The Story Behind Pelagus
Pelagus was born from my genuine wish to broaden the work I began with in Sailing into Wellness where we support people through sailing. At Pelagus we provide individualized and tailored services, to support and involve individuals in building their recovery. By doing this, they take ownership of their recovery now and into the future.
We support people to trust themselves, seeing the value and strength in them. We challenge ourselves to push through the barriers, allowing ourselves to feel vulnerable but safe in a new environment. We connect with nature in many ways: hiking, sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, golfing, and horse riding. Our experiences in nature give us the material to reflect on our own lives.
That’s how Pelagus came to life. I am really looking forward to bringing people on a journey to have the courage and strength to build a new life.
The connection with nature speaks to us. It transforms us in ways that feel effortless. Suddenly, you find yourself deeply connected to a part of yourself that’s been waiting. That part might still cause pain. But you have the acceptance and commitment to observe it, and to transform it.
Sailing the vast seas helped me do this. It changed my life. And my wish is to give others that same experience.
Adventure therapy is not just about physical activity, it’s about engaging with life. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone, facing challenges, and discovering new strengths.
Every hike, paddle, climb, or breath in nature becomes a metaphor for change.
Why I still take every first call personally
I could have built an organisation where someone else handles the first conversation. I decided not to.
Every person who reaches out to Pelagus speaks to me first. Because this decision, whether the time is right, whether this is the right place, whether to take the step at all, is too important to hand to a process. I want to hear what’s actually going on.
I’ve been where the people coming to us have been. I know what it takes to ask for help. I know what it means when someone takes that seriously.
If you’re thinking about this, for yourself or someone you love, I’d like to hear from you. No pitch. No pressure. Just a real conversation.
Trusted by Ireland’s leading recovery organisations
Colin has partnered with Coolmine since 2017 and hundreds of Coolmine clients have directly benefited from his compassion and work with us. Through his partnership, Colin brought the Sailing into Wellness Programme to our clients, giving them access to a powerful support in their recovery journeys, helping to build confidence, resilience and a renewed sense of connection. Through his vision, dedication and commitment to innovation, Colin has created positive outcomes for people in their recovery journey. Pauline McKeownChief Executive, Coolmine Therapeutic Community
Colin, through Sailing Into Wellness, demonstrated remarkable vision and dedication in developing creative and holistic programmes that support those on their journey of recovery. His entrepreneurial approach combines strong organisational leadership with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those seeking recovery, creating a unique service that is both impactful and sustainable. Through his unwavering commitment, Colin has established an environment centred on dignity, healing, learning and long-term wellness. He is not just an entrepreneur, but also a compassionate advocate for recovery, mental health awareness and community well-being. Aiseiri are so very proud to have been part of this journey to date and wish Colin the very best moving forward. Gerry CarrollAiseiri
How Pelagus Works
We begin before you arrive. Every guest has a personal conversation with our team before the retreat starts, to understand where you are in your recovery, what you need most, and how to build a programme that is genuinely yours.
During the retreat, you move through a carefully designed sequence of adventure, therapeutic work, and reflection. Every element is chosen to challenge, restore, and equip, not just for the retreat, but for the life you’re returning to.
By the time you leave, you have more than an experience. You have a Recovery Map, a practical, personal plan for the months ahead, and a peer accountability structure that continues beyond departure.
Whatever brings you here, we’re glad you found us. Every conversation is handled with complete
discretion, no pressure, no obligation, just a quiet and honest conversation about what’s possible.
