The Nivrava Stewardship Residency - Volunteer event

Nivrava, Kilmore, Ireland BT92 0LT

Up to 5 in group

Open Dates

Retreat Highlights

Contribute to off-grid project
Experience island life
Enjoy peace and tranquility
Healthy living
Participate positively to wider conservation

About this Retreat

Details of this retreat

Volunteer Event | 7 Days, 2 Weeks, or 1 Month | By Application Only

Give your time. Receive stillness.

This is not a holiday — it’s a purposeful, grounded way to experience life on a remote private island while contributing to its care. You’ll live simply, work lightly, and reconnect with the land. In exchange for your labour and presence, Nivrava offers space, solitude, and immersion in a sacred environment.

Work Focus

Depending on your skills and the season, you may be involved in:
Fence and gate repair or construction
Painting and treatment of wood buildings
General DIY or carpentry support
Clearing overgrowth, brambles, or invasive species
Beach clean-up and jetty maintenance
Gardening, compost, trail restoration

Work is 4–5 hours/day, 5 days/week. Days are structured with ample solitude and time for reflection.

Ideal Skills & Qualities

Practical experience in painting, fencing, joinery, or land work
Physically able and self-motivated
Comfortable in basic, off-grid living (rainwater, firewood, no shops)
Strong communicator and team player
Respectful of silence and nature
Interest in ecology, rewilding, or contemplative practice a plus

What’s Included

Shared accommodation in cabin or cottage
Transport to and from island
Food essentials
Orientation, safety gear, tools, and guidance
Group reflection and feedback

Contribution (Helps Cover repairs and maintenance budget)

7 Days: £290
2 Weeks: £480
1 Month: £860

(Bursaries may be available for artists, students, or conservationists with limited means. Please contact us)

How to Apply

Please send a short bio including:
Your relevant skills and experience
Your motivation for applying
Preferred dates and duration
Any access or medical requirements
Please do not make payment unless we approve your application.

This is a working retreat for people with capable hands and open hearts. Nivrava is a sanctuary — help us protect it.

Schedule

07:00 — Wake with light, tea or silence
08:00 — Optional movement or seated meditation
09:00 — Simple breakfast, journal time
10:00 — Solitary walk, land immersion, photography or sketching
13:00 — Light lunch, rest or reading
15:00 — Optional guided reflection or nature-based task
17:00 — Creative time, bathing, or firewood collection
19:00 — Evening meal, poetry or philosophy
20:30 — Sunset watch, ritual or stargazing
22:00 — Lanterns out, enter silence

Note: Schedule is approximate and may change

Getting Here

Nivrava, Nivrava, Kilmore, Ireland BT92 0LT

Directions

Take a car hire from Belfast City George Best airport, or fly to Dublin or Belfast International. Local collection from bus station possible.

Accommodation

A traditional three bedroomed Stone built island cottage, with w/c kitchen/diner, lounge.

6 nights

13 nights

27 nights

Venue & Amenities

A/C in Rooms

Free Wifi

Spa

Sauna

Pool

Towels

Free Parking

Kitchen

Tour Assistance

Hot Tub

Coffee/Tea

Cafe

Restaurant

Fitness Center

Yoga Studio

Housekeeping

Bicycles For Rent

19th-century stone jetty
Secluded island beach
Wildflower meadow
Kayak landing cove
Meditation points with sky and water views
Original Irish stone cottage
Modern open-plan Scandi cabin
Outdoor eating and gathering area
Stargazing lawn under open skies