DO EVERYTHING OR DO NOTHING – THE CHOICE IS YOURS
WE’RE PROUD TO BE BUILDING A PLACE THAT CHANGES LIVES.
Where guests can unplug, reconnect and rejuvenate in unique surroundings, powered by the energy and spirituality of our truly special setting.
Available to book now for 2026, Skelligs Retreat is a place of opportunity.
Opportunity for rest and reinvigoration, for adventure and exploration.
Opportunity to try new things and embrace a new mindset.
Opportunity to use our facilities, however suits you best.
Do everything, or do nothing.
Taking advantage of our exclusive location and natural surroundings, we offer a wide choice of mindfulness techniques, wellbeing activities, outdoor pursuits and local cultural experiences.
All available for you to hand-pick, alongside homely and cosy accommodation, sustainably-sourced food and unique wellness facilities.
Our community
Skelligs Retreat was born with passion on a historic farm in the remote townland of Allagheemore, on the Iveragh Peninsula in County Kerry.
Allagheemore is flanked entirely by mountains and surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, where for centuries our family and local community have lived on fishing, land and livestock farming. The age-old holy trails, sacred sites, Irish language and sense of tranquillity that exist harmoniously with all the forces of the Wild Atlantic Way have a transcendent power that is hard to resist.
Today, we are proud to have maintained that heritage, working to the highest environmental standards to provide a unique setting, effortlessly entwined with our natural untouched habitat. We’ve combined what is loved from the past and appreciated today for a better future, giving us the best of both worlds.
Our history
The farm is owned by the fifth generation of the Shea/ O’Shea family, descendants of Michael and Ellen O’Shea, who were the first recorded tenants of the original house and farm buildings that still occupy the site today.
Work began in 2022 to sensitively restore the original structures and build the state-of-the-art facilities needed to attract guests from all over the world. But we’ve never forgotten our roots.
The land on which Skelligs Retreat is built has more stories to tell than we could ever possibly share, from the centuries-old farming methods that are still used locally, to the characters who inspired future generations back to Allagheemore.
If you’re interested in learning more about our stories, contact our team. Better still, come and stay with us. We’d be delighted to show you the documents and photographs that have helped shape our journey.OUR VISION, VALUES & COMMITMENT
The vision for Skelligs Retreat and subsequent investment in the project has been driven by members of the O’Shea family, who have roots all over the world but still consider Allagheemore as their spiritual home.
Their passion has been to reignite the soul of this historic setting, in the same way our guests can reinvigorate their own soul when they stay on site.
Our values demonstrate our commitment to doing things in a responsible manner:
Focused on wellbeing:
To support wellbeing of individuals, groups and the environment, promoting better mental health for all.
Always sustainable:
To enhance the land, protect traditions and support a sustainable future for Allagheemore and the wider environment.
Community-focused:
To support the local community through collaboration, tourism and by sharing profits with local causes.
REDUCING OUR IMPACT
We’re committed to doing things the right way. Whether that means reusing original materials in our sensitive rebuild of the farm buildings, or taking steps to support accessibility and equal opportunities. Skelligs Retreat is built on values of wellbeing, sustainability and community focus.
The team behind the retreat have a proven track record of delivering projects that create a legacy for future generations and we’re proud to be contributing to the future of Allagheemore and Ballinskelligs, whilst recognising and preserving our history too.
TAKING STEPS TO REDUCE OUR IMPACT
Ground source heat pump technology
Solar power generated on site
Circular approach to construction materials
Minimal use of single-use plastics on site
On-site water source, the Skelligs Spring
Choosing natural materials over chemically-produced
SUSTAINABILITY
Our commitment to sustainability is underpinned by our approach to carbon reduction and the circular economy. We’ve reused original materials where possible, sensitively retained from the buildings that have stood on our land for over 200 years, both to build and to furnish the structures that make up the retreat. We’re focused on operating sustainably as a responsible business, and to contribute positively towards the future of the local area and economy.
EDI
We’ve taken steps to ensure that Skelligs Retreat provides equal opportunities for all, by considering Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI). The design for The Old House includes the option for a self-contained, accessible bedroom at ground level, with accessible toilet and shower room. We’re also an equal opportunities employer, providing equal opportunities to all employees and job applicants, regardless of protected characteristics.
Our goal is to preserve the heritage and culture of this corner of Ireland. We’re proud of our Irish farm roots and we’re working with local partners to showcase the traditions that have shaped this community for centuries. We’re also committed to working with businesses, volunteers and members of the local community to support good causes and initiatives in Ballinskelligs and the surrounding area.