Draíocht Aerial Retreat 2025
We're thrilled to invite you back to the enchanting west coast of Ireland for Draíocht Aerial Retreat 2025. Nestled in the vibrant hub of Sligo, this retreat is the perfect blend of training, dancing, laughter, and adventure. Join a community of passionate aerialists from around the world for an unforgettable week of growth, connection, and exploration along the stunning Irish coast.
Join us for the week that fits you best:
Week 1: June 28 - July 5, 2025 (Intermediate - SILKS)
Week 2: July 6 - July 13, 2025 (Advanced - SILKS & ROPE)
What to expect
Dates and Facts
WHERE
Sligo, Ireland
Distance to Dublin Airport: 215km
Distance to Belfast Airport: 200km
Distance to Knock Airport: 55km
Easy and affordable train & bus connections from all airports in the area. We offer free pick-ups from Sligo bus/train station.
WHEN
Week 1 (Silks, Intermediate Level):
June 28 - July 5, 2025
Week 2 (Silks & Rope, Advanced Level):
July 6 - July 13, 2025
LEVEL & REQUIREMENTS
Week 1 (Silks, Intermediate):
This week is designed for aerialists with enough aerial experience to safely climb the silks, perform several footlocks and hip keys in the air throughout class and invert from the air. Additionally, you should be able to stay in the air for a short sequence and practice silks regularly.
Week 2 (Silks & Rope, Advanced)
This week is designed for aerialists who have been in the air for several years. In order to get the best out of this week, you should be able to do multiple inversions from the air within a class, execute a front balance safely and have experience with drops. Additionally, you should be able to stay in the air for a few minutes, practice silks and/or rope regularly and have your own repertoire of different sequences, as we will also work with creativity and expression.
DISCLAIMER:
This retreat is NOT for you if you have never practiced Aerial acrobatics - please contact us if you are unsure about what level fits you best!
WHAT IS INCLUDED
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7 nights of accommodation at Sligo Sea Barn or Herdsman's House directly at the coast
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All meals (except 1 dinner in town): dinner and lunch are vegan and homemade and for breakfast there will be a self-serving option
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All Aerial classes (around 20 studio hours in total)
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Transportation to and from the aerial studio
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All group activities: Tractor Driving, Meet & Feed the Cows, Pub Night, Beach Walk, Sauna, Outdoor Photo Shoot, Sligo Town Exploration
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
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Travel costs to and from Sligo, Ireland
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Additional insurance
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Alcoholic beverages & drinks at the Pub
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One Dinner in Sligo Town
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Any additional Shopping, Transportation & other expenses
Pricing
Choose your perfect vacation! We offer different pricing options to choose from based on the room type you prefer. The Single Rooms at Herdsman House can be used as "Significant Other" or Double Rooms upon request. First come, first serve - be the quickest to secure the room you want!
Room | Early Bird Price | Normal Price | Image | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Small Single Room | 2325 | 2525 | Sea Barn | |
Big Single Room | 2425 | 2625 | Sea Barn | |
Single Room | 2200 | 2400 | Herdsman's House | |
Big Double Room | 2125 | 2325 | Sea Barn | |
Small Double Room | 1975 | 2175 | Sea Barn | |
Training Only Full Week | 600 | Upon Request | ||
Training Only Day Ticket | Upon Request |
Early Bird Pricing valid until December 31st 2024.
Price listed per person in euros, including all of the above-mentioned in the chosen room.
Roommates can be requested upon sign up, otherwise they will be allocated upon chosen room options.
RETURN RETREATERS DISCOUNT
You have been to Draíocht before and are thinking about coming back? We'd love to welcome you back to the Irish aerial fairy squad and give you a 150€ discount on your booking this year!
PAYMENT
Your booking will only be accepted after you have sent your deposit via Eversports (the link will be provided after we receive your registration form). Your spot is reserved for one week after receiving the deposit link. If you don't pay the first deposit your spot will automatically go to someone from the waitlist.
Payment Plan:
- 300 EUR deposit
- 50% within 3 weeks
- the remainder of the payment due by March 30, 2025
CANCELLATION POLICY
Free cancellations can only be accepted if someone takes over your spot. This person can be someone you know or someone from our waiting list.
50% refund up to 90 days before the first day of the retreat
25% refund up to 45 days before the 1st day of the retreat
In extreme circumstances (such as illness, injury, or death in the family), we will provide special refund options if given proof or medical records.
INSURANCE
We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance that includes medical insurance.
Check with your healthcare provider to see if you are covered for international travel.
Level up your Aerial Skills
Dive into a week full of sequencing, technique and creative work! With more than 20 hours of studio time, you get the ultimate traincation for your aerial skills. Our experienced instructors will meet you where you are and help you evolve on your aerial journey!
All workshops will be held at AcroAer Studio in Sligo, a fully equipped aerial studio just 15 minutes away from the home base. Week 1 will focus on Aerial Silks, while Week 2 will feature Aerial Silks and Aerial Rope. All participation is voluntary so you can always decide to switch between beast mode and yay-vacay.
Live the Irish Way of Life
Amazing coastal views and the green beauty of the Irish countryside are waiting for you! Explore fairytale-like landscapes, beautiful sunsets and long beaches with our local hosts or on your own.
Have you ever driven a tractor? Met some Irish cows? Had a Guinness in a local Irish Pub? No worries, we got you! Experience a week full of Irish farm life directly at the sea.
Home Away From Home in Sligo
Enjoy the luxury of Sligo Sea Barn and Herdsman's House, located directly at the coast. It's the perfect place to connect with your felllow aerialists or enjoy some quiet downtime for yourself. A private path to the sea invites you to enjoy the beauty of the Irish coast and unwind.
Equipped with local organic amenities, the accommodations offer everything you need to relax and recharge.
Delicious Homemade Food
No good training without good food, right? Homemade vegan lunch, dinner and snacks are catered by a local chef, who will take all our dietary needs into account. Additionally, there will be ingredients to add some animal products for everyone who prefers a non-vegan diet.
The fridges & pantry will be fully stocked for some delicious self-made breakfast in the morning.
Aerial Photoshoot
Have you ever had an Aerial Photoshoot in the middle of beautiful Irish landscapes? If not, it's about time!
Safely rigged on an Aerial Rig, you'll have the opportunity to capture your skills in the air and create some breath-taking moments to enjoy and show off.
Our team will support you during the shooting to get the best out of the experience for you.
Connect with your Community
Being on a group retreat means meeting many new aerialists and connecting with people from all over the world who love aerial just as much as you do. New friendships and connections are waiting for you.
Spend quality time in and outside the studio, participate in fun group activities, and make memories that will last a lifetime!
Team
Frequently Asked Questions
Which week should I book?
Have a look at our requirements & prerequisites and pick the week that you feel fits best. If you are in between levels, we suggest choosing intermediate if you prefer to have more of a relaxed week and advanced if you prefer to have a challenge. If you are unsure, feel free to contact us anytime for some additional information.
Can I only join for training and get my own accommodation?
Yes! The "Training only" option includes all aerial workshops within the week of your choice. Activities like the photoshoot or sauna are not included but are available upon request.
Do I have to take part in everything?
No. Every workshop and every activity is voluntary so you can add some rest time at any point. You are also welcome to add activities on your own, but please keep in mind that we cannot change the schedule for that and you'll need to organize transportation by yourself.
Can I share a room with my friend?
Yes, absolutely! Just make sure that you both book a double room in the same category and let us know in your booking form (there is an extra field for that).
Can I bring my partner who is not an aerialist?
Yes, we have a few rooming options at Herdsmans House for significant others, where training and lunch are not included. Please contact us via e-mail for more info: office@aerialsilk.at
What is the difference between Sea Barn and Herdsman House?
Sea Barn will be the "main headquarters" for the week, meaning that dinner and activities will take place there. Herdsman's House is across the street and a little more private compared to Sea Barn. Every room at Sea Barn has its own bathroom, whereas Herdsman House has a shared bathroom. Both kitchens will be stocked for breakfast.
Should I get a car for the week?
Transport to and from the studio and program is included and organized. However, we are at a remote location and if you would like to stay more independent or leave the group at some point(s) during the week, e.g. to go to town or similar, we encourage you to get a rental car.
I am not used to a vegan diet, do I have to eat vegan?
Yes and no. Lunch and dinner will be catered and be vegan. However, we supply additional animal products such as meat or eggs in the kitchen and you are welcome to prepare and add them to any meal in any way you'd like to keep your diet balanced. Breakfast is self-prepared anyway, so you can make the breakfast of your choice!