Colleen Kennedy
Sunday 27 September 2026 Β· Wicklow, Ireland
Roots of
Resilience
Roots of
Resilience
A Living Apothecary Experience
An Autumn Day Retreat for Healthy Ageing, Seasonal Wisdom &
Natural Vitality
DATE
Sunday 27 September 2026
TIME
10:30 am β 5:00 pm
LOCATION
Anam Kara, Wicklow
EXPERIENCE
Herbal Baths Β· Tastings Β· Remedy Making
This is not simply a retreat
This is a living
apothecary experience.
A day where herbal medicine comes alive through direct experience, seasonal
wisdom and hands-on learning. Not studied. Not observed. Felt.
"True resilience is not built through constant striving.
It is cultivated through rhythm. Through nourishment.
Through returning to our roots."
Taste
MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
Taste
MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
Experience
BESPOKE HERBAL BATHS
Experience
BESPOKE HERBAL BATHS
Create
SEASONAL REMEDIES
Restore
YOUR CONNECTION TO NATURE
What you'll experience
The Living Apothecary
Experience
Touch, taste, smell and work directly with medicinal plants and seasonal remedies
Bespoke Medicinal Herbal Bath
Immerse yourself in handcrafted botanical bathing rituals, unwinding in the wood-fired sauna and outdoor baths, designed to soothe the nervous system, encourage circulation and invite deep restoration.
Seasonal Remedy Making
Create beautiful seasonal remedies including herbal vinegars, botanical balms and nourishing elixirs inspired by the plants of autumn.
Discover how simple preparations can support digestion, immunity and resilience throughout the colder months.
Herbal Tincture Tastings & Plant Walk
Experience the flavours, energetics and therapeutic qualities of seasonal herbs through guided tastings and medicinal food experiences rooted in the wisdom of the season.
Science Meets Soul
Modern insights into DNA, Epigenetics, lifestyle and longevity woven together with planetary influences and the energetic qualities of plants. Ancient wisdom meets modern longevity science to help you understand not just how we ageβbut how we can support healthier ageing for years to come.
Chef prepared Seasonal Longevity Feast
A seasonal food-as-medicine lunch prepared by naturopathic chef Johanna Woods of Wildwood Living β each dish chosen to nourish longevity, support digestion and complement the morning's epigenetic insights.
Take-Home Apothecary Samples
Take home your own handcrafted herbal remedies, botanical bath blend, seasonal recipe booklet and exclusive digital guide, giving you the confidence to continue these longevity rituals throughout autumn and beyond.
Your Host
Colleen
Kennedy
Clinical Herbalist Β· Naturopath Β· Nutritional Therapist
Creator of The Vitality Codeβ’
For over two decades, I've been fascinated by a simple question: How do we live well as we age?
My journey has taken me from studying Ayurveda in India to training in Herbal Medicine, Naturopathy, Functional Medicine and Nutritional Therapy, working with hundreds of clients through my clinic in the West of Ireland.
Yet some of the most profound lessons have not come from textbooks or laboratories. They have come from the plants themselves. From observing the seasons. From understanding how our ancestors worked with the rhythms of nature to support vitality, resilience and wellbeing.
Today, my work bridges science and soul. I'm passionate about helping people understand the connection between modern insights β genetics, nutrition, lifestyle medicine β and the timeless wisdom found in herbal traditions, seasonal living and nature.
Creator of The Vitality Codeβ’
The Setting
Anam Kara Wellness
Glendalough Estate, Co.Wicklow
Set within the breathtaking landscape of the Wicklow Mountains, Anam Kara Wellness is a thoughtfully curated sanctuary where nature, wellbeing and restoration come together.
Throughout our day together, the landscape itself becomes part of the teaching. The plants, the changing season, the rhythms of nature and the restorative surroundings invite us to slow down, reconnect and remember.
"At the heart and foundation of Anam Kara Wellness is my love for Ireland and a way of life that supports health, healing and long-term wellbeing."
β Sophie Anderton, Founder
RETREAT CHEF
Wildwood Living
@wildwood.carlingford
www.wildwood-living.com
Johanna Woods is the founder of Wildwood Living and a chef with a background in naturopathic nutrition and herbal medicine.
Drawing on over a decade of experience creating nourishing food experiences, Johanna's approach sits at the intersection of seasonal cooking and wellbeing.
Her menus are inspired by the rhythms of nature, the Irish landscape and traditional food wisdom from around the world.
Working with whole foods, herbs and botanicals, she creates dishes that are vibrant, generous and deeply satisfying β food designed not only to taste beautiful but to support energy, digestion and restoration.
For Roots of Resilience, Johanna will be creating a menu that reflects the retreat's ethos of longevity, nourishment and resilience through food, with dishes chosen to complement the morning's exploration of epigenetics, DNA and slow ageing, turning lunch into a living, edible expression of everything we discuss together.
Split-pay available now!
Reserve Your Place
More than a beautiful day away, you'll leave with practical tools, handcrafted remedies and renewed inspiration to support your health long after the retreat ends.
πΏ Your own handcrafted seasonal herbal remedies and botanical bath blend to continue your autumn rituals at home.
𧬠A fresh understanding of biological age, longevity science and practical ways to support healthy ageing through everyday choices.
π₯ A beautifully curated recipe booklet inspired by the Roots of Resilience Longevity Feast, so that you can recreate nourishing seasonal meals in your own kitchen.
π Simple herbal, nutritional and lifestyle practices to support digestion, energy, resilience and nervous system balance throughout autumn.
π³ A deeper connection to Ireland's hedgerows, medicinal plants and the restorative power of seasonal living.
π€ A renewed sense of calm, inspiration and confidence, with practical tools to help you embrace the season with vitality.
Sunday 27 September 2026 Β· Anam Kara Wellness, Co. Wicklow
FULL INVESTMENT
β¬297
From 1 August 2026.
split-pay option
β¬160 Γ 2
1st Instant Payment Β· Another in a month
Total: β¬320
All prices include full-day experience, herbal bath, organic lunch, apothecary samples & take-home resources.
Tickets are non-refundable but fully transferable.
Making a weekend of it? Accommodation and Things to do:
Making a Weekend of It πΏ
Glendalough is one of Ireland's most breathtaking destinations β and many of our guests are choosing to arrive on Saturday
and soak in the valley before the retreat begins on Sunday.
Here's everything you need to plan your stay.
How to get there?
Getting There Anam Kara Wellness is located at Glendalough House Estate, Laragh, Co. Wicklow, approximately 1 hour from Dublin city centre by car. Parking is on site. The nearest village is Laragh, a short walk away.
If you're travelling without a car, private coaches and shuttle services run from Dublin to Glendalough β worth booking in advance for a September weekend.
Where to stay
Anam Kara Wellness has curated a collection of local accommodation partners, all just minutes from the estate:
πΏ The Coach House, Roundwood β timeless charm and authentic character, a warm base for the weekend.
πΏ The Deerstone β a luxurious eco-hideaway. Perfect if you're making this a proper treat.
πΏ The Heathers, Laragh β newly restored, tranquil, right in the heart of Laragh village. The most convenient for the retreat itself.
πΏ Airbnb β a great option for couples or small groups, with a range of private cottages and homes available in and around Laragh and Glendalough.
Full accommodation guide: anamkarawellness.ie/pages/accommodation
What to Do on Saturday
September is one of the most beautiful months in Glendalough β early autumn colour, thinner crowds, extraordinary light.
π The Glendalough Monastic Site β the 6th century Round Tower and cathedral ruins, St Kevin's Bed cave on the Upper Lake shore. Hauntingly beautiful.
π The Spinc Walk β one of Ireland's most spectacular short hikes, a boardwalk ridge with panoramic views of both lakes. Blue Route: 5.5km, ~2 hours.
π Upper Lake β a short walk from the upper car park. Swimming permitted at the eastern end.
π The Green Road β easy lakeside stroll through ancient oak woodland around the lower lake.
π Powerscourt Waterfall β Ireland's highest waterfall, 30 mins away. A lovely afternoon detour.
π Avoca Handweavers β the oldest surviving business in Ireland. Beautiful tweeds, gifts and a cafΓ© worth stopping for.
Where to Eat & Drink
πΏ Lynhams Hotel, Laragh β cosy and traditional, a favourite with walkers
πΏ The Wicklow Heather, Laragh β traditional Irish pub with food
πΏ The Glendalough Hotel β reliable, convenient, good atmosphere on a Saturday evening
Practical Notes
β° Retreat starts at 10:30am sharp β allow travel time from your accommodation
π Parking on site at Anam Kara β no need to use visitor car parks
π± Phone signal can be patchy in the valley β download offline maps before you arrive
ποΈ Nearest town for groceries: Rathdrum (10 mins) or Roundwood(7 mins)
Everything you need to know
Still have questions? Reach out to Colleen directly and she'll be happy to help.
Who is this retreat for?
This retreat welcomes all adults ready to explore healthy ageing, seasonal wisdom and natural vitality β whether you're curious about herbal medicine, navigating your own health journey, or simply craving a day of genuine restoration. No prior experience needed, just curiosity.
What's included in the price?
Your day includes the full Living Apothecary experience β bespoke medicinal herbal bath, seasonal remedy demonstrations, herbal tastings and medicinal foods, take-home apothecary samples and resources, and a seasonal organic lunch.
What should I bring or wear?
Comfortable, easy layers are best, as the day includes a herbal bath experience. We'll send full guidance (including what to bring for the bath) in your confirmation email after booking.
Is this suitable if I'm new to herbal medicine?
Yes β completely. This day is designed to be experienced, not studied. No background in herbalism, nutrition or natural health is required. Just an open mind and a willingness to slow down.
Can I bring my partner?
Yes β couples are very welcome. Please book a separate place for each person attending. It makes for a wonderful shared experience.
What's the cancellation policy?
Tickets are non-refundable but fully transferable. If you're unable to attend, you're welcome to pass your place to someone else β just let us know in advance.
Sunday 27 September 2026 Β· Wicklow, Ireland
Step away.
Return to your roots.
One day. A shift that lasts.
Split-pay option available
Colleen Kennedy
Β© 2026 Β· Roots of Resilience Β· Anam Kara Wellness, Co. Wicklow
Questions? Contact Colleen
Date
27 Sept 2026
Split-Pay option
β¬160 x 2
Early bird
β¬249 until 31 July
Early bird ends
β¬249 Β· 31 July