*Rosie McMahon. Photograph: John Mangan
WITH the Clare Business Excellence Awards 2023 taking place at the Inn At Dromoland on November 16, we start the countdown by speaking to business people from County Clare.
First up in this series is Rosie McMahon of Shannon Estuary Way Retreat, a family-run and passionate eco wellbeing centre with indoor and outdoor wellness areas that offer exclusive wellbeing day retreats. This series is brought to you in association with McKeogh Gallagher Ryan.
Where are you from?
County Clare – Originally Ruan Now Living in Ballynacally
Tell me about your business?
We are a husband-and-wife Team who both shared the dream to build a Health and Wellness day retreat centre here at home in Ballynacally where we are elevated on sacred land called Ardnagla meaning the High Stream, looking out onto the Fergus Estuary waters, islands, mountains, native Irish woodlands and the rolling hills of County Clare. Our mission is to create a safe space for people to relax, recharge and restore their minds and bodies. Our aim is to empower people to learn more about ways to improve their health and wellbeing during our exclusive day retreat or train with us under our recently approved ITEC world accredited Training academy for complementary therapies and yoga teacher trainings.
Is there anything that might surprise readers about Shannon Estuary Way Retreat?
We have a woodburning hot tub, sauna and a whisky barrel ice bath and we are one of Irelands hidden gems and recently selected for Clare FM’s top 5 best experiences in County Clare
What was your first job and what age were you?
The West County Hotel aged 16 (before that I worked on the farm with my grandfather from as young as 9 years of age). A few babysitting jobs for neighbours and family
What are your strongest memories of that?
The brown envelope with my first pay cheque
Weirdest job you ever had?
Picking Daffodils late December in a field in Cornwall, UK
If you could have chosen a different career path, what would it be?
A Doctor
Is there anybody in business that has inspired you?
My Dad
What has been the most challenging thing you’ve encountered in business?
Initially finding time to do what I love recreationally climbing mountains, delighted to say I’m making that time now that we are over one year in Business.
If you could start again, is there anything you would do differently?
Don’t sweat the small stuff. Ask myself would I be worrying about what I’m worrying about in one years’ time if not don’t give it 5 minutes of my time in my head
Can you give advice to anybody considering going into business?
If you have the drive and the will and it’s your passion nothing but yourself will stop you! Only the stories in your head can hold you back. It hard at the start messy in the middle but sweet when it starts to soar.
What is your favourite book?
Any book to do with self-help, healing, growth, mindset, I love. Now currently reading Breathing for Yoga and hooked,
What is your favourite film?
Any True story and History especially Irish History
What was the first CD / tape / record your purchased?
Nirvana
Who is your sporting hero?
My Grandparents – my grandfather ran cross country competitively to win his title and my grandmother cycled from Clare to Limerick junction got on the train with her bike and went to cork to compete in the county championship cycling race and won and returned home to Clare afterwards on the same day by bicycle and train. She also won horse jumping sport championships. My Heroes
What was your favourite holiday?
San Francisco with my husband. We both drove a Harley Davidson on the Pacific highway
If somebody could play you in a film, who would it be?
Angelina Jolie
Three things you’d bring to a desert island?
An endless supply of drinking water; A quad bike to get around; Sunglasses and protective sun gear and screen
What is your favourite saying / quote?
Your Health is Your Wealth – My grandmother used say a lot
