Terms and Conditions
These Terms and Conditions apply to bookings made with Skelligs Retreat for accommodation, retreats, private group stays, hosted programmes and related services.
By confirming a booking with Skelligs Retreat, you agree to these Terms and Conditions together with the details, inclusions and any additional conditions set out in your booking confirmation or proposal.
Nothing in these Terms and Conditions affects any rights you have under applicable Irish consumer law.
1. Your Booking
A booking is confirmed only when:
- we have agreed what Skelligs Retreat will provide;
- you have accepted the relevant proposal, booking confirmation and these Terms and Conditions; and
- we have received the required deposit or full payment.
Until then, dates and availability are not guaranteed.
The person making a booking on behalf of a group is the Lead Booker. The Lead Booker must be at least 18 years old and is responsible for the booking, payments due and ensuring that everyone included in the booking is aware of and complies with the relevant terms and information.
Your booking confirmation or proposal will set out the agreed dates, accommodation, group arrangements, meals, activities, facilitation and other inclusions.
2. Prices
The price of your retreat or stay will be confirmed before your booking becomes binding.
Prices may vary according to the length and nature of the retreat, number of people, accommodation arrangements, food, facilitation, activities and other services requested.
Unless specifically stated as included, excursions, external activities, transport, certain meals and services provided by third parties may carry an additional charge.
Where the total price cannot reasonably be calculated in advance, we will explain how it will be calculated before you enter into the contract.
3. Payment
One-Day Retreats
Individual places on One-Day Retreats are payable in full in advance.
Private One-Day Retreats will normally be payable in full in advance. Where agreed by Skelligs Retreat, a 50% deposit may secure the booking with the remaining 50% payable 30 days before the retreat.
Bookings made within 30 days are payable in full at the time of booking.
Three-Night and Seven-Night Retreats
A deposit of 30% of the total booking price is required to secure the booking.
The remaining 70% is payable 30 days before arrival.
Where a booking is made within 30 days of arrival, the full amount is payable when the booking is confirmed.
Additional services or experiences agreed after confirmation may be charged separately.
4. Cancellation by You
For Three-Night and Seven-Night Retreats:
- more than 60 days before arrival: the 30% deposit is retained and any amount paid above the deposit will be refunded;
- between 30 and 60 days before arrival: 50% of the total booking price is payable;
- within 30 days of arrival: 100% of the total booking price is payable.
For One-Day Retreats, cancellations made more than 14 days before the retreat may, subject to availability and our agreement, be transferred once to another available date.
Cancellations within 14 days of a One-Day Retreat are non-refundable.
Where an individual attending a One-Day Retreat cannot come, we may permit their place to be transferred to another suitable person provided we are told in advance.
Where reasonably possible, we may agree to transfer other bookings to alternative dates. Any transfer is subject to availability, the circumstances of the cancellation, any price difference and our written agreement.
Accommodation, catering and leisure services provided for specific dates or periods are generally exempt from the statutory cooling-off right that otherwise applies to many online or distance contracts under Irish consumer legislation. (CCPC)
5. Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend that guests obtain appropriate travel insurance covering cancellation, illness, travel disruption, personal belongings and the activities they intend to undertake.
Insurance maintained by Skelligs Retreat does not replace your own travel insurance.
6. Cancellation by Skelligs Retreat
Some Skelligs-hosted retreats may require a minimum number of participants.
If we cancel a scheduled retreat because the required minimum number has not been reached, you may choose between:
- transferring payments made to an available alternative retreat/date; or
- receiving a refund of payments made to Skelligs Retreat for the cancelled retreat.
The same options will normally apply if we have to cancel your retreat for a reason within our reasonable control.
We are not responsible for consequential expenditure such as independently booked flights, ferries, car hire or other travel arrangements. Appropriate travel insurance is therefore strongly recommended, subject always to rights which cannot lawfully be excluded.
7. Changes to Your Retreat
Kerry, the Atlantic and the weather do not always follow a programme.
We may make reasonable changes to itineraries, activities, timings, menus, facilitators or other arrangements where necessary because of weather, safety, availability or other circumstances.
We will endeavour to maintain the overall nature and quality of the retreat.
A change to one activity does not ordinarily amount to cancellation of the retreat as a whole.
8. Weather, Sea Conditions and Seasonal Experiences
Many experiences in and around Skelligs Retreat are influenced by weather, sea conditions, tides, seasons and availability.
We cannot guarantee Skellig Michael landings, boat trips, wildlife sightings, stargazing, swimming conditions, kayaking, surfing, fishing, hiking conditions or any other weather- or nature-dependent experience.
Where an activity cannot safely or reasonably proceed, we may alter, postpone, substitute or cancel that part of the programme.
Where an activity has been separately charged, any refund or rescheduling will depend on the booking arrangements and, where applicable, the terms of the third-party provider.
Cancellation of an excursion or activity does not automatically entitle you to cancel or obtain a refund for the wider retreat.
9. Skellig Michael
Visits to Skellig Michael are seasonal and subject to availability, regulation, operator requirements and suitable sea and weather conditions.
No landing or boat journey to Skellig Michael can be guaranteed.
Where a trip cannot proceed, this does not constitute cancellation of your Skelligs Retreat booking.
10. Private Groups
Private bookings will be based on the group size, accommodation and services agreed at confirmation.
If numbers subsequently reduce, the agreed private-hire or core booking price remains payable.
Where additional people are requested, they may only be added with our prior agreement and subject to capacity, accommodation and safety requirements. Additional charges may apply, including for food, activities and other services.
A participant who cannot attend may normally be replaced by another suitable person, provided we are informed beforehand and any applicable requirements for the retreat are satisfied.
11. Accommodation and Occupancy
The bedroom configuration and maximum overnight occupancy will be agreed for each booking.
Guests must not exceed the agreed occupancy or move additional people into the accommodation without prior approval.
The Udder Room and other areas may be used differently according to the nature of a particular retreat, and their availability as sleeping accommodation will therefore depend upon the agreed booking.
Arrival and departure times will be confirmed for each retreat or stay.
12. Visitors
Only registered guests and agreed participants may stay overnight.
Visitors, additional participants, practitioners, speakers or other persons may attend only with prior agreement from Skelligs Retreat.
13. External Facilitators
Where a facilitator or organiser privately hires Skelligs Retreat to deliver their own retreat or programme, that facilitator or organiser is responsible for:
- their programme and activities;
- their participants;
- collecting payments from their participants;
- appropriate professional qualifications and competence;
- appropriate insurance;
- compliance with applicable legal, professional and safeguarding requirements; and
- the conduct and safe delivery of the services they provide.
Evidence of appropriate insurance must be provided when requested and may be required before the retreat proceeds.
The facilitator or organiser contracts with and pays Skelligs Retreat for the agreed facilities and services.
Participants in an independently organised retreat do not make individual retreat bookings with Skelligs Retreat unless expressly agreed otherwise.
For retreats hosted by Skelligs Retreat, we may accept individual bookings and payments directly.
14. Security Deposit and Damage
Private group bookings may require a refundable security deposit or card pre-authorisation.
The amount will be stated in the proposal or booking confirmation and may vary according to the nature of the booking.
Individuals joining a Skelligs-hosted retreat will not ordinarily be required to provide a separate property security deposit.
Guests are responsible for treating the buildings, furnishings, equipment, land and facilities with reasonable care.
The Lead Booker is responsible for reasonable costs arising from damage caused by members of their group beyond ordinary wear and tear.
Where the reasonable cost exceeds the security deposit, the additional amount may be charged to the Lead Booker.
15. Respecting the Retreat
Skelligs Retreat is a place for gathering conversation, food, music, celebration, rest and shared experiences.
It is not a party venue.
Parties, events or celebrations must not be organised without our prior agreement.
Appropriate gatherings and celebrations are welcome where they have been discussed with us and form part of the agreed booking.
We reserve the right to require a person to leave where their behaviour is seriously disruptive, abusive, threatening, unsafe, illegal, causes or risks material damage, or materially interferes with other guests, staff, neighbours, livestock or the operation of the retreat.
Where someone is reasonably required to leave for those reasons, no refund will ordinarily be payable for the unused portion of their stay, subject to applicable law.
16. The Working Farm
Skelligs Retreat sits within a working farm.
Guests must follow reasonable instructions and signs concerning cattle and other livestock, machinery, gates, boundaries, restricted areas and farming operations.
Do not feed, approach or interfere with livestock unless expressly invited to do so.
Please leave gates as you find them unless instructed otherwise.
Parts of the farm contain uneven, wet or rough ground and conditions can change with the weather.
17. Cliffs, Mountains, Water and the Outdoors
The landscape around Skelligs Retreat includes exposed coastline, mountains, working farmland, uneven ground and the Atlantic.
Guests must respect safety information, warnings, boundaries and restricted areas.
Where you independently choose to walk, hike, cycle, swim or otherwise explore beyond an organised Skelligs activity, you are responsible for making reasonable decisions about your ability, equipment, route and prevailing conditions.
You must not enter restricted or unsafe areas or ignore safety instructions.
18. Children
Children may be welcomed on appropriate private family bookings and other retreats where expressly permitted.
A parent or responsible adult remains responsible for the supervision and safety of children in their care.
Because Skelligs Retreat is a working farm in a wild coastal landscape, children must be appropriately supervised at all times.
Some hosted retreats or activities may be restricted to persons aged 18 or over.
19. Assistance Dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome subject to reasonable advance arrangements.
Other dogs and pets are not permitted unless Skelligs Retreat expressly agrees otherwise in writing.
20. Smoking and Vaping
Smoking and vaping are not permitted inside any Skelligs Retreat building.
They are permitted only in any designated outdoor area identified by us.
21. Alcohol
Guests may consume alcohol responsibly unless different arrangements apply to a particular retreat.
Alcohol must not be consumed in a manner that creates a safety risk, causes unreasonable disturbance or materially affects other guests, staff, neighbours, livestock or the property.
We may restrict alcohol for particular programmes or activities where appropriate.
22. Food, Allergies and Dietary Requirements
Please tell us about allergies and dietary requirements sufficiently in advance of your arrival.
We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate agreed dietary requirements but cannot guarantee an entirely allergen-free environment.
Guests with serious allergies should discuss their requirements directly with us before confirming their booking.
Outside food arrangements and external caterers require prior agreement.
Any professional external caterer must satisfy applicable food-safety requirements and maintain appropriate insurance.
23. Sauna, Hot Tubs and Ice Plunge
Use of the sauna, hot tubs and ice plunge is subject to availability, agreed operating arrangements and displayed or communicated safety instructions.
Guests must use these facilities responsibly and follow instructions given by Skelligs Retreat.
We reserve the right to restrict or stop use where we reasonably consider it unsafe.
24. Health and Participation
Guests are responsible for deciding whether an activity or facility is appropriate for them.
Where relevant to safe participation, guests should disclose necessary information to the appropriate instructor, practitioner or activity provider.
If you are pregnant, have a medical condition, take medication or have any concern about whether a particular activity or hot/cold facility is appropriate for you, you should seek appropriate medical advice before participating.
We may prevent or stop participation where we reasonably believe continuing would present a material safety risk.
25. Third-Party Practitioners and Activities
Some services and experiences may be delivered by independent practitioners or third-party operators, including massage therapists, yoga teachers, guides, boat operators and outdoor-activity providers.
Where Skelligs Retreat has subcontracted part of a service that you purchased from us as part of your retreat, your statutory rights against Skelligs Retreat are unaffected. Irish consumer guidance notes that where a business subcontracts part of a service purchased from that business, the customer’s contract for the overall service will usually remain with that business. (CCPC)
Where you contract separately and directly with an independent provider, that provider’s own booking, safety and cancellation terms may apply.
Higher-risk or specialist activities may require participants to comply with the operator’s age, health, equipment, insurance or safety requirements.
26. Personal Belongings and Vehicles
Guests are responsible for looking after their personal belongings and valuables.
To the extent permitted by law, Skelligs Retreat is not responsible for loss, theft or damage to personal property unless caused by a breach of a legal duty owed by us.
Vehicles and their contents are parked at the owner’s risk, subject to any liability which cannot lawfully be excluded.
27. Photography, Filming and Drones
Guests may take reasonable photographs and videos for personal use, provided this respects the privacy of other guests, staff, neighbours and participants.
Professional or commercial photography, organised filming and drone use require prior written permission.
Skelligs Retreat will obtain appropriate permission where identifiable photographs or recordings of guests are intended for promotional or marketing use.
28. Privacy and Marketing
Personal information collected through our website, enquiry process and bookings will be handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data-protection law.
Acceptance of these Terms and Conditions does not itself constitute consent to receive marketing communications.
Electronic direct marketing in Ireland is governed by GDPR, the Data Protection Act 2018 and the ePrivacy Regulations; affirmative consent is the general rule, subject to a limited existing-customer exception with specific conditions and opt-out requirements. (Data Protection Commission)
Where marketing consent is requested, it will be dealt with separately from the booking agreement.
29. Wi-Fi and Services
Wi-Fi may be provided for guests, but uninterrupted availability or particular speeds cannot be guaranteed.
Temporary interruption to internet, electricity, water, telecommunications or other utilities caused by circumstances outside our reasonable control does not automatically entitle a guest to a refund.
We will take reasonable steps to address material problems affecting the services we have agreed to provide.
30. Force Majeure
Events can occur which neither you nor we can reasonably control.
These may include severe or exceptional weather, natural events, fire, flooding, major utility failures, government action or restrictions, public-health emergencies, industrial disputes, transport disruption or other comparable circumstances beyond reasonable control.
Where such circumstances materially prevent a retreat from proceeding, we will contact affected customers as soon as reasonably possible and seek an appropriate solution, which may include rescheduling, credit, alternative arrangements or a refund where required by applicable law or appropriate in the circumstances.
Nothing in this clause limits statutory consumer rights.
31. Complaints
If something isn’t right while you’re here, please tell the Retreat Manager or another member of the Skelligs Retreat team as soon as reasonably possible.
Giving us the opportunity to address a problem while you are here will often be the quickest way to resolve it.
If the matter cannot be resolved during your stay, please contact us in writing with sufficient information for us to investigate.
Nothing in this complaints process affects your statutory rights.
32. Gift Vouchers and Credits
Skelligs Retreat may issue monetary gift vouchers and vouchers for particular retreat experiences.
Where Irish gift-voucher legislation applies, any expiry period will comply with the statutory minimum. Gift vouchers subject to the Consumer Protection (Gift Vouchers) Act 2019 generally must have no expiry date or an expiry date of at least five years; applicable expiry information must be supplied on a durable medium. The legislation also protects partial redemption and use of multiple vouchers. (CCPC)
Where a voucher is for a particular experience, booking remains subject to availability.
If the price of the selected retreat or experience exceeds the value available on the voucher, the difference must be paid.
Any remaining voucher balance will be dealt with in accordance with applicable Irish law.
Lost vouchers will be dealt with according to whether the voucher can reasonably be identified and verified.
Gift vouchers are not redeemable for cash except where required by law.
33. Our Responsibility to You
Skelligs Retreat will provide the services included in your contract with reasonable care and skill and in accordance with applicable Irish law.
Nothing in these Terms and Conditions excludes or restricts liability where doing so would be unlawful, including any statutory rights or remedies available to consumers.
Irish consumer law requires services to meet agreed requirements and to be provided with reasonable care and skill; where a service fails to meet the required standard, consumers may have statutory remedies. (CCPC)
34. Information on the Website
We take reasonable care to ensure information describing Skelligs Retreat, its accommodation, facilities and experiences is accurate.
The nature of a working farm and evolving retreat means that planting, livestock, furnishings, activities, practitioners, menus and other details may change.
Photographs are illustrative of the retreat and surroundings and cannot guarantee particular weather, views, seasonal conditions, wildlife or natural phenomena during your visit.
Your booking confirmation and agreed proposal take precedence where they contain specific arrangements for your retreat.
35. Changes to These Terms
We may update these Terms and Conditions from time to time.
The terms applicable to your booking will ordinarily be those provided or made available to you when your booking is confirmed, together with any later changes expressly agreed between us.
36. Severability
If any provision of these Terms and Conditions is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to apply to the extent permitted by law.
37. Governing Law
These Terms and Conditions and bookings with Skelligs Retreat are governed by the laws of Ireland.
Any dispute will be subject to the jurisdiction of the Irish courts, subject to any mandatory consumer rights regarding jurisdiction that apply to you.
38. Contact
Questions about a booking or these Terms and Conditions can be sent to:
Skelligs Retreat
Allagheemore
Ballinskelligs
Caherciveen
County Kerry
V23 F990
Ireland
Telephone: +353 66 401 4411
Email: enquiries@skelligsretreat.ie