Yoga Picnic 2024: unforgettable celebration of wellness and connection
The Yoga Picnic at Lilliput House on Sunday (July 7) provided a haven for yoga and wellness enthusiasts on a day with diverse activities and a vibrant sense of community.
From the moment attendees arrived, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation and joy. Attendees enjoyed activities such as yoga, movement practices, breath work, meditation, dance, and inspiring talks and workshops took place. One of them, Kate Bermingham, said: “The Yoga Picnic filled my heart with joy and a sense of community. I came with my friend and my little baby and we had such a wonderful time. It was a magical and meaningful day that I will cherish for a long time.”
The one-day yoga and wellbeing festival returned to the scenic shores of Lough Ennell for the third time. Building on the success of two previous years, this year’s sold out festival showcased an expanded line-up of international and Irish yoga teachers, holistic therapies, and new sustainable initiatives, ensuring an enriching experience for all guests.
More than 1,500 participants enjoyed a unique experience of holistic wellness, fostering connections between friends old and new, and celebrating the benefits of yoga and mindful living. The day offered the perfect blend of yoga, mindfulness and community and connection. Founded and organised by three friends and yoga teachers – Mary Gardiner, Alice Harrison, and Katy Harrison – the festival transformed the picturesque Lilliput House into a serene sanctuary.
Guests appreciated the authentic, earthwise approach, the handcrafted decorations, local art installations by Hilary Kinahan, Regina Bracken, Jette Virdi and Andrea Cullen, and floral arrangements by Big Sky Flowers, enhancing the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
Featuring more than 100 offerings, guests attended classes with international yoga luminaries Adam Husler, Caggie Dunlop, and Celest Pereira, along with a host of renowned Irish instructors including Mari Kennedy, Lou Horgan, Jack Harrison and Eithne Kennedy, leading diverse classes catering to all levels.
The festival also offered stand up paddleboard yoga, allowing people to try something new, along with an outdoor spa experience where participants rejuvenated in woodfired saunas, ice baths, and a hot tub, guided by a European Sauna Master. Participants also enjoyed a magical, heart-opening cacao ceremony. The evening Kirtan (yoga music concert) with Jack Harrison and band was a moving and passionate celebration to end the day, with attendees dancing and singing soulfully.
The Yoga Picnic also introduced engaging food demonstrations and talks, delivered by culinary legend Katie Sanderson, celebrity chef Silvia Schneider, and natural chef Nikki Halliday, highlighting the connection between food and wellbeing. In addition to this, there was also an impressive selection of delicious and nourishing vegetarian and vegan food options to enjoy throughout the day.
Sustainability
This year’s festival continued to prioritise and integrate even more eco-conscious practices. The standout sustainability initiative was made possible by The Yoga Picnic’s partnership with Kia Ireland, whereby all tents were sustainably powered by electric vehicles rather than diesel generators, demonstrating their commitment to reducing the carbon emissions usually associated with festivals.
The festival also maintained a site-wide plastic ban, offering refillable water stations and compostable containers and further reduced its carbon footprint by funding the restoration and re-wilding of land by Hometree Charity, along with encouraging carpooling.
Along with the Artisan Market, which featured eco-friendly products from Irish crafters, another new initiative at the festival this year was the Kia Sustainable Marketplace, which showcased a number of small, sustainable Irish businesses, with everyone loving the concept.
The Yoga Picnic’s success points to its growing impact in promoting wellbeing and sustainability. Mary, Alice and Katy express their gratitude to sponsors, partners, vendors, volunteers, and all the guests who contributed to making the event a memorable celebration of mind, body, and spirit. Join them next year as they continue to celebrate the power of yoga and foster a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to promoting mental health, sustainability, and environmental awareness.