About Lake Isle Retreats | Our Story & Mission
Lake Isle Retreats began with a simple experience of peace.
In the 1990s, Tim lived as a monk on Inish Rath Island at the Krishna temple. The still waters of Upper Lough Erne, the rhythm of prayer, and the quiet pace of island life inspired a thought: more people need a space like this.
That small seed gradually became Lake Isle Retreats — not a monastery, but a place to step back, breathe, rest, and reconnect with what truly matters.
When Tim left monastic life at 30, he had no money or property. From the beginning, the retreats have grown through rented spaces and simple means, trusting that what is needed will come at the right time.
Others soon joined the journey — Yen, Carmen, Fiona, Chrissie, Elizabeth, Frances, Gavin, Sukhada, Genny, Padma, Lucy, and Evangeline — each bringing generosity and commitment. Lake Isle Retreats has always grown through shared effort and faith.
In October 2005, we began hosting retreats on Inish Rath Island in the 1850s Victorian Country House, remaining there for six years. As with many historic buildings, it requires ongoing care and investment to maintain guest comfort.
In June 2012, we moved to Mandala House at Upper Lough Erne, just across from the island, where retreats continued for nine years.
After leaving the island, we continued hosting around 40 retreat weekends each year, welcoming hundreds annually to step away and reconnect.
Since 2021, we have been based in Bhakti Cottage and rent the Shambala Centre, where retreats continue throughout the year.
Our focus has always been service — creating a genuine space of welcome and spiritual nourishment.
In time, we hope to expand — allowing this work to continue growing in the years ahead.
At its heart, Lake Isle Retreats offers space.
Space to slow down.
Space to listen.
Space to return home renewed.
Read more about the facilitators.
To look into Tim's easy-to-read and fascinating book, see:
Adventures of an Ordinary Monk
(A book).
In the 1990s, Tim lived as a monk on Inish Rath Island at the Krishna temple. The still waters of Upper Lough Erne, the rhythm of prayer, and the quiet pace of island life inspired a thought: more people need a space like this.
That small seed gradually became Lake Isle Retreats — not a monastery, but a place to step back, breathe, rest, and reconnect with what truly matters.
When Tim left monastic life at 30, he had no money or property. From the beginning, the retreats have grown through rented spaces and simple means, trusting that what is needed will come at the right time.
Others soon joined the journey — Yen, Carmen, Fiona, Chrissie, Elizabeth, Frances, Gavin, Sukhada, Genny, Padma, Lucy, and Evangeline — each bringing generosity and commitment. Lake Isle Retreats has always grown through shared effort and faith.
In October 2005, we began hosting retreats on Inish Rath Island in the 1850s Victorian Country House, remaining there for six years. As with many historic buildings, it requires ongoing care and investment to maintain guest comfort.
In June 2012, we moved to Mandala House at Upper Lough Erne, just across from the island, where retreats continued for nine years.
After leaving the island, we continued hosting around 40 retreat weekends each year, welcoming hundreds annually to step away and reconnect.
Since 2021, we have been based in Bhakti Cottage and rent the Shambala Centre, where retreats continue throughout the year.
Our focus has always been service — creating a genuine space of welcome and spiritual nourishment.
In time, we hope to expand — allowing this work to continue growing in the years ahead.
At its heart, Lake Isle Retreats offers space.
Space to slow down.
Space to listen.
Space to return home renewed.
Read more about the facilitators.
To look into Tim's easy-to-read and fascinating book, see:
Adventures of an Ordinary Monk
(A book).
THE TEAM
Welcome to our Retreats :-)
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Lake Isle Retreats recommends Govinda's Vegetarian Restaurant, 83 Middle Abbey Street, Dublin and ISKCON Ireland Ltd, 83 Middle Abbey Street, Dublin 1 - charity no. 6368 (in the Republic of Ireland). |
