Kilkea Castle - Ireland
February 22 - 25, 2024
Who We Are
We believe that caring for others begins with caring for ourselves. YOUthink Creative Wellness Retreats were established to provide a spiritual, creative, and physical oasis for each guest but also as means of supporting YouthInk’s nonprofit workshops. Guests at YOUthink Retreats will take satisfaction in knowing that a portion of their fee will be used to help a deserving teen attend an upcoming YouthINK creative mentorship workshop. It’s a 360-degree approach that comes full circle the moment you decide to care for yourself.
We retreat for many reasons—to rest, to heal, to learn, and to grow. Spending time in beautiful, welcoming landscapes restores and renews our very being. When we experience solitude and take time to meditate, reflect, and write, we reconnect with our inner selves and unleash the creative side that lives within us all. We can rediscover joy and deepen connections with friends old and new. YOUthink’s Kilkea Castle and Martha’s Vineyard retreats are thoughtfully designed to make such meaningful, magical experiences happen.
As you prepare for this unparalleled experience, we encourage you to take time to set intentions, craft your activities, and choose to "retreat with self care".
We retreat for many reasons—to rest, to heal, to learn, and to grow. Spending time in beautiful, welcoming landscapes restores and renews our very being. When we experience solitude and take time to meditate, reflect, and write, we reconnect with our inner selves and unleash the creative side that lives within us all. We can rediscover joy and deepen connections with friends old and new. YOUthink’s Kilkea Castle and Martha’s Vineyard retreats are thoughtfully designed to make such meaningful, magical experiences happen.
Welcome to Kilkea Castle, Ireland
SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE
| 6:30 AM | Tea/coffee/green juice available |
|---|---|
| 7:00-9:00 AM | Silent Breakfast served 7-9AM |
| 8:00-9:00 AM | Yoga & morning meditation |
| 9:00-10:00 AM | Program/workshop (writing, acting or mindful living) |
| 10:15-11:30 AM | Program/activity (archery in Irish countryside, falconry or pottery) |
| 11:30–2:30 PM | Free choice time – lunch at leisure, spa treatment, horseback riding and/or walking meditation on castle grounds |
| 2:45-4:15 PM | Programs/workshop (healthy living, painting or acting workshop) |
| 4:30-5:15 PM | Breath work, sound therapy or pilates |
| 5:15-6:00 PM | Break |
| 6:00-6:30 PM | Wine & cheese tasting |
| 6:30-8:00 PM | Dinner in castle |
| 8:30-9:30 PM | Live entertainment with local acoustic Irish band |
Welcome to Martha's Vineyard, MA
SAMPLE DAILY SCHEDULE
| 6:30 AM | Tea/coffee/green juice served |
|---|---|
| 6:30-7:00 AM | Morning pages (write longhand for 30 minutes about anything to unleash your mind) |
| 7:00-8:00 AM | Silent breakfast |
| 8:00-9:00 AM | Yoga & morning meditation |
| 9:15-10:00 AM | Feed the animals and tend to Misty Meadows barn |
| 10:00-10:30 AM | Break/snacks |
| 10:30-11:30 AM | Program/activity – expressive arts, sound healing or healthy living |
| 11:30-12:30 PM | Free time – massages or walking meditation |
| 12:45-2:00 PM | Lunch |
| 2:15-3:45 PM | Program/workshop (mounted or unmounted archery, painting or writing) |
| 4:00-4:30 PM | Afternoon breath work & lineage workshop |
| 4:30-5:30 PM | Meet with tarot card reader or psychic |
| 5:30-6:15 PM | Break |
| 6:15-7:15 PM | Wine/cheese tasting with local vendors |
| 7:15-8:30 PM | Dinner |
| 8:30-9:00 PM | Ayurveda for sleep |
Dates Coming Soon!
Kildare County and Martha's Vineyard are sacred places of exceptional natural beauty. The magic of these magnificent grounds extends into the community and the world. At our retreats, gracious hospitality, attentive service, and a supportive community are offered to all, so that guests may work productively and grow emotionally, physically, creatively, and spiritually.
Christy Cashman, Founder
Christy Cashman is an author, actress, and producer who has appeared in more than twenty films, including American Hustle, Joy, The Women, Ted 2, and The Forger, and whose screenwriting credits include The Love Guide and Dixie Storms. An active member of the Boston community and beyond, she is on the board of directors for the Associates of the Boston Public Library and co-chairs its Literary Lights dinner committee. Christy also serves on the board of the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company and supports the nonprofit Raising A Reader.
Her first novel, The Truth About Horses, published in August 2023, has earned early praise in the literary world and admiration from the equestrian community. Christy is also the author of two children’s books, The Not-So-Average Monkey of Kilkea Castle and Petri’s Next Things, inspired by the true story of a heroic monkey who lived at that historic Irish castle.
Christy, her husband, and their two sons, Jay Michael and Quinn, live in Boston and spend time in Ireland and on Cape Cod. Christy has three dogs and three horses and is an avid equestrian, riding both stateside and internationally, all year long.
She is currently working on her second novel, Beulah, and her third children’s book, The Cat Named Peanut Shrimp Cookie Fry Muffin Who Lives on Staniel Cay.
Shannon Pastuszak, Executive Director
Shannon Pastuszak is a creative and energetic media veteran with a successful history of brand advisory and operational management. During her media career, she has held leadership roles ranging from public broadcasting to publishing. In 2017, she launched the luxury design lifestyle publication Interiors Boston. In early 2023, she started her own consulting firm and has helped numerous organizations elevate and grow their brands. A life-long wellness seeker, Shannon is a certified integrative health coach, inspiring those around her to live their best lives, starting with feeling their best.
A midwestern transplant, Shannon moved to Boston with her Siberian husky to attend college . . . and never left. She is cofounder of The Newbury Cup, a nonprofit that serves Boston’s cherished neighbors and celebrates those who dedicate their time to enriching the quality of life of the city’s most vulnerable.
Shannon has devoted much of her life to fundraising, community service, and event-planning efforts for multiple philanthropic organizations. She serves as a member of the Boston Public Library’s Literary Lights Committee and The Home For Little Wanderers.
Shannon, her husband, and their young daughter, Ava, live in Boston and Newton. She is consistently inspired by Ava, who provides her with constant joy, drive, and an unwavering focus on what really matters in life.
