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Ayahuasca Retreat Ireland: What to Know Before You Book
By Boris, Lead Facilitator of APL Journeys · Updated October 2026
There is no legal ayahuasca retreat in Ireland. Ayahuasca contains DMT, which is a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, and An Garda Síochána states that it is an offence to cultivate, import, export, produce, supply or possess DMT except under a Ministerial Licence. That is why most people in Ireland who look for an ayahuasca retreat travel abroad, usually to Spain, about three hours away by direct flight, or to Peru, where the tradition comes from.
This guide explains the Irish law, what to know about ceremonies advertised in Ireland, and how to choose a retreat abroad.
This guide explains the Irish law, what to know about ceremonies advertised in Ireland, and how to choose a retreat abroad.
Is Ayahuasca Legal in Ireland?
No. Ayahuasca itself is not named in Irish law, but its main active compound, DMT (N,N-dimethyltryptamine), is listed in Schedule 1 of the Misuse of Drugs (Designation) Order 2017, made under section 13 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977. For the substances on that list, manufacture, production, sale, supply and possession are unlawful except for research or forensic analysis. An Garda Síochána puts it plainly: "it is an offence to cultivate, import, export, produce, supply and possess N, N-Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) except in accordance with a Ministerial Licence". No such licence exists for ceremonies.
What about religious use?
Irish courts have not accepted religious use as a defence. In November 2014, officers at Dublin Airport seized about 8.5 kg of ayahuasca sent from Brazil to the leader of the Santo Daime church in Ireland, which uses the brew as a sacrament. When the case came before Dublin District Court in December 2017, the judge rejected the argument that the prosecution interfered with the church's religious freedom and said the substance was illegal under Irish law. The case was struck out without a conviction, but the judge stated that this set no precedent and gave no permission to continue.
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland follows UK law. Under the UK Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, DMT is a Class A drug, and the same rules apply as in England, Scotland and Wales. For details, see our guide to ayahuasca law in the UK.
How Ireland compares
with the rest of Europe
Under the UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances of 1971, pure DMT is controlled, but the International Narcotics Control Board confirmed in 2010 that plant preparations such as ayahuasca are not under international control. Each country decides for itself. Ireland and the UK control the brew through DMT. In Spain, ayahuasca is not listed as a controlled substance: neither the brew nor the plants are on the national lists, and Spanish courts have acquitted people in ayahuasca cases. See the court rulings on ayahuasca in Spain, and for other countries our guide to ayahuasca legality by country.
Ayahuasca Ceremonies
Advertised in Ireland
Ceremonies are sometimes advertised in Ireland, and people search for them in Wicklow, Cavan and Dublin. In March 2023, Irish media reported a company advertising ayahuasca ceremonies in a field in County Mayo for €1,260 per person, and An Garda Síochána responded that DMT is a controlled drug and that dealing in it is an offence. Because possession and supply of DMT are offences in Ireland, neither the organiser nor the guests at such a ceremony have legal protection. There is also no safety standard: nobody checks who leads the ceremony or what training they have, guests are often not screened for health conditions or medications that interact with ayahuasca, and there is usually no support once the night is over. If a listing for an "ayahuasca retreat Ireland" does not say clearly which country the ceremonies take place in, ask before you pay.
Where Do People From Ireland Go
for an Ayahuasca Retreat?
Most travellers from Ireland choose between two places where ceremonies can take place openly: Spain, the closest option, and Peru, the home of the Shipibo tradition. Irish citizens need no visa for Spain, and no visa for Peru as tourists. Both options require fluent English, because preparation, the screening questionnaire and the sharing circles are held in English.
Spain:
about three hours from Dublin
Spain is one of the few European countries where ayahuasca is not listed as a controlled substance. Ryanair and Aer Lingus fly direct from Dublin to Seville and Málaga in about three hours, so a retreat fits into a week of annual leave without long travel. APL holds a 7-day ayahuasca retreat in Spain at an oceanfront venue in Andalusia, in groups of around 15. Ceremonies are led by Peruvian maestros of the Shipibo lineage, with on-site therapists in a non-clinical role and trauma-informed facilitators. Prices start from €2,650 per person in a shared apartment, €3,300 in a private room and €3,500 in a private apartment, with accommodation, meals, preparation and integration support included. Flights, travel insurance and shared airport transfers (about €280 per car from Seville and €320 from Málaga) are not included.
Peru:
the source of the tradition
Peru is where the Shipibo tradition lives. The journey is longer: a flight to Lima, usually with one connection in Europe or the US, then a domestic flight to Pucallpa. Irish citizens can enter Peru as tourists without a visa; check the current rules with the Peruvian consulate before you book.
APL runs an 8-day ayahuasca retreat in Peru and 12-day master plant dietas at its own camp in the Amazon near Pucallpa, in groups of 6 to 12. Prices start from $2,900 per person in a shared room for the 8-day retreat and from $3,800 for the 12-day dieta, with accommodation, meals, ceremonies and the group transfer from the Pucallpa hotel to the camp included; flights are not included.
APL runs an 8-day ayahuasca retreat in Peru and 12-day master plant dietas at its own camp in the Amazon near Pucallpa, in groups of 6 to 12. Prices start from $2,900 per person in a shared room for the 8-day retreat and from $3,800 for the 12-day dieta, with accommodation, meals, ceremonies and the group transfer from the Pucallpa hotel to the camp included; flights are not included.
Spain or Peru?
Choose Spain if this is your first experience, if you have one week, or if you want an easier setting with a short flight. Choose Peru if you want the full Amazon setting, more time, or a master plant dieta, and you are ready for basic conditions, heat and a longer journey.
UPCOMING
Ayahuasca Retreats
Ayahuasca Retreats
SPAIN
Led by Peruvian Maestros, grounded by European safety, and held in premium ocean-front center.
Easy Access from the UK
Direct flights to Málaga or Seville, with shared transfer support to the retreat venue.
Easy Access from the UK
Direct flights to Málaga or Seville, with shared transfer support to the retreat venue.
PERU
Deep immersion in the heart of the Amazon. Retreats and Master Plant Dietas at our one-of-a-kind camp.
Next Peru Programs Available
Retreats and Master Plant Dietas in the Amazon.
Next Peru Programs Available
Retreats and Master Plant Dietas in the Amazon.
Ocean Front Ceremonies
The Source of Tradition
We Are Here to Guide You
Choosing a retreat is a big decision. Our team is available to discuss your specific needs in a pressure-free environment.
Personal Support Before, During, and After Your Retreat
Ayahuasca Retreats in Europe:
What Else Is Open to Travellers From Ireland?
People in Ireland often search for retreats in Europe, Mallorca or even the United States. The law differs country by country, and most of Europe treats the brew the way Ireland does. Spain is the exception that matters: ayahuasca is not listed as a controlled substance there, and it is where Peruvian maestros of the Shipibo lineage most often hold ceremonies in Europe. Retreats in the United States are not a legal alternative either: DMT is a Schedule I substance under US federal law. See our guide to ayahuasca retreats in the USA.
| Destination | Legal status of ayahuasca | Direct flight from Dublin | What this means for a retreat |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spain (Andalusia) | Not listed as a controlled substance; Spanish courts have acquitted people in ayahuasca cases | About 3 hours to Seville or Málaga | Ceremonies can take place openly; Shipibo maestros from Peru hold retreats here. Ayahuasca retreat in Spain |
| Mallorca and Ibiza | Same law as mainland Spain | About 2.5 hours | Mostly short weekend offers mixed with holiday activities; ask who leads the ceremonies and whether guests are screened |
| Portugal | Possession for personal use is decriminalised; ceremonies are not regulated | About 2.5 hours to Lisbon | Some retreats operate, but there is no legal framework for them |
| Netherlands | Illegal: the Supreme Court ruled in 2019 that ayahuasca falls under the Opium Act | Under 2 hours | Not a legal option, despite its reputation |
| United Kingdom and Northern Ireland | Illegal: DMT is a Class A drug | Under 1.5 hours | Same situation as Ireland. Ayahuasca law in the UK |
Travelling to Spain From Ireland
- Flights. Ryanair and Aer Lingus fly direct from Dublin to Seville and Málaga in about three hours. Cork and Shannon also have direct flights to Málaga; some routes are seasonal, so check the schedule for your dates.
- Airport transfer. A shared group transfer runs from Málaga (about 2 h 30 min) or Seville (about 1 h 40 min) to the venue. The cost is split between participants (about €280 per car from Seville and €320 from Málaga) and is not included in the program price.
- When to book. Book flights only after your application has been approved.
- Documents. Irish citizens need only a valid passport or Irish passport card for Spain.
- After the program. Plan at least three quiet days before going back to work.
What Participants From Ireland Say
"I was thinking about doing an ayahuasca retreat for a long time but kept putting it off. I was extremely hesitant before booking and nearly didn't go. I am so glad that I put my faith in Boris and the team. They are first class in everything they do. I learned so much about myself and made many great friends. Don't hesitate, it'll be worth it."
Eoghan, Dublin, Ireland
"Phenomenal. To anyone who feels the call to journey down this path, from my own experience, I sincerely recommend you choose APL… I always felt safe throughout the whole process and my time there. My journey was profound and life-changing… because of the wonderful human beings behind APL."
Rav, Cork, Ireland
Read more reviews
Eoghan, Dublin, Ireland
"Phenomenal. To anyone who feels the call to journey down this path, from my own experience, I sincerely recommend you choose APL… I always felt safe throughout the whole process and my time there. My journey was profound and life-changing… because of the wonderful human beings behind APL."
Rav, Cork, Ireland
Read more reviews
"In Ireland, as in most of Europe, ayahuasca has no legal home and no lineage behind it. Those who want to work properly with it should travel to places where Shipibo maestros are actually present, such as Spain, or go directly to South America. Ayahuasca is inseparable from the people who carry the knowledge. Without the lineage, the ceremony loses its foundation."
Shipibo Onanya aka "The Last Shaman" with decades of experience in the traditional Amazonian ayahuasca ceremony.
Can I Bring Ayahuasca
Back to Ireland?
No. Importing DMT into Ireland is an offence, and this applies to the brew and to any product that contains DMT, wherever you bought it. The same is true for ordering ayahuasca online or by post. A retreat abroad ends at the retreat: nothing from the ceremony goes home with you.
How to Choose a Safe Ayahuasca Retreat Abroad
- Check the country. Choose a place where ceremonies can take place openly, such as Spain or Peru.
- Check who leads the ceremonies. Ask where the maestros come from, which lineage they belong to and how long they have trained.
- Check the screening. A serious retreat asks every guest to complete a health questionnaire and reviews it before accepting you. Medications such as antidepressants can interact with ayahuasca.
- Check the team. Ask who is present during the ceremonies at night and who you can talk to afterwards.
- Check the group size and the length. Small groups and a program of at least a week leave time for preparation and rest between ceremonies.
- Check the reviews on independent platforms such as REVIEWS.io and Google.
- Check what happens after you return home: group calls, a chat with the team, integration support.
What an Ayahuasca Retreat Costs From Ireland
For someone travelling from Ireland, the total cost is the retreat itself plus the return flight, a share of the airport transfer and a few quiet days afterwards. Typical retreat prices in 2026:
Neither end of the range guarantees safety or authenticity: very cheap offers usually skip screening, and high prices often pay for comfort rather than for the ceremonies. Ceremonies advertised in Ireland at a few hundred euro per night come without screening, without a known source of the brew and without legal protection. APL's 7-day program in Spain starts from €2,650 all-inclusive; for a full comparison of prices worldwide, see our guide to ayahuasca retreat costs.
- Weekend, 2 to 3 days, 1 to 2 ceremonies (Europe): €400 to 1,000. Cheap, but rarely includes screening, preparation or integration.
- 5 to 7 days, 3 to 4 ceremonies (Europe): €1,500 to 3,500. The usual format for a full retreat.
- Luxury, 7 days (Europe): €5,000 and more. Private rooms and extras; the ceremonies themselves are the same.
- 8 to 12 days in the Amazon (Peru): from about $2,900, plus long-haul flights. The deepest immersion, often with plant dietas.
Neither end of the range guarantees safety or authenticity: very cheap offers usually skip screening, and high prices often pay for comfort rather than for the ceremonies. Ceremonies advertised in Ireland at a few hundred euro per night come without screening, without a known source of the brew and without legal protection. APL's 7-day program in Spain starts from €2,650 all-inclusive; for a full comparison of prices worldwide, see our guide to ayahuasca retreat costs.
About APL Journeys
APL Journeys has held ayahuasca retreats in Spain since 2017 and runs a camp in the Peruvian Amazon. Ceremonies follow the tradition of Peruvian maestros of the Shipibo lineage, with on-site therapists and trauma-informed facilitators. Many guests come from Ireland and the UK. Every guest completes a screening questionnaire and an application review before being accepted.
Shipibo Onanyas for APL Shamanic Journeys
Why is it Important to Choose a Proper Ayahuasca Center:
Frequently Asked Questions About Ayahuasca in Ireland
Is ayahuasca legal in Ireland?
No. Ayahuasca contains DMT, a controlled drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977, and it is an offence to possess, supply or import it without a Ministerial Licence. There is no exception for ceremonies or religious use.
Is DMT legal in Ireland?
No. DMT is a controlled drug in Ireland, and possession, supply, production and import are offences without a Ministerial Licence.
Are there ayahuasca retreats in Ireland?
Ceremonies are sometimes advertised in Ireland, but possession and supply of DMT are offences there, so neither organisers nor guests have legal protection. Most people in Ireland who want a retreat travel to Spain or Peru.
Is there an ayahuasca retreat in Dublin, Wicklow or Cavan?
Not a legal one. Ceremonies are sometimes advertised in these counties, but Irish drug law applies across the whole country, so any ceremony there takes place without legal protection. The closest place where ceremonies can take place openly is Spain, about three hours from Dublin.
Is ayahuasca legal in Northern Ireland?
No. Northern Ireland follows UK law, where DMT is a Class A drug.
Are ayahuasca retreats in Europe legal?
It depends on the country. Spain does not list ayahuasca as a controlled substance. Portugal has decriminalised possession for personal use but does not regulate ceremonies. In Ireland, the UK, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Italy and Sweden it is illegal. See our guide to ayahuasca legality by country.
How much does an ayahuasca retreat cost from Ireland?
At APL, the 7-day retreat in Spain starts from €2,650 per person and the 8-day retreat in Peru from $2,900, with accommodation, meals and support included. Add a return flight to Seville or Málaga for Spain, or to Lima and Pucallpa for Peru. See our guide to ayahuasca retreat costs for a full comparison.
What is the closest place to Ireland for a legal ayahuasca retreat?
Spain. Ayahuasca is not listed as a controlled substance there, and direct flights from Dublin to Seville or Málaga take about three hours.
Do I need a visa to go to Spain or Peru from Ireland?
Irish citizens need no visa for Spain. For Peru, Irish citizens can enter as tourists without a visa; check the current rules with the Peruvian consulate before you book.
Can I buy ayahuasca in Ireland?
No. Selling, buying or possessing DMT is an offence in Ireland, and ordering ayahuasca online or by post counts as importing a controlled drug. Websites that offer ayahuasca for sale give you no legal protection and no way to check what is in the brew.
Do I need to speak English to join a retreat?
Yes. At APL, ceremonies, sharing circles and all communication with the team are in English, and you need to speak English fluently to take part.
Reviewed by
Pepe Franchini Vasquez
Pepe Franchini Vasquez
Shipibo Onanya with 40+ years of experience in traditional Amazonian plant medicine.
UPCOMING
Ayahuasca Retreats
Ayahuasca Retreats
SPAIN
Led by Peruvian Maestros, grounded by European safety, and held in premium ocean-front center.
Easy Access from the UK
Direct flights to Málaga or Seville, with shared transfer support to the retreat venue.
Easy Access from the UK
Direct flights to Málaga or Seville, with shared transfer support to the retreat venue.
PERU
Deep immersion in the heart of the Amazon. Retreats and Master Plant Dietas at our one-of-a-kind camp.
Next Peru Programs Available
Retreats and Master Plant Dietas in the Amazon.
Next Peru Programs Available
Retreats and Master Plant Dietas in the Amazon.
Ocean Front Ceremonies
The Source of Tradition
We Are Here to Guide You
Choosing a retreat is a big decision. Our team is available to discuss your specific needs in a pressure-free environment.
Personal Support Before, During, and After Your Retreat
Sources
- Misuse of Drugs (Designation) Order 2017, S.I. No. 174/2017, Schedule 1, Irish Statute Book
- Misuse of Drugs (Designation) Order 1979, S.I. No. 30/1979, Irish Statute Book
- An Garda Síochána statement on DMT, quoted in BreakingNews.ie, 30 March 2023
- Irish Examiner, 4 December 2017: Santo Daime case at Dublin District Court
- The Irish Times, 4 December 2017: the same case
- International Narcotics Control Board, Annual Report 2010, chapter II, paragraphs 284–285
- High Court of Justice of Madrid, judgment 316/2025 of 10 July 2025 (CENDOJ)
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