Schedule
Day 1 – Arrival
• Check in at 15.00
• Relax, take a walk around the beautiful gardens or in the cosy front room.
• 18.00 – Dinner, a delicious organic and heart warmer dish will be served followed by a tasty desert
• 19.30 – 19.45 An Introduction and schedule sharing
Day 2
• 8.00 – A light continental breakfast served
• 9.00 – Silent walk no matter the weather, take this time to get out in silents and become present with what is in and around you.
• 10.00 – Work with Lorna
• 11.30 – Break Tea & Coffee
• 11.45 – 13.00 – Work with Lorna
• 13.00 – 14.15 – Lunch, enjoy lots of beautiful organic food, feed your tummy and soul
• 14.15 – 16.30 – Work with Lorna
• 16.30 – 18.00 Your own time
• 18.00 – Dinner, more lovely homemade organic healthy food followed by a tasty treat.
Day 3 – Departure
• 8.00 – A light continental breakfast served
• 9.00 – Silent walk no matter the weather, take this time to get out in silents and become present with what is in and around you
• 9.30 – 10.30 Farewell with Lorna
• 11.00 Check out.
Note: Schedule is approximate and may change
Getting Here
Sanctuary, Kilfane House, Kilfane Demense, THOMASTOWN, Kilkenny, R95 T6D0
Directions
Sanctuary is situated on the former Kilfane Demesne estate in Thomastown, Co’ Kilkenny, Ireland. It comprises of two main properties, The Lodge and Kilfane House, a fully restored historic Georgian home (circa 1705 – 1798). These properties are across the road from each other. Sanctuary also includes a smaller period property the Caretakers Cottage which is situated behind Kilfane House.
Check in for all guests takes place at Kilfane House.
ADDRESS
Sanctuary
Kilfane House,
Kilfane Demense,
THOMASTOWN
County Kilkenny,
R95 T6D0
IRELAND
Email: services@lornabyrne.com
GOOGLE MAPS
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JkRMKZAeEfVCWACN8
Dublin Airport:
Dublin airport is our closest airport. You can catch a taxi from the airport directly to Sanctuary.
For more information of taxis at Dublin Airport see
https://www.dublinairport.com/to-from-the-airport/by-taxi
PUBLIC TRANSPORT:
Bus
Expressway/Bus Eireann has a great service from Dublin (airport or city centre) to Thomastown. Please visit their website for up to date time tables and costs:
www.expressway.ie/route/4-x4/dublin-airport-to-waterford/2023-03-1
Expressway arrives and leaves from the centre of Thomastown. It is a 30 minute walk from the bus stop to Sanctuary or you can pre-arrange a taxi in advance to pick you up from the bus stop to transfer you to Kilfane House or The Lodge. (Please note you must book this taxi in advance if required, there are no taxis in Thomastown without booking)
www.norecabs.ie
Phone: +353 83 889 9043
Train
Thomastown is our local train station: www.irishrail.ie
Trains to Thomastown leave Dublin from Heuston Station
CAR RENTAL:
Renting a car is the easiest way to get around Ireland – it is a small country, and it means you can enjoy the local towns and sights without relying on public transport or taxis. As the area is rural, hiring a car is the most convenient way to reach The Lodge at Sanctuary.
Cars can easily be rented from Dublin or Shannon airports.
Dublin airport to Sanctuary: 1.5 to 2 hours
Shannon airport to The Lodge at Sanctuary: Approx 2.5 hours
DIRECTIONS FROM M9 (FROM DUBLIN DIRECTION)
Take junction 7 off the m9 with Applegreen service station (with Burger king & Costa coffee).
At the 1st roundabout take 1st exit.
At the 2nd roundabout, take the 2nd exit for R448 Gowran road.
After you have gone through Gowran village, you’ll pass by the outside of Gowran Park racecourse.
Travel further along the R448.
You will pass through the village of Dungarvan, with Cleere’s pub on the corner.
Continue along the R448 until you see a sign for the Longman pub.
After this on the right-hand side you will see the roof of a gatehouse and two large pillars with a period gated entrance. This is the entrance to the estate. Kilfane House is situated at the very end of this driveway into the estate.
DIRECTIONS FROM THOMASTOWN:
Eircode for Satnav: R95 D1R8
We are situated 4kms from Thomastown. Drive out of Thomastown onto the Dublin Road. We are then situated on the right-hand side a short distance before The Long Man Hotel.
MAP
https://maps.app.goo.gl/JkRMKZAeEfVCWACN8
Accommodation
Sanctuary has a variety of single, double and shared accommodation across the three properties to suit every taste. From traditional style rooms and a cosy cottage at The Lodge, to newly designed contemporary ensuite rooms in the Caretakers Cottage to the exquisitely restored Georgian bedrooms in Kilfane House with their high ceilings, magnificent views and light filled atmosphere.
King bed room with shared bathroom, Kilfane House Retreat 2025
King Room with Shared Bathroom
The King room is fully furnished with original Georgian antique furniture it offers a spacious living space and beautiful views of the property grounds. The king bed and large shared ensuite bathroom that is shared with one other room has its own access door comfortably accommodates a single person or couple. The room includes a large floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the grounds, decorative fireplace, and corner reading nook. All guests at Sanctuary are served three meals a day in the pink dining room and have access to a self-service pantry at all hours.
*Room styles may vary from pictures shown
Rose Cottage Twin Room Retreat
Single room with shared bathroom - The Gelbe
Cosy single room with shared bathroom in the Lodge. Enjoy the incredible views of the property and gardens. During retreats all guests staying at the Lodge will enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in the main dining room in Sanctuary. You will also have use of the Lodge kitchen for a snack, making tea and coffee and the spacious drawing and dining rooms
Double Bed Ensuite - Caretaker's Cottage
Available on your own or as a couple the double rooms at Caretaker’s Cottage feature ensuite bathrooms, mid-sized wardrobes, a cozy reading nook and large windows overlooking the property grounds. The double bed comfortably accommodates a single person or couple. The Caretaker’s Cottage is a private two-story living space located on the grounds behind Kilfane House. All guests at the Caretakers Cottage are served three meals a day in the pink dining room of the main house but they also have access to a full self-catering kitchen and shared living space separate from the main house which includes a large fridge, stovetop and oven, spacious counter space, breakfast bar, and all typical appliances.
*Room styles may vary from pictures shown
King Room, Ensuite - Caretaker's Cottage
The master suite bedroom at the fully renovated two-storey Caretaker’s Cottage is the largest room in the house and offers a spacious living space, large ensuite bathroom, king size bed, and gorgeous views of the property’s ancient forest. This room is single or double occupancy. All guests at Caretaker’s Cottage share a fully equipped kitchen and dining/living space.
Shared Triple Room Ensuite - Kilfane House
Featuring three single beds and large ensuite bathroom, share your space with two fellow retreat members in a luxurious living space. Each shared room has its own unique features such as decorative fireplaces, reading nooks, floor-to-ceiling window, hard wood floors or exposed brick detailing. Many have gorgeous views of the Irish countryside or the property’s forestry. Room allocation is assigned on a gender basis. All guests at Kilfane are served three meals a day in the pink dining room and have access to a self-service pantry at all hours.
*Each shared room will be assigned by gender
*Room styles may vary from pictures shown
Shared Twin Room Ensuite - Kilfane House
Featuring two twin beds and large ensuite bathroom, share your space with a fellow retreat member in a luxurious living space. Each shared room has its own unique features such as decorative fireplaces, reading nooks, floor-to-ceiling window, hard wood floors or exposed brick detailing. Many have gorgeous views of the Irish countryside or the property's forestry. Room allocation is assigned on a gender basis. All guests at Kilfane are served three meals a day in the pink dining room and have access to a self-service pantry at all hours.
Double Room Shared Bathroom - Kilfane House
The double room at Kilfane offers a spacious living space and beautiful views of the property grounds. The double bed and large ensuite bathroom comfortably accommodates a single person or couple. The room includes a large floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the grounds, decorative fireplace, and corner reading nook. All guests at Kilfane are served three meals a day in the pink dining room and have access to a self-service pantry at all hours.
*Room styles may vary from pictures shown
King Room, Ensuite - Kilfane House
The double room at Kilfane offers a spacious living space and beautiful views of the property grounds. The double bed and large ensuite bathroom comfortably accommodates a single person or couple. The room includes a large floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the grounds, decorative fireplace, and corner reading nook. All guests at Kilfane are served three meals a day in the pink dining room and have access to a self-service pantry at all hours.
*Room styles may vary from pictures shown
Double bed room, ensuite, Kilfane House
Featuring double bed and ensuite bathroom, at Kilfane House. This room offers high ceilings and a corner window overlooking the property. All guests at Kilfane are served three meals a day in the pink dining room and have access to a self-service pantry at all hours.
*Room styles may vary from pictures shown
Shared Twin Room with Shared Bathroom - The glebe
Sharing your space with a fellow retreat member these period style rooms at The Lodge feature two twin beds, a shared bathroom, and antique wardrobe. Room allocation is assigned on a gender basis. This room may also be reconfigured with a king bed upon request. All guests at the Lodge are served breakfast lunch and dinner in the pink dining room at Kilfane House with all retreat participants. All guests at The Lodge also have access to a self-catering kitchen to make any snack and tea and coffee.
Single/Double, Ensuite - The glebe
A bright space featuring two glorious windows, offering a spacious living area and beautiful views of the property grounds. The double bed and original ensuite bathroom comfortably accommodates a couple. All guests at the Lodge are served breakfast, lunch and dinner in the pink dining room at the main house (Kilfane House) with all other retreat participants. The Lodge includes a period sitting room, large dining room and a fully equiped self-catering kitchen to make a snack, tea and coffee. The Lodge is a 15 minute walk from the main house and there is a pick up and drop off service
Shared Twin Room, Ensuite - The glebe
The Master Suite is our largest room at The Lodge with incredible views of the property and gardens. It includes a large ensuite bathroom, spacious walk-in closet, and large bay window with a cozy reading nook. This room may be shared with a fellow retreat member. Room allocation is assigned on a gender basis. All guests at The Lodge will enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner in the main dining room in Sanctuary. You will also have use of the kitchen in the lodge for a midnight snack, tea and coffee.
Minimum of two people, bed configuration can be done as twin or king