CneasÚ Holistic Healing Hub is a Community Project hosting Retreats, Support, In Person Events, Podcast & Documentaries.

 

CneasÚ (Kna 'Su) means Healing in the Irish Language

Join this Community and engage via our Social Media Pages for all updates!

Cneasú is on Tiktok, Instagram, Facebook & Eventbrite We also have a Cneasú Whatsapp Group & Facebook Group Page! Click to Join!

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About CneasÚ

CneasÚ is a compassionate wellness community founded by Doireann Barrett and hosted by The Gluten Free Kitchen Company Food & Wellness Community.

We are currently fundraising to become an independent, community-led organisation dedicated to supporting those living with chronic health conditions or navigating difficult wellness journeys & to finance Season 2 of our Podcast!

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Our Story

CneasÚ began as a small support group in 2012, when I, Doireann Barrett, opened the doors of my café to people seeking understanding, connection, and shared strength. When the café closed in 2014, our gatherings moved online—and in 2021, the community evolved into CneasÚ, meaning to heal.

Today, CneasÚ has grown into a holistic hub offering retreats, workshops, support groups, and community events—both in-person and online—focused on connection, emotional wellbeing, and empowerment.

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My Journey

From birth, I faced ongoing health challenges that shaped both my life and my purpose.

After years of unexplained symptoms, I was diagnosed at age 25 with Coeliac Disease, an autoimmune condition where the body attacks itself when exposed to gluten or related grains. Within a year, at 26, I was also diagnosed with Stage 4 Endometriosis—a chronic, systemic inflammatory disease that can affect multiple organs throughout the body.

My journey included surviving a brain clot at age 24, living through years of debilitating symptoms, and struggling to access appropriate care and accurate information within the Irish healthcare system. Despite holding private health insurance, I often had to fight to be tested and believed.

These experiences—combined with the reality of living through organ loss surgeries, navigating limited medical understanding, and seeking emotional support—fueled my determination to create something meaningful for others facing similar paths.

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Creating a Space for Healing

In 2011, I founded The Gluten Free Kitchen Company to share my lived experiences with Coeliac Disease and Endometriosis, focusing on the benefits of an anti-inflammatory lifestyle and holistic wellness practices.

By 2012, I had expanded into wellness services, offering supplements and hosting educational events. Over time, I grew an online and offline community, bringing together individuals living with chronic illness to share stories, resources, and support.

CneasÚ was built from over 30 years of study and lived experience, blending indigenous healing traditions, holistic therapies, and modern wellness practices.

Our goal is simple: to create empathetic spaces for people to connect, heal, and thrive.

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My Work and Qualifications

• My work is Multi Award Winning including a Community Achievement Award Winner, in the Irish Women’s Awards 2023 - Full list of awards on the Homepage!

• Nutrition Studies, begun in 2012

• Psychology & Mental Health Studies, 2022

• Radio Journalism & Podcasting, Kerry College & Radio Kerry, 2024 - 2025

• Certified Mental Health First Aider, Mental Health Ireland, 2024

• Certified Suicide First Aider, HSE, 2025

• Volunteer facilitator and event host supporting individuals affected by chronic illness, addiction, and loss!

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CneasÚ Today

CneasÚ now offers a variety of holistic and community-led initiatives, including:

• Wellness Retreats and Workshops

• Support Groups for chronic illness and emotional wellbeing

• Sound Therapy, Yoga, and Holistic Treatments

• Events designed to nurture connection and self-compassion

• Cneasú the Podcast - Season 1 available on Spotify!

In March 2024, we proudly hosted Ireland’s first Endometriosis Awareness Month Retreat at the beautiful Ballygarry Estate, Tralee, Co. Kerry—a milestone moment for our community.

Stay connected with us on Instagram and Eventbrite for upcoming events and retreats, or visit our Events Page for the latest updates.

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Join Our Community

CneasÚ is more than a wellness platform—it’s a movement of shared healing.
Together, we’re building a space where stories are honoured, experiences are shared, and healing becomes a collective journey.

If you’d like to support our mission, join one of our events, or contribute to our fundraising for independence, we’d love to have you as part of our growing tribe.

Follow us online, attend an event, listen to our Podcast, or simply reach out—your healing journey is welcome here.

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Upcoming Events:

Cneasú Coffee Catch Up.

Whether you're seeking friendship, healing, or personal growth - our community is a place where all voices are heard and hearts are nourished.

Time: 11am to 1pm

Date: Saturday September 20th 2025

Venue: Fenit Pier Carpark, Fenit, Co. Kerry

We have a choice of 2 Cafe's depending on Numbers.

Cost: Free to attend - Registration is required we do encourage supporting any venue we attend by purchasing a product ie. Beverage etc.

Description: The Cneasú Community Monthly Meet Up is an opportunity to come together to meet new people in the community for support and friendship.

Maybe you are newly diagnosed with an Illness and would like to meet others in the community navigating similarities or you would like to bring a loved one along to learn more about the health conditions people are living with in the community that you would like some extra understanding, shared knowledge or support with.

Come join us for a chat and a cuppa.

*Cost: There is no cost to attend Monthly Meet Ups, All Welcome. Purchasing beverages & or food is encouraged to support the venue as a matter of courtesy for facilitating our gathering. Registration is required to attend as each venue has limited seating. Register through Eventbrite HERE! 

This event is not suitable for children or toddlers. Over 16's welcome, if you are under 18 you must be accompanied by an adult.

Travel options by Car, Bus or Cycle the Greenway.

If traveling by car or Greenway Fenit is approx. 13KMs from Tralee Town.

Bus Service via local link with regular bus times. Bus from Tralee arrives at 9.45am on a Saturday morning giving you plenty of time to arrive and get settled. Next bus from Tralee is 11:15am arriving too late for the event. Bus Times from Fenit to Tralee are 12:10pm/ 14:10pm/ 16:00pm onwards. Check out Travel Link for all Bus Times.

Over 16's welcome but must be accompanied by an adult as there are adult conversations being held that may be uncomfortable.

Bring Weather appropriate clothing as we may sit or stroll along the beach/ pier!

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Cneasú Healing Circle

Whether you're seeking friendship, healing, or personal growth - our circle is a place where all voices are heard and hearts are nourished.

Tap into the collective wisdom and embrace the magic of sisterhood or brotherhood, all welcome!

Limited availability for booking.

Self-healing is a healing process that only involves oneself recovering from inner wounds.

Time: 10.30 to 1pm

Date: Next date to be confirmed

Venue: Fenit Community Centre, Fenit, Co. Kerry

Cost: To be confirmed plus booking fee

Journals also available to purchase on the day (if available) or Pre Order here while stocks last!

Bring with you a yoga mat to lay on, water, light blanket, pillow for under your head, a journal for journaling.

Make a day of it and bring a swimsuit and towel for a post event sea swim and bring some spending money for lunch or coffee in Mike’s Beach-shop, the Boathouse Cafe or Navo or perhaps have a cold drink in the WestEnd!

Perhaps you would also like to pre book some time in the Fenit Lighthouse Sauna too or take a paddleboard out with Wild Water Adventures or Sea Safari or Tralee Bay Experience to the Lighthouse!

Travel options by Car, Bus or Cycle the Greenway.

If traveling by car or Greenway Fenit is approx. 13KMs from Tralee Town.

Bus Service via local link with regular bus times. Bus from Tralee arrives at 9.45am on a Saturday morning giving you plenty of time to arrive and get settled.

Doors open at 10.15am.

Over 16's welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

What to expect at a Cneasú Healing Circle:-

A guided meditation and group share where you will be invited to share with the group how you found your guided meditation

Summer Solstice is the longest day and shortest night of the year, is a time of celebration and renewal. It's marked by various traditions, including bonfires, feasts, and rituals, often reflecting the celebration of the sun and the bounty of summer. In Ireland, particularly, the summer solstice is tied to ancient Celtic beliefs and festivals.

In Celtic traditions, the summer solstice is often associated with a Celtic goddess, such as Áine in Ireland, who is linked to summer, wealth, and sovereignty.

Book your Ticket through Eventbrite or direct from Cneasú

 

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Cneasú Endometriosis Awareness Month Retreat - March 2026

Date: Friday March 6th to Sunday March 8th 2026

Venue : Ballygarry Estate & Spa, Leebrook, Tralee, Co. Kerry (Ire)

Full Weekend Packages on Sale now - direct from Ballygarry Estate - Book Here! 

The weekend comprises of Group Dinner Friday March 6th in Restaurant 58.

March 7th - Forest Bathing in Ballyseedy Woods followed by Group Lunch in the Brasserie, Spa Afternoon in Nadur Spa. Sound Therapy in the Lodge with Caroline Brolly.

March 8th International Women's Day - Cneasú the Podcast Live in the Pavillion.

Individual Event Tickets available below for anyone not intending to join the full weekend package.

Join the Mailing List Here to be informed!

This is a Full Weekend Event including overnight accommodation.

Solo Rooms available or Shared Rooms starting at €399 pps or €519 solo!

One Night Accommodation Rate Also Available but this is not part of the Full Weekend Package.

One Night Package includes Bed & Breakfast for Saturday Night only please book Sound Bowl Therapy in the Lodge & Sunday Event through Cneasú direct or Eventbrite.

Please advise accommodation at Ballygarry Estate if you need an extra night rate for the Sunday.

Kerry Airport is located 18kms from the venue which have regular flights from the UK & Dublin (Ire)

Train & Bus Station is 3.6kms

For those wishing to only attend Individual Events - Tickets are available to purchase direct from Cneasú at The Gluten Free Kitchen Company & Eventbrite. These include Sound Bowl Therapy in The Lodge Saturday March 7th &/ or Event on Sunday March 8th when they go live!

Venue: Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa, Leebrook, Tralee, Co. Kerry (Ire)

In March 2024 Cneasú hosted Irelands first Endometriosis Awareness Month Retreat in Ireland dedicated to Women Living with Endometriosis, PCOS, Adenomyosis, Surgical induced Menopause & other Women's Health Related conditions.

Our Annual Event returned in March 2025 and included the Vicky Phelan Portrait & Campaign Tour which was a phenomenal event.

Early Bird Rate & Discount for Returning Retreat Guests Available. Limited Availability and Terms & Conditions Apply!

All Welcome. Registration is required to attend. Register through Eventbrite HERE!

More Info here!

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Sound Bowl Therapy in the Lodge at Ballygarry Estate with Caroline Brolly March 7th 2026

Date: Saturday March 7th 2026

Time: 5pm to 7pm.

Venue : Ballygarry Estate & Spa, Leebrook, Tralee, Co. Kerry (Ire)

Price: €35 each

Join the Cneasú Endometriosis Awareness Month Retreat on the eve of International Women's Day which is March 8th, for a Sound Therapy Session with Caroline Brolly Sound Therapist in the Rustic Lodge at Ballygarry Estate in Leebrook, Tralee, Co. Kerry (Ire).

The Lodge is the perfect venue for Sound Therapy with its high ceilings.

Bring a Yoga Mat, small pillow and Blanket to this group session.

If you have sensory issues please notify the Sound Therapist or Cneasú in advance, this session is a guided meditation group session and is part of a full weekend Retreat.

If you would like to participate in the full weekend retreat please book directly from Ballygarry Estate Booking Link. 

If you would like to attend the Sound Therapy as an individual event continue to book here.

If you are planning to stay over night be sure to contact Ballygarry direct and quote the "Cneasú One Night Accomodation" for a special B&B Rate.

Ticket Price to be confirmed when ticket sales go live plus booking fee and available direct from Cneasú or Eventbrite.

This event is not suitable for young children or toddlers.

Over 16's only and under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Full Weekend Packages are currently On Sale directly from Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa Booking Site.

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Cneasú the Podcast Live in the Pavillion

Date: Sunday March 8th 2026

Venue : Ballygarry Estate & Spa, Leebrook, Tralee, Co. Kerry (Ire)

Time: 12noon to 3pm

Price: €40 each

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Past Events;

March 9th 2025 Event was the Vicky Phelan Portrait & Campaign Tour.

Vicky was a prominent women’s health advocate. She was also a mother, wife, education specialist, cancer patient and justice campaigner. Best known for her emotionally charged statement from the steps of the Four Courts in April 2018, she unearthed one of the biggest medical and political scandal of our times. She since become a very public figure, championing many causes, lobbying for experimental drug treatment and establishing the 221+ support group, all while fighting her own battle with cancer and caring for her family. She died in November 2022 at the age of 48.

The Triptych Portrait was painted by Irish artist Vincent Devine who was inspired by Vicky’s incredible courage. His aim was to convey the tragedies and the joys in Vicky’s life, through symbolism in the anatomy of her body and different objects. The portrait was purchased at a charity auction by Vicky’s lifelong friend and fellow Kilkenny native David Brennan. The two grew up together and their families share a close bond. David wanted to ensure the painting remained close to Vicky’s family and friends.

The Vicky Phelan Portrait Campaign will be coming to the Pavillion in Ballygarry Estate on Sunday March 9th 2025 as part of the Cneasú Endometriosis Awareness Month Retreat Weekend.

The Vicky Phelan Portrait is displayed and introduced by David Brennan and is approximately 40minutes followed by a Panel Guest Discussion.

Guest Panel March 9th 2025 Event included;

Doireann Barrett has navigated life with Coeliac Disease & Stage 4 Endometriosis since diagnosis in 2004 & 2005 in Ireland where access to Endometriosis care was so difficult that it lead to setting up The Gluten Free Kitchen Company Food & Wellness Community in 2011 and developing a community support where Cneasu (Kna’su)meaning Healing in the Irish language was established to host Retreats, Support & In Person Events. From Lived experiences Doireann dedicates her time to Campaign Work highlighting the difficulties accessing Specialist Care in Ireland and hosting support groups & events whilst navigating Life with severe symptoms. Doireann will MC the event.

Justyna Strzeszynska is the founder of Joii, a women’s health company dedicated to improving menstrual care through tangible innovation, honest sustainability, and valuable clinical research. Motivated by her personal struggles with extremely heavy periods, anaemia, and spending a week each month in “survival mode” without realizing it wasn’t normal, she set out to develop meaningful solutions to empower everyone with actionable insights. Joii’s flagship product, the Joii Evaluation App and Pad, instantly measures period volume and clot sizes, making it easier than ever to understand and manage menstrual health.

John Wall is a Healthcare Campaigner using his lived experience & that of others, to inform & assist those who manage our public healthcare system.

John is a HSE Mid - West Programme Improvement Board member.

Michelle Walsh has been in the Health and Fitness space for over 19 years studying under renowned experts in women’s health from the UK, Australia, and America. It was Michelle’s own miscarriage journey which spanned over a 5 year period that led her to specializing in Women's Health. Michelle draws on her own experience and extensive knowledge to support and guide Women of all ages on their hormonal and fertility health.

Through her Period Power programme, Monthly workshops, continuous work in the field of school menstrual cycle awareness

David Brennan is a lifelong friend of Vicky Phelan. They grew up together in the village of Mooncoin in south Kilkenny and their families share a close bond. David and his wife Alicia were watching the Late Late Show one Friday evening when they saw the portrait being unveiled and heard about the charity auction. When David’s wife Alicia turned to him and said ‘You have to buy that painting, you have to bring it home’, he knew she was right. A few weeks later, he bid at the online auction, and following a few nerve-wracking minutes, he emerged as the proud owner of the portrait. Truth be told, he doesn’t consider himself the owner, more a custodian. He uses the portrait to raise awareness and continue Vicky’s extraordinary legacy. 

Emma Cotter – Emma is an Endometriosis Patient who like many other Irish Women was dismissed, medically gaslit & was unable to access Specialist Care in Ireland after being told by Irish Medics in Ireland that she did not have Endometriosis. Emma travelled to Romania on the Cross Border Directive and finally received her diagnosis and underwent major surgery. Emma will share her experiences which have been incredibly traumatic to navigate over decades being failed by our Healthcare System.

Tickets for March 8th 2026 including booking fee and will be available direct from Cneasú or Eventbrite.

This event is not suitable for young children or toddlers.

Over 16's only and under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Full Weekend Packages are currently On Sale directly from Ballygarry Estate Hotel & Spa Booking Site.

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Retreat Sponsorship Packages

Are you a Business or Individual who would like to contribute to or collaborate with us in our Awareness Events?
We’d love to hear from you!

“Pop-Up” Shop Opportunities – March 9th Event

Showcase your product or service at our upcoming retreat event on March 9th.
Spaces are limited, and participation includes:

• A display table for your products or services

• Permission to display your own pop-up banner

• Inclusion across our social media platforms promoting event partners

• The opportunity to feature your product or service in our Retreat Guest Goody Bags distributed throughout the full weekend

This is a fantastic opportunity to connect, collaborate, and grow your network within a supportive and engaged wellness community.

Sponsorship for Goody Bags

If your business is sponsoring products for our Retreat Goody Bags, the value of this contribution will be deducted from your “Pop-Up” Shop fee.
All packages and collaborations can be discussed directly with Doireann Barrett.

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The Gluten Free Kitchen Company also stock a large range of Vitamins, Supplements, Sprays, Aloe Vera Drinks, Collagen, Terpenes, Skin Care Products available to purchase.

For more information on our Wellness Products check out our offering and order from a wide range of Vitamins, Supplements, Essential Oils via our Wellness Hub! 

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Books & Resources

On this page you will find some information through Resources & literature related to Endometriosis & Coeliac Disease and the research I find helpful to learn more about my health, tips and information on how to manage my symptoms living with Chronic Illness to help enjoy life!

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If you would like to Pre Order from our Existing Offering for Collection please contact us via our Ordering Form! Subject to Availability.

T&C's Apply.