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.
The Glebe Twin Room 2026
Twin Room with Shared Bathroom
Sharing your space with a fellow retreat members, these period style rooms at The Glebe feature two twin beds, a shared bathroom, and antique Georgian furnishing.
All guests at the Glebe are served breakfast lunch and dinner in the pink dining room at Main House with all retreat participants. All guests at The Glebe also have access to a self-catering kitchen to make any snack and tea and coffee.
*Each shared room will be assigned by gender.
*Room styles may vary from pictures shown
Kilfane House Triple Room 2026
Triple Room with Ensuite in Main 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 Sanctuary are served three meals a day in the pink dining room and have access to a self-service pantry at all hours.
The Glebe Single Room 2026
Cosy single room with shared bathroom in The Glebe. 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
Rose Cottage Twin Room 2026
The Rose Cottage, featuring two twin beds and ensuite bathroom, share your space with a fellow retreat member. You have a small kitchen and sitting room for your own use. Cosy and cute on the grounds of The Glebe, with many gorgeous views of the Irish countryside or the property’s forestry.
The Rose Cottage is a 15 min walk to the main house or a 2 min drive. We offer pick up and drop off in the morning and evening to retreat guests.
Room allocation is assigned on a gender basis. All guests at Sanctuary are served three meals a day in the pink dining room.
*Room styles may vary from pictures shown
The Glebe Twin Room with Ensuite 2026
Twin Room with Ensuite at The Glebe
Sharing your space with a fellow retreat members, these period style rooms at The Glebe feature two twin beds, a shared bathroom, and antique Georgian furnishing.
All guests are served breakfast, lunch and dinner in the pink dining room at the main house with all other retreat participants. The Glebe includes a period sitting room, large dining room and a fully equipped self-catering kitchen to make a snack, tea and coffee.
Kilfane House Twin Room 2026
Shared Twin Room with Ensuite
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 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
The Glebe Double Room with Ensuite 2026
Double Room with Ensuite at 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 single/couple.
All guests at the Glebe are served breakfast, lunch and dinner in the pink dining room at the main house with all other retreat participants. The Glebe includes a period sitting room, large dining room and a fully equipped 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 available or parking at the main house if you have your own transport.
Caretakers Double Room 2026
The Caretaker’s Cottage is a fully renovaated period two-story house located in the Sanctuary grounds and adjacent to the main house, Kilfane House. It has five bedrooms all ensuite. The double rooms at the 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 couple or close friends.
Kilfane House Double Shared W/C 2026
Double Room with Shared Bathroom
The double room is fully furnished with original Georgian antique furniture it offers a spacious living space and beautiful views of the property grounds. The double 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.
Caretakers King Room 2026
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 forestry. This room is single or double occupancy. All guests at the Caretaker’s Cottage have access to a fully equipped kitchen and shared living/dining space.
Kilfane House King Room Shared W/C 2026
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.
Kilfane House Double Ensuite 2026
Double Room with Ensuite
Featuring double bed and ensuite bathroom, in the main house. This room offers high ceilings and a corner window overlooking the property. 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