boleycarrigeen Stone Circle - 30 mins drive

Boleycarrigeen Stone Circle - 30 mins drive

Brusselstown Hillfort - 30 mins drive

Brusselstown Hillfort - 30 mins drive

Rathcoran Hillfort - 30 mins drive

Rathcoran Hillfort - 30 mins drive

Rathgall Hillfort - 40 mins drive

Rathgall Hillfort - 40 mins drive

Seefin Passage Tomb - 1 hour drive

Seefin Passage Tomb - 1 hour drive

saftey & responsibility

Fire & Candles

Fireplace and candles must not be left unattended. Please always pull the fireguard across if leaving the room. Please alsways use a candle holder or saucer when buring candles.

Slips & Falls

There are wooden floors throughout the house, wearing socks can lead to slips and falls particularly on the stairs. Please warn your guests to take personal responsibility.

Going Outside

We are surrounded by nature, this is not a manicured place with paths and signs. Make each guests aware they take onboard risk when they go outside and to use common sense.

Damage & Theft

Sadly items do get stolen from time to time. If an item is taken or damaged during your retreat we will ask you as the facilitator to reimburse us.

Insurance

While our policy covers the space, you must have your own insurance policy to cover the activity you are doing with your guests.

Smoking

Strictly no smoking (or pipes, bongs etc.) in The Lodge. Guests may smoke outside provided butts are disposed of in the bin.