The Burren Sustainability Education Retreat
Academic staff from Technological University Dublin (TU Dublin) and Atlantic Technological University (ATU)recently came together for a two-day retreat exploring how educators can help reconnect people, place, and planet through sustainability in higher education.
Held on 8–9 May 2025 at the Common Knowledge Centre in the Burren, Co. Clare - a social enterprise dedicated to community, craft, and sustainability - the retreat was co-developed by TU Dublin’s Sustainability Education team (Dr Brian Gormley, Dr Lucia Walsh, Dr Ken Boyle, and Dr Olivia Freeman) and ATU for ESD Academy (Dr John Scahill and Dr Mark Kelly)
A Shared Vision for Sustainability in the Curriculum
Both TU Dublin and ATU are designated AASHE Centres for Sustainability Across the Curriculum. This initiative supports institutions to embed sustainability into teaching and learning by offering professional development opportunities and workshops. Inspired by the Piedmont-Ponderosa model and the teachings of environmental activist Joanna Macy, the retreat was designed to guide 28 participants through a journey of personal reflection, curriculum innovation, and collaborative action.
Two Days of Immersion, Reflection, and Action
- Day 1: Immersion and Connection Guided by Macy’s Work That Reconnects, participants explored themes of gratitude, ecological grief, shifting perspectives, and personal commitment. The day fostered deep emotional engagement and community building.
- Day 2: Collaboration and Action Using the framework of Doughnut Economics (DEAL), participants examined the interconnectedness of society, economy, and the environment. They reflected on their own teaching practices through metaphors of ‘new shoots’, ‘deep roots’, ‘dry leaves’, and ‘nourishment’, identifying specific actions they plan to implement in the upcoming academic year.
To reinforce their commitments, participants wrote postcards to themselves, these will be mailed in early September as a personal reminder of their goals and intentions.
Building Networks, Sharing Knowledge
The retreat sparked individual insights and also broadened professional networks between the two universities. Collaboration and knowledge exchange continue beyond the retreat, enriching sustainability education across multiple campuses.
Speaking about the retreat, Sustainable Education Lead TU Dublin, Olivia Freeman, said: it was a rare privilege to spend two days free of technology and immersed in the beauty of The Burren. Day one provided much craved space for reflection as we engaged deeply with Joanna Macy’s ‘Work that Reconnects’. Day two focused on action for ESD. Co-facilitating this retreat was a highlight of the academic year for me and I am excited about the collaborations that were established both within and across our universities.
Speaking about the event Geraldine Gorman, participant from ATU Galway-Mayo School of Business said: It was a pleasure to collaborate with colleagues from across Atlantic Technological University campuses, including Donegal and Mayo—as well as from multiple campuses in Technological University Dublin. New friendships were formed, and a strong sense of trust quickly emerged, creating space for open and honest conversations. It was a true privilege to be part of such rich discussions and to work alongside thoughtful, committed educators who are passionate about embedding sustainability in higher education.
Many of the retreat participants were also graduates of the recent National Forum Digital Badge in Education for Sustainability, which is scheduled to run again in Spring 2026.