Dojo/Meditation/Activity Hall
Whether used as a Dojo for martial arts training, a meditation hall, Yoga studio or for an acting, painting or writing workshop, our private and purpose-built hall provides the perfect location. Measuring approximately 130 square metres the hall is a beautiful and permanent wood and steel structure (it is not a tent or sailcloth suspended over a tennis court or lawn).
It is fully equipped with:
- A varnished, splinter-free floating wooden floor.
- Meditation benches/stools (folding). 30 sets.
- Blankets. 30.
- Cushions. 30.
- Highest quality Tatami; specifically suitable for high impact, our mats are 40mm deep, and perfect for throwing and grappling arts, but are firm enough to be used by arts such as Tae Kwon Do and Karate. There are sufficient tatami for the entire floor space to be matted or - if preferred - "half and half." When not used the mats can be stored unobtrusively.
- Wooden training implements such as: Bokken (long swords), Tanto (daggers), Tanjo (22" sticks) and Bo (6' staves). 20 of each.
- Hook and jab pads and Thai-pads, in a mixture of leather and vinyl. 10 sets of each.
- Rubber replica handguns for self-defence training. 15.
All this equipment is for the complimentary use of our guests.
Please note that it is not our intention to offend or exclude anyone; weapons based training is a traditional and entirely honourable aspect of the martial arts. However, should any of the articles above be cause for concern (or indeed if there are concerns about the images and statuary present at the centre) we are happy to remove or conceal them for the duration of your stay.
Large panels that make up the front wall of the hall are removeable, so as to allow those inside to look out into the tree canopy and woods as they practise, sit, study or work. The hall is open-faced throughout the warm months and is closed and heated during the colder ones.
Guests have free use of the activity hall/Dojo and its equipment 24 hours a day, throughout their stay. The only exception to this is between the hours of 7.00pm and 10.00pm if the hall is being used by local instructors and teachers for their classes.*
If guests are interested in the class taking place, they can participate with the permission of the teacher, and this will incur a small additional charge. However, if there are no classes taking place (and this is generally the case), then guests are free to continue to use the facility. This arrangement has been designed so as to cause our residential guests minimum disturbance and inconvenience;
* Please note: If your stay at Villa Metta is a retreat (requiring absolute privacy), local classes will be suspended for the duration of your stay, in order that retreatants will not be disturbed. Local teachers are aware of - and are happy to comply with - this arrangement.
Other Areas
Decked Area
We have a large decked area behind the residence, which is suitable for most activities. Please note however that it is an area with very little shade.The Meadow
We have a gorgeous meadow surrounded by trees and shrubs; it provides a wonderful place for meditation and activity, or just for relaxing and having a picnic.The Grounds
We have attractive woodland gardens including designated nature walks, and a delightful old natural spring water fountain for people and cattle (long since disused). There are hammocks and seating areas scattered around the centre and its grounds, situated under the shade of Elm, Birch, Pine and Oak trees.Bike Hire
We can arrange with a local business for "all terrain" bikes to be available for daily/weekly rental, however you will be responsible for the hire charge.Outdoor/Indoor Games
Chess; Backgammon; horseshoes; "Soft" Softball, and Badminton.Swimming Pool
Situated about 150 metres from the Metta Centre is a delightful and secluded open air swimming pool. It is a municipal pool operated by the local town hall; however, it is a little known facility so much so that many of the locals are not aware of its existence! It has walk-through fountains, sun-beds, and umbrellas. The deep end is approx. 2.5 metres and the shallow end approx. 1 metre. There is also a children's pool (approx. 70 cm deep) and a fresh water shower system. There is a kiosk where drinks and ice creams can be bought. A morning session costs circa three Euros, an afternoon session about four Euros and a full day ticket around six Euros. The pool is situated in lovely parkland, with picnic tables, designated walks, ponds, large decked areas, a five-a-side football pitch, a Softball diamond, a loggia for outdoor performances, and a little outside theatre space. The pool is normally open for the majority of the summer season but as it is not part of the Metta centre itself we can make no absolute guarantees as to its availability.Therapies
Swedish massage is available from our two qualified therapists (one male, one female). €30.00 for one half an hour massage treatment. €60.00 for a one hour massage treatment. Through our associates we also offer Reiki healing and Aromatherapy massage.We will soon be in a position to offer the following treatments; Life-Coaching, Reflex Therapy, and Indian Head Massage.