We are very pleased to announce that the 2012/13 adventure retreat programme will be running again as scheduled for a further school year commencing September 23 2012.  Repeat Bookings are already steady and we would encourage you to get your bookings in sooner rather than later to avoid disappointment.  Prices for the retreats are being held at current prices at least until the end of 2012. Retreat coordination will be undertaken by NET Ministries Ireland one of the three partners in the programme.  To find out what people have had to say about their experience check out our testimonies page. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Leaving Cert student Megan O'Hara from St Nathy's College Ballaghderreen was so taken with her recent retreat that she wrote a 750 word essay, describing it as the best retreat ever that her class has had.  The group who were all part of a reunion class visited the centre in November last year.  To read more about their day and what you can expect from an 'Adventure' retreat have a read here.

Adventure Retreats Ireland, the youth retreat initiative of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts in Cootehill has reported that a total of 948 young people have been on retreat with the project since it opened its doors in late September 2011 for year two of its operation. Project director, Shane Halpin said, "This represents a four fold increase on the same time last year as to date we have had 17 retreats in just two months." The team which is made up of five young adults is delighted with the response. Team leader Gareth McNulty, now in his second year with ARI said,"The response has been very positive and we are busy almost every week with either an insitu school retreat in the locality or adventure retreat. We are looking forward to even more opportunities in the new year."

The project is still offering local Monaghan schools free transport to and from the centre as part of its efforts to increase awareness of this exciting youth initiative.

Adventure Retreats Ireland are offering free bus transport to and from their centre in Tanagh to Monaghan primary and secondary schools as part of a new initiative to promote personal and spiritual development within the county. Adventure Retreats is an initiative of the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts based in Tanagh Co Monaghan, about two miles from Cootehill.

The project offer schools a complete range of retreats from confirmation preparation right through to sixth year retreats. What makes Adventure Retreats unique from other retreat houses is its creative link with Monaghan VEC’s Outdoor Centre in Tanagh. The youth get a blend of physical, mental and spiritual activities on their day out.

Director of the Project, Shane Halpin says, “The response to our school retreats was amazing last year and we would encourage you to look at our testimonies from teachers and chaplains from the schools we engaged with last year on our website www.damiencentre.ie.”

The day retreat commences at 10am and finishes at 4pm. Children arrive at their school for collection at 9am and are returned for collection at or before 5pm. The cost of the day retreat which includes all adventure activities from just €25 per child, no hidden extras and no bus costs! Children bring their packed lunches as normal! A complete change of clothes, towel, and old runners is required for the fun-filled day!

For more information contact us at 049 5552245 or via email on This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it – this is a limited offer and will be based on a first come first served basis for Monaghan based schools.