Three yoga devotees have joined forces for what has developed to be quite the energetic business venture – and have opened up to Styled By on what makes it so special.
The Yoga Picnic — Ireland’s award-winning yoga festival — is back, blending tranquil vibes with serious style. This isn’t just yoga; it’s an experience that redefines relaxation while turning heads with its chic, yoga-ready ensembles.
Picture stunning views of Lilliput House overlooking Lough Ennell, tents pitched to perfection, and a community ready to twist, stretch, and find their inner calm.
Galway sisters Katy and Alice Harrison along with Westmeath yoga teacher Mary Gardiner are set to host the fourth iteration next month, and chatted to us about just what it – and they – are all about.
The Westmeath-based trio have been staunch advocates for the benefits of the ancient art of yoga for decades with Alice first picking up the craft over 25 years ago with Katy following suit in 2012 – whilst Mary has been practicing yoga for 15 years and has been teaching for the past decade.
‘So we came up with the idea of setting up The Yoga Picnic — originally, it was going to be a simple gathering of a few people doing yoga together and a little picnic together afterwards.
‘But, being Ireland, we quickly realised we would need some tents just in case the weather didn’t play ball. So once we had tents, we decided to add a few more elements to make the most of the space, and in the first year, we welcomed 120 people,’ said.
The two sisters, who joined us for the shoot at the festival’s venue, can trace the roots of their yoga beginnings right back to their father, Jack Harrison, who is something of a seminal figure on the Irish yoga scene.
‘Our dad Jack began practising yoga in the 1970s in San Francisco,’ explained Katy.
Jack is also principal author of a seminal book on the parallels between yoga and the Celtic world and he has recorded three acclaimed albums of yoga music
‘Yoga is important to all of us for so many reasons. Mentally, it gives us space to take time for ourselves, to slow down and reconnect. It supports us in lots of different areas of life.
‘A huge part of our drive is the belief that yoga can help prevent mental health issues — not just support people who are struggling, but actually help people build the tools to stay well,’ said Katy.
And while yoga is practised best when practised diligently, the three girls are equally serious about wanting to inject the lighter side of yoga life into their picnic.
‘We want people to come and not just enjoy the day, but leave feeling like they’ve learned something that can ripple out into their daily lives. We also love the sense of community and connection that naturally forms through yoga, and The Yoga Picnic really encapsulates that.
‘It brings people together to share an incredible day of learning, connecting, and just enjoying being in each other’s company. It’s all the reasons we love yoga — mental health, physical health, connection, community, wellbeing.’
The event has grown from strength to strength and is now Ireland’s largest and only award-winning yoga festival. It has grown into a festival of international standards and welcomes teachers and attendees from all over the world, such as the USA, South Africa, France, India and the UK.
But beginners need not feel daunted as all are welcome – and there’s even kid-friendly activities planned.
‘It’s a beautiful day out for families,’ Katy added. ‘We have children’s yoga, forest yoga, laughter yoga, family yoga, face painting, and loads of fun, creative activities designed especially for kids. It’s a space where people of all ages—young and old, men and women, families and solo visitors—can come and feel included.’
Time to get pracitising our downward dogs…
STYLE NOTES
Yogi Girl
The best yoga clothing must be many things – comfortable, stretchy, supportive, sweat-wicking and sturdy. Yoga apparel must have the ability to move with you during ashtanga yoga, so as not to restrict your flow, whilst simultaneously stay in place to avoid distracting slips during meditative yoga.
So when considering the best gear to get your yoga on it is functionality over fashion. But that said, the sheer abundance of choice means that it’s not an “either or” situation.
So when choosing both a stylish and comfortable yoga outfit, consider high-waisted leggings and a fitted top like the Trendy & Bendy sage leggings with a white tee or black tank top. Loungewear can also be a fashionable choice, offering both comfort and style. Choose clothes that are not too tight, allow for ease of movement, and are made from moisture-wicking fabrics.
Keep it simple but also keep it chic. The basic yoga bag should comprise at least two basics: a good sports bra and some soft-but-supportive leggings.
And while it has been said that how we dress when doing any form of workout is immaterial, the opposite has proved to be – with research suggesting how we dress impacts our psychology and can prove a performance boost.
Wellington Cutes
It’s summer in Ireland and that can mean only one guaranteed style staple, the wellington boot.
Bit just how did the farmers’ favourite become a cultural footwear phenomenon?
Who can forget those iconic images of Kate Moss when she pitched up at Glastonbury Festival in 2005?
The supermodel was photographed sporting a black waistcoat, tiny Daisy Duke shorts, and a pair of muddy wellies by posh brand Hunter. The look became an iconic symbol of festival chic leading to other fashionistas like Alexa Chung and Florence Welch copying Moss and rocking the rain boot with a dizzying array of clothes.
Who can forget those iconic images of Kate Moss at Glastonbury when she pitched up at Glastonbury Festival in 2005, the supermodel was photographed sporting a black suit vest worn as a top, teeny—weeny Daisy Duke denim shorts, and a pair of muddy, below-the-knee Wellington boots by Hunter. The look became an instant iconic symbolic of festival chic leading to others fashionista like Alexa Chung and Florence Welch, copying Moss and rocking the rain boot with a dizzying array of clothes.
Steele Her Style
Helen Steele is making waves at Dunnes Stores, with her latest striking collection of movement-led activewear.
Steele has long since been lauded for her vibrant sports ranges and her most recent – Hit The Trail – is inspired by summer adventures with exercise-ready pieces in her signature vibrant hues, which include sugary shades of pink, bold blues and pops of tangerine, green and black.
SHOT ON LOCATION AT LILIPUTT HOUSE WESTMEATH
PHOTOGRAPHY BY EVAN DOHERTY
MAKEUP BY SARAH O’BRIEN
HAIR BY JESSICA DOWDALL