Draíocht Aerial Retreat
May 16-23, 2026 - Silks Intermediate
Guess what? We’re heading back to the magical west coast of Ireland for the Draíocht Aerial Retreat 2026 — and you’re invited!
Pack your finest training clothes and your sense of adventure, because we’re spending a week in Sligo mixing aerial training with dancing, laughing, and seaside magic. Think salty air, upside-down moments, and a vibrant crew of aerialists from around the globe. It’s going to be unforgettable — and wildly fun.
What to expect
Dates and Facts
WHERE
Sligo, Ireland
Distance to Dublin Airport: 215km
Distance to Belfast Airport: 200km
Distance to Knock Airport: 55km
Easy and affordable train & bus connections from all airports in the area. We offer free pick-ups from Sligo bus/train station.
WHEN
May 16-23, 2026
LEVEL & REQUIREMENTS
Silks – Intermediate Level
This week is for aerialists with a solid foundation in silks (think: at least a year of regular training under your belt). You should be able to climb confidently, do footlocks and hip keys in the air, invert from a hang, and hold a position like a Dead Hang or Pull-Up for around 20 seconds.
If short sequences don’t scare you and you’re excited to dive into more challenging techniques, you’re in the right place!
A quick heads-up:
This retreat isn’t suitable for beginners. If you’re unsure whether it’s the right level for you, just reach out — we’re happy to help you figure it out.
WHAT IS INCLUDED
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7 nights of accommodation at Sligo Sea Barn or Herdsman's House directly at the coast
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All meals (except 1 dinner in town): dinner and lunch are vegan and homemade and for breakfast there will be a self-serving option
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All Aerial classes (around 20 studio hours in total)
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Transportation to and from the aerial studio
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All group activities: Tractor Driving, Meet & Feed the Cows, Pub Night, Beach Walk, Sauna, Outdoor Photo Shoot, Sligo Town Exploration
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED
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Travel costs to and from Sligo, Ireland
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Additional insurance
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Alcoholic beverages & drinks at the Pub
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One Dinner in Sligo Town
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Any additional Shopping, Transportation & other expenses
Pricing
Choose your perfect retreat setup!
We offer different pricing options depending on your preferred room type — whether you're flying solo or bringing your favorite human.
Single rooms at the cozy Herdsman House can also be booked as double rooms or “Significant Other” rooms upon request.
Rooms are limited and assigned on a first-come, first-served basis — so don’t wait too long to grab your favorite!
Room | Early Bird Price | Normal Price | Image | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Small Single Room | 2325 € | 2525 | Sea Barn | |
Big Single Room | 2425 € | 2625 | Sea Barn | |
Single Room | 2200 € | 2400 | Herdsman's House | |
Big Double Room | 2125 € | 2325 | Sea Barn | |
Small Double Room | 1975 € | 2175 | Sea Barn | |
Training Only Full Week | 600 € | Upon Request | ||
Training Only Day Ticket | Upon Request |
Early Bird Pricing valid until December 31, 2025.
Price listed per Person in Euro, including all of the above-mentioned in the chosen room.
Roommates can be requested upon sign up, otherwise they will be are allocated upon chosen room options.
RETURN RETREATERS DISCOUNT
You have been to Draíocht before and are thinking about coming back? We'd love to welcome you back to the Irish aerial fairy squad and give you a 150€ discount on your booking this year!
SPECIAL DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE
You really want to be a part of it but for some reason can't afford the full price? Reach out to our office to discuss possible discounts and work trade options.
PAYMENT
Your booking will only be accepted after you have sent your deposit via Eversports (the link will be provided after we receive your registration form). Your spot is reserved for one week after receiving the deposit link. If you don't pay the first deposit your spot will automatically go to someone from the waitlist.
Payment Plan:
- 300 EUR deposit
- 50% within 3 weeks
- the remainder of the payment due by March 30, 2026
CANCELLATION POLICY
Free Cancellations can only be accepted if someone takes over your spot. This person can be someone you know or someone from our waiting list.
50% refund up to 90 days before the first day of the retreat
25% refund up to 45 days before the 1st day of the retreat
In extreme circumstances (such as illness, injury, or death in the family), we will provide special refund options if given proof or medical records.
INSURANCE
We highly recommend that you purchase travel insurance that includes medical insurance.
Check with your healthcare provider to see if you are covered for international travel.
Level up your Aerial Skills
Dive into a week full of sequencing, technique and creative work! With more than 20 hours of studio time, you get the ultimate traincation for your aerial skills. Our experienced instructors will meet you where you are and help you evolve on your aerial journey!
All workshops will be held at AcroAer Studio in Sligo, a fully equipped aerial studio just 15 minutes away from the home base. We will focus on Aerial Silks with a well balanced mix of technique and creaitivity. All participation is voluntary so you can always decide to switch between beast mode and yay-vacay.
Live the Irish Way of Life
Amazing coastal views and the green beauty of the Irish countryside are waiting for you! Explore fairytale-like landscapes, beautiful sunsets and long beaches with our local hosts or on your own.
Have you ever driven a tractor? Met some Irish cows? Had a Guinness in a local Irish Pub? No worries, we got you! Experience a week full of Irish farm life directly at the sea.
Home Away From Home in Sligo
Enjoy the luxury of Sligo Sea Barn and Herdsman's House, located directly at the coast. It's the perfect place to connect with your felllow aerialists or enjoy some quiet downtime for yourself. A private path to the sea invites you to enjoy the beauty of the Irish coast and unwind.
Equipped with local organic amenities, the accommodations offer everything you need to relax and recharge.
Delicious Homemade Food
No good training without good food, right? Homemade vegan lunch, dinner and snacks are catered by a local chef, who will take all our dietary needs into account. Additionally, there will be ingredients to add some animal products for everyone who prefers a non-vegan diet.
The fridges & pantry will be fully stocked for some delicious self-made breakfast in the morning.
Aerial Photoshoot
Have you ever had an Aerial Photoshoot in the middle of beautiful Irish landscapes? If not, it's about time!
Safely rigged on an Aerial Rig, you'll have the opportunity to capture your skills in the air and create some breath-taking moments to enjoy and show off.
Our team will support you during the shooting to get the best out of the experience for you.
Connect with your Community
Being on a group retreat means meeting many new aerialists and connecting with people from all over the world who love aerial just as much as you do. New friendships and connections are waiting for you.
Spend quality time in and outside the studio, participate in fun group activities, and make memories that will last a lifetime!
Team
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I only join for training and get my own accommodation?
Yes! The "Training only" option includes all aerial workshops during the week as well as all group activities.
Do I have to take part in everything?
No. Every workshop and every activity is voluntary so you can add some rest time at any point. You are also welcome to add activities on your own, but please keep in mind that we cannot change the schedule for that and you'll need to organize transportation by yourself.
Can I share a room with my friend?
Yes, absolutely! Just make sure that you both book a double room in the same category and let us know in your booking form (there is an extra field for that).
Can I bring my partner who is not an aerialist?
Yes, we have a few rooming options at Herdsmans House for significant others, where training and lunch are not included. Please contact us via e-mail for more info: office@aerialsilk.at
What is the difference between Sea Barn and Herdsman House?
Sea Barn will be the "main headquarters" for the week, meaning that dinner and activities will take place there. Herdsman's House is across the street and a little more private compared to Sea Barn. Every room at Sea Barn has its own bathroom, whereas Herdsman House has a shared bathroom. Both kitchens will be stocked for breakfast.
Should I get a car for the week?
Transport to and from the studio and activities is included and organized. However, we are at a remote location. If you would like to stay more independent or leave the group at some point(s) during the week, e.g. to go to town or similar, we encourage you to get a rental car.
I am not used to a vegan diet, do I have to eat vegan?
Yes and no! Lunch and dinner will be catered and fully vegan. However, we do provide additional animal products like eggs and meat in the kitchen, and you're very welcome to prepare and add them to your meals as you wish to keep your diet balanced.
Breakfast is always self-prepared, so you’re free to make whatever suits you best!