The History
From humble beginnings to a life affirming experience.
'Tearmann', the old Irish word for sanctuary or refuge, is located on the site of Glendalough's first national school 'Brocca' founded in 1832. The present stone building dates back to 1865 and it became an An Óige Youth Hostel in 1936 when the school was moved. In 1993, under the direction of Fr. Michael Rodgers, the Tearmann Spirituality Centre was founded.
In 2020 Michael decided to pass on the full-time responsibility for the further development and day to day running of Tearmann to Paschal Gannon and the Team.
Tearmann welcomes worldwide visitors from all faith traditions and none, offering retreats and quiet time away from busy lives and schedules. Within our complex of three individual lodges, we provide high-end self-catering accommodation for groups and individuals. Trained professionals offer a variety of additional services such as: Counselling, Massage Therapy, Guided Walks, Sound Baths, Art Therapy, Creative Writing and Photography. We trust that the results will be nourishing and stay present to our visitors on their return to everyday life.
The Area
The natural beauty that is Glendalough, the valley of the two lakes, is nothing without witnesses. Come and see for yourself.
In the spectacular glacial valley from where it takes its name, St. Kevin established the monastic settlement in the 6th Century. This settlement flourished and developed into what is now referred to as ‘The Monastic City’. Visitors from all over the world are drawn to this historically significant and serene valley. Tearmann is located on a hillside within a 5 minute walk from the monastic city. A Sanctuary for those who would like time and space to ‘just be’.
Paschal Gannon
Paschal comes from a farming background in the West of Ireland. He worked most of his life in Construction Engineering Management abroad and in Ireland. Paschal qualified as a Counsellor/ Psychotherapist in 2014 and as a Hypnotherapist in 2016.
‘’I have a creative and enquiring mind and my real passion is being with people. Having the privilege of sharing some of their ’life Journey’ and listening to and sharing in their stories. In keeping with the ethos of the old Irish saying ‘Giorraíonn beirt bóthar’ (Two people shorten the road). The Glendalough Sanctuary offers the perfect setting for these synchronicities to occur.’’
Susanne Bach
Susanne graduated from University College Dublin with a Masters Degree in Film Studies and has worked in Third Level Education for over 20 years.
In her role as Programme Director, she enjoys developing the future growth of the Glendalough Sanctuary as a destination for health and wellbeing.
Susanne brings to bear her experience of having travelled extensively around the world, her hospice volunteering work and massage therapy which add to our guests' well being.
Michael Rodgers SPS
As a member of St. Patrick's Missionary Society (SPS), Michael’s twenty years experience as a Catholic missionary priest in Kenya, East Africa by his own admission
"opened up my mind to a wider world view.''
He returned to Ireland in 1984 and in 1993 founded the Tearmann Centre, now renamed as the Glendalough Sanctuary, to encourage exploration of the deeper Spiritual connections between Christianity, Nature and the Universal story as a whole.
Michael's presence, energy and unwavering vision still contribute to the development of the Glendalough Sanctuary.
Breda Ahearn C.P.
Meet the Team
Breda is a member of the Sisters of the Cross & Passion (CP), a retired primary school teacher and part of the team at Tearmann since 2005.
“I welcome people to the Glendalough Sanctuary and offer a listening ear to those who wish to share their story while on retreat. I offer my many skills to add fullness and variety to all the programmes at the pilgrimage centre."
Guest Facilities
Paschal offers 15 minute ‘check in’ private consultations with guests each evening between 5:30pm and 7:30pm in order to reflect on anything that may have arisen during their day on retreat.
For Group retreats, Evening ‘Check-ins’ are done in Iontas, the Wellness Room as a group. It can prove to be a unifying experience for a group as often similarities of a common hidden awareness come to the fore. Whilst it is recommended, individual participation is not mandatory.
IONTAS
We offer two beautiful and separate spaces which can each comfortably hold 8-10 people and can also function as treatment rooms. These can also be conjoined to one large room with views over the valley and can accommodate groups of 20* people.
For booking please call or email.
*Please note that numbers are subject to Covid restrictions
ACCESSIBILITY
The Glendalough Sanctuary is located on the side of a steep slope overlooking the valley which means that in order to access the accommodation in our lodges, the guest must descend 30 steps and visa versa.
Within our meditation and treatment rooms, we can accommodate small and medium groups. Toilet facilities are provided capable of access for persons of ambulant disability.
Please note that the confines of the existing structures do not allow for full disabled/wheelchair access.
We are constantly trying to upgrade the service we provide and may be able to improve accessibility in the future.
CHILDREN
We welcome children from the age of 12 under adult supervision.
KITCHENS
Fully equipped kitchens including complimentary Tea and Coffee provided within kitchens on arrival.
CENTRAL HEATING
Oil central heating
STORES & RESTAURANTS
Within walking distance to a grocery and organic food store, restaurants.
