Thresholds:
An Adventure from Boy to Man
A 3-Day Rite of Passage for Young Men in Ireland August 8-10, 2025 | Gyreum Ecolodge, Sligo
Step Beyond the Threshold
In ancient times, cultures around the world recognised the importance of guiding young men through the transition from boyhood to manhood. These rites of passage provided challenges, wisdom, and the support of elders—something deeply missing in today’s society.
Thresholds is a unique, transformative experience designed to fill this gap. Over three powerful days, young men (aged 16-22) will embark on an initiation journey, stepping into their strength, responsibility, and authentic self.
A Sacred Journey
Held in the serene Gyreum Ecolodge in Sligo, this experience will be deeply rooted in Irish heritage and ancient wisdom. Participants will venture into the sacred cairns of Carrowkeel, a site where our ancestors marked their own rites of passage thousands of years ago.
This is not a retreat. This is a challenge. A threshold. A calling to step forward into manhood.
OUR MISSION
To support young men in Ireland through major life transitions
We aim to not only help young people become more responsible and resilient but to strengthen family relationships, which in turn strengthen communities.
1
Separation
This is the first step on the journey of initiation. We will be removing the young man from his current environment, creating a separation from his old identity.
2
Transition
Over the weekend, the young man will discover teachings and undertake challenges to activate an inner transformation marking his first steps towards manhood.
3
Re-integration
Upon completing the transition phase, the young man will begin his re-integration into the world. Here he will work to embody all he has learned on the journey.
What to Expect
Preparation calls
Before the journey, young men and their parents/guardians will join guided calls to prepare for the experience ahead
Integration calls
The journey does not end after the weekend. We will hold 7 follow-up calls to support the young men as they integrate their experience into daily life.
Initiatory weekend
A powerful three-day journey of challenge, storytelling, nature immersion, and sacred ceremony at the Gyreum Ecolodge and Carrowkeel.
Parent support
Parents will be supported throughout the journey, receiving practical tips and tools for supporting young men in their transition.
JOIN US
Who is this for?
Young men (ages 16-22) seeking purpose, direction, and a deeper connection to themselves.
Those ready to challenge themselves, grow, and embrace the responsibilities of manhood.
Parents and guardians who want to provide their sons with a meaningful rite of passage into adulthood.
The Importance of Rites of Passage for Young Men
A CONVERSATION WITH BARRY AND CORMAC
Your Facilitators
Cormac Noonan is a mentor, facilitator, and founder of Wolf Academy, an organisation dedicated to empowering young people through wellbeing, resilience, and personal growth.
Passionate about guiding young men on their journey to adulthood, Cormac has led transformative programmes in schools across Ireland and in the EU, helping young people develop emotional strength, confidence, and a deeper connection with themselves and nature.
His work is inspired by ancient wisdom, modern psychology, and his own personal journey of self-discovery.
Cormac is also the author of two books for young men, Discover Your Destination and Craft Your Character.
Through this rites of passage experience, he aims to support young men in stepping into their true potential with courage and purpose.
Barry Adamson is a mentor and guide for re-connecting back to our most authentic self.
Over the last number of years he has empowered many men to discover their potential, their direction and move through challenging times with emotional, physical and mental well-being.
He is uniquely passionate about supporting young men in their transition into life after teen-hood. He does this through cultivating integrity, purpose, maturity and clarity on who they are and who they want to become.
His work is inspired by the integration of his own journey of commitment to himself, his path of authenticity, self leadership and integrity.
His mission with this rites of passage is to support the young men to remember their innate nature, wisdom and strength and to step into it with trust and confidence in themselves.
6 Month Plan
€ 125
PER MONTH
x 6 months
Choose this option to set up 6 monthly payments to cover the cost of the programme.
3 Month Plan
€ 250
PER MONTH
x 3 months
Choose this option to set up 3 monthly payments to cover the cost of the programme.
2 Month Plan
€ 375
PER MONTH
x 2 months
Choose this option to set up 2 monthly payments to cover the cost of the programme.
Scholarships available
If you feel called to join this journey but are unable to afford the full price, we have a number of scholarships available
TESTIMONIALS
Feedback from young men who have worked with Barry and Cormac
Authenticity
“I now realize that it doesn't matter what people think. I should be me.”
"My most important takeaway was to not give up and to always believe in myself"
"I learned that I have all the answers within myself"
Purpose
“Made me realise that everything is achievable once you believe and work for it”
“It made me feel more confident knowing my future”
"I learned to look forward to my future but also be present and happy in the moment"
Growth
"I learned that it is ok to feel anger or sadness and I learned how to express it"
"I learned that it's okay to have negative feelings and to ask for help"
"I learned how to express my emotions and not to bottle them up"
Want to learn more?
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