THE ISLAND SETTING
Lambay is about going off-grid (literally!) - reconnecting with your subconscious and your body and realising the power of the mind once it is away from all the noise of modern day life and technology.
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Since 2015, Millie Baring has been working with talented and passionate facilitators to develop series of retreats and courses for Lambay that both complement and maximise the unique benefits of island life.
Whether you are a corporate team or a private individual looking to enhance your performance, transform your stress into resilience or regenerate your strength, we hope you will find something for you on Lambay.
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LUXURY COSY ACCOMMODATION
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During your stay on Lambay, the White House will be your home and your island haven.​ Built in 1933 for the two daughters of Cecil and Maude Baring, this charming Lutyens guesthouse has eight beautifully appointed guest bedrooms with private en suites or adjoining wet rooms, and ample living space expertly designed and executed by architect Sir Edwin Lutyens.
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Each bedroom has a Super King bed capable of conversion to two single beds, with mattress protectors, luxurious duvets and two pillows per person. Extra blankets are available should they be desired. Given the current capacity of the electricity supply, electric blankets are not permitted, however hot bottles are provided in case of cold weather and the central heating is effective.
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The central bathrooms have showers which service two adjoining bedrooms via a private entry hall; the corner bedrooms have en suites with bath-shower combinations and the end bedrooms have luxury en suites with freestanding baths and separate showers.
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The White House is an original Lutyens design, completed in 1933 the year before Cecil Baring’s death. It was the last building to be commissioned and executed by Cecil and Lutyens and was built for the enjoyment of Cecil's two daughters, Daphne Pollen and Calypso Liddell, who by then both had large families. It is still used as a holiday home during the summer by their descendants. With its large Dutch-tiled fireplace, south facing sitting room, original furniture, family murals and collections, it is a unique and welcoming house comprised of a shared central section and two wings. There are glorious views over the sea to the mainland from the West Wing and from the south facing gardens in particular. There have been no major alterations to the building, so it remains an authentic example of this period of Lutyens’ work. However, bathrooms have been carefully modernised with conservation in mind and curtains, carpets and new beds were installed in 2016. The heating and hot water systems have also been revamped, providing a level of luxury that does Lutyens’ designs great justice.
For more information on what to do and see while on the island, please visit our On Lambay page.
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DELICIOUS SEASONAL FOOD
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Your retreat chef will provide you with delicious meals and refreshments throughout your stay, using local and seasonal produce where possible including that which can be found on the island itself.
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Tea/Coffee is available throughout the day on a self-service basis. Please inform us in good time of any allergies or dietary requirements. Hypo-allergenic bedding is also available on advanced request.
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OUTDOORS ON THE ISLAND
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Apart from the farming activity, Lambay is host to a wide variety of wildlife including fallow deer, wallabies, rabbits, and notably, Atlantic and common seals.
The island is also one of the most important sea bird nesting colonies off the coast of Europe and has been designated a Special Protection Area. Cormorants, shags, guillemots, razorbills, puffins, kittiwakes and fulmars can be observed at close quarters with ease.
The glories of the island are the 15/16th-century Castle, modified and extended by Edwin Lutyens between 1908 and 1910, and its gardens, originally designed by Gertrude Jekyll. Massive rampart walls encircle the Castle, together with its terraced gardens.
In addition to the Castle, Lutyens modified the farm buildings, Bothy, Chapel and Coastguard Cottages, which were built from local stone. In the 1920’s Lutyens was commissioned to build the Real Tennis Court on the sea front and finally, the White House in the 1930’s. Together these buildings form a harmonious architectural complex that complements the natural landscape.
The island offers good walking with impressive views and in the harbour, low tide reveals a large sandy beach, rock pools and a swimming area.
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Further information on Lambay, its history and building can be found at www.malahideheritage.com and www.countrylifeimages.co.uk
BOOTS - We have a large number of Wellington boots in a range of sizes, which you are welcome to borrow during your stay.
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GETTING TO LAMBAY
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Your boat transfer to Lambay will depart from Howth Harbour or Malahide Marina - you will be notified which location well in advance. Whether you are travelling from abroad or within Ireland, please leave plenty of time to get to to the harbour/marina ahead of your boat transfer. Boats cannot be delayed if you are running late, so it is not worth the risk!
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TO MALAHIDE MARINA
From Dublin Airport: Malahide is approximately 20 minutes by road from Dublin Airport; a regular size taxi costs approximately €20 depending on traffic conditions.
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From Dublin Ferry Port: Malahide is approximately 35 minutes by road from Dublin Ferry Port. There is P&D parking in the Marina carpark.​
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TO HOWTH HARBOUR
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From Dublin Airport: Howth is approximately 30 minutes by road from the airport; a regular size taxi costs approximately €30 depending on traffic conditions.
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From Dublin Ferry Port: Malahide is approximately 40 minutes by road from the ferry port. There is free parking on the Harbour Road or there is P&D Parking in the harbour carpark.
Howth Harbour Amenities
There is a Daybreak mini-mart just before you reach the left turning into Howth Harbour for general supplies, and a decent pub (Wrights Findlater) further along on the right. Taxis can take you all the way down the West Pier to the embarkation point if you have luggage, and along the way there are plenty of cafés and restaurants where you can settle in if you are early, or use a WC. Please scope out where the boat embarkation point is, well ahead of your scheduled boat transfer to Lambay.
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Malahide Town Amenities
If you wish to stop off in town for supplies, head for Gibney's of Malahide on New Street, a traditional local pub in the centre of Malahide town. This is well placed between all the most useful shops (Boots, SuperValu, Donnybrook Fair, Tesco) and there are plenty of nice restaurants/cafés if you are early or need to use a WC. The Marina Centre is a five minute walk from Gibney's and the town centre.
If heading straight for the Marina by car, ask your driver to drive through the Marina Village (under the arch) and straight to the end where the road curves round to the right and you will see a giant anchor sculpture against the Marina Centre wall. Our Lambay boat Captain will meet you outside White’s Laundry at the allotted meeting time.
POLITE NOTICE: It is important that you do not enter the Marina Centre at any time unless accompanied by the Captain, as it is private members-only facility, which the Marina kindly allows Lambay guests to pass through to access the island.
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IMPORTANT BOAT TRANSFER RESTRICTIONS
The boat transfers to/from Lambay adhere to the tides and, as such, must depart promptly at the scheduled time. Delaying the boat for late arrivals is out of our hands as we have no sway over the dictates of Nature and the Moon.
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For those of you flying in/out of Ireland, we strongly recommend flights that arrive or depart a minimum of 4 hours (preferably 6 hours) from your scheduled boat transfer time.
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PLEASE KEEP LUGGAGE TO A MINIMUM AS THE BOAT CAPACITY IS LIMITED. Max 20kg total per person.
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WEATHER
The weather on Lambay is generally milder and drier than on the mainland, with plenty of sunshine. However, the island is also open to the elements and can be very windy. This can make it quite chilly when out of the sun! and weather on the island changes fast so you must be prepared for rain and sun.
We suggest bringing plenty of layers and a light water/wind proof jacket to enjoy Lambay outdoors; cosy slippers or socks and a favourite wooly jumper for indoors, where you can warm up by the cosy open fire in the White House.
