Welcome to Gorse Hill, Bray, Co Wicklow

Gorse Hill is a small holistic retreat centre in Bray, Co. Wicklow.  Situated on four acres of beautiful gardens overlooking the Irish sea, Gorse Hill is a quiet and meditative space at once peaceful and yet close to the city.  Gorse Hill is the home of Joan Davis and has been in her family for almost sixty years. As a young woman, Joan was a dancer and choreographer and founded Dublin Contemporary Dance Theatre in the 1970’s.

 

After a career in dance, Joan became interested in body-based therapy practices and studied Body Mind Centering in the US with Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen. This was the beginning of a lifetime enquiry where her passion for dance naturally led into deeper explorations of the body, mind and spirit.  Joan works as a therapist as well as continually exploring dance, performance and audience, particularly in the outdoors. 

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Gorse Hill is a unique and special place and Joan has been living and working here since 1996.  From the beginning, it was clear that this is an environment of tremendous healing. 

 

The gardens at Gorse Hill are also the stunning backdrop to outdoor dance performances taking place from time to time. Titled, GARDEN AS GALLERY these are immersive dance and sound events, inspired by the present moment, the inter-connections of the performers and the powerful presence of the natural world.

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The gardens also host Joan Davis's unique art installations and can be visited by the public year round. Gorse Hill is also available for hire for specialised activities such as Yoga days, mindfulness and meditation for groups of up to 20. Non-residential and self catering only.

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