Beyond Addiction Retreats
We offer compassionate, evidence-based four day retreats in the peaceful Northern Ireland countryside, creating a safe and nurturing sanctuary for deepening recovery, self-discovery, and meaningful reconnection.
Our Mission
Our work is designed for those already on their recovery journey who are seeking to strengthen, deepen, or stabilise their progress. Whether you feel the need for additional support, wish to reconnect with like-minded individuals, refresh your knowledge, or help safeguard against relapse, our retreats provide a space to do so with intention and care.
Combining psychotherapy, trauma-informed approaches, and somatic and holistic therapies alongside the power of community, we address both addiction and the underlying wounds that drive it. Through workshops, psychoeducational lectures, and reflective group experiences, we support lasting change within a calm, contained, and gently nurturing environment.
The addition of holistic and restorative elements alongside the structured therapeutic work offers an opportunity to step out of the demands of everyday life, helping many participants feel more grounded, re-energised, and renewed in themselves and their recovery.
We walk alongside you with understanding, expertise, and genuine care, supporting you in building resilience, deepening insight, and sustaining long-term wellbeing.
We are dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where people in recovery can explore their healing journey with compassion, expertise, and genuine care. Our mission is to empower individuals to break free from the patterns of addiction and discover lasting transformation.
Through our weekend and midweek retreats, we combine clinical excellence with holistic wellness, creating an experience that addresses the whole person - mind, body, and spirit.
“Recovery is not just about stopping harmful behaviours — it's about building a life so meaningful that addiction no longer has a place in it.”
Our Retreat Format
Our immersive residential retreats are offered across selected weekends and midweek dates, creating a fully supported and thoughtfully structured experience. With 14–20 participants per retreat, we maintain a small, well-contained group environment that allows for personalised attention alongside meaningful connection with others in recovery.
Our Programme
A weekend retreat combining evidence-based therapy with holistic healing
Psycho-Education
Understanding addiction, trauma, and recovery through evidence-based learning
Group Process
Safe, facilitated sharing and connection with others on similar journeys
Trauma Work
Gentle exploration of underlying wounds with compassionate guidance
Holistic Therapies
Mindfulness, movement, and nature-based practices for whole-person healing
The Setting
A 320-acre estate by the lake
Nestled in the rolling hills of Newry, County Down, Dromantine Conference & Retreat Centre is a historic estate offering the perfect sanctuary for reflection and healing — set within acres of peaceful grounds, colourful woodlands, and a tranquil lake, with the Mourne Mountains on the horizon.
We chose Dromantine for its rare blend of comfort and seclusion, a place to step away from daily pressures and immerse yourself in the transformative work of recovery, surrounded by natural beauty and genuine care. With its inclusive, multi-denominational ethos, Dromantine welcomes people of all faiths and none.
Explore the venueWhat Our Participants Say
“John is an exceptional therapist. I worked with him for around two years as I navigated some big life transitions. Sessions were structured with feeling check-ins at the start and end as well as lots of space to explore what was coming up for me on a week by week basis. John's knowledge of the 12 Step model meant the sessions complemented and built on the work I was doing outside of the sessions. I felt very safe in my sessions with John and even when things were tough I felt comforted.”
Davey M.
“I struggled with alcohol addiction for many years, even though I was only 35. Someone recommended John to me, and I spent 18 months seeing him every week. During that entire time, he never charged me a penny, and slowly my life began to turn around. He believed in me when I had completely stopped believing in myself. I am now 6 years clean and have never looked back.”
Darren
“I walked into my first session with Michael feeling completely scattered. I was physically tense, mentally exhausted, and had that nagging feeling that I was 'off-kilter.' Michael's technical skill is incredible; he has a way of working that brings immediate, profound physical release. He didn't just treat the 'symptom.' He seemed to understand exactly what my body was holding onto, even before I voiced it. Michael has this rare ability to hold space — he doesn't 'fix' you; he creates the environment where you can fix yourself. He taught me that healing isn't just about getting rid of pain; it's about aligning with who you actually are.”
Orlaith
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Join us for a transformative four-day retreat in the peaceful Northern Ireland countryside. Spaces are limited — book your place today.