We named our land “Dronagiri” after the mythical medicine mountain the features in the Ramayana (an Indian epic and an important text in Ayurveda). It was said that Dronagiri was rich in many rare and important medicinal herbs and in particular the herb of life, Sanjeevani Booti.
Wildlife & environment
Dronagiri is an 8-acre nature and botanical sanctuary which has been in the process of being rewilded since 2019. We have planted over 3,000 native Irish trees and allowing nature to slowly find its way back. Our long-term hope is to see it grow into a small native woodland, full of life and biodiversity.
Red squirrels, foxes, badgers, deer, pine martens, ravens, woodpeckers and barn owls have been spotted. The land is full of butterflies, bees and insects. There’s one naturally formed pond, and we added a second one, lined with natural clay. There is now a thriving population of newts, along with plenty of other pond life. At night, you’ll spot bats, moths, owls & other nocturnal animals.
The cabins and clinic were constructed using natural materials including straw, timber and clay, with clay paints used throughout the interiors. We upcycled wherever possible, even using a storm-felled tree from neighbouring land to make windowsills, tables and kitchen features. Our sauna and hot tub are wood-fired and off-grid.
We manage our meadows as traditionally as possible, cutting with a scythe where they can. We also grow organic, pollinator-friendly plants from seed and make much of our own compost.
We follow a vegetarian ethos, growing some of our own food. We also support local organisations such as the Irish Seed Savers Association and nearby organic farms.
Our Story
We returned to Ireland in 2007 after many years of travelling and living abroad, knowing they wanted to create a different kind of life – one connected to nature, wellbeing and community. Years later our family grew, and now with our three children, this has very much become a shared family adventure.
When we found this land in East Clare, it was a working farm with a different purpose. The buildings that now hold our clinic and training centre were once old stables, and the peaceful field where the cabins now sit was grazed by alpacas, ponies and cows.
We built our clinic and training centre in 2021, creating a space for our work in wellbeing and training, but it wasn’t long before we felt the place had more to offer. We wanted people to be able to stay, to wake up to the sounds of birds, watch the light change across the fields and properly experience the quiet magic of the land.
