This Cork yogi used the lockdown to build a magical new countryside studio

What have you been up to lately?
While most of us have been binge-watching Bridgerton and plodding around the local park, one enterprising entrepreneur has been using the lockdown to put the finishing touches on a unique new base for her business.
In the ultimate act of DIY bravery, Rosie Murphy, a yoga teacher and owner of The Yoga Nook, bought a geodesic dome from China via Whatsapp.
Once it arrived at her home in the quiet village of Carrigadrohid, Rosie enlisted the help of friends and family to build the dome during the lockdown.
Now complete and nestled into the countryside, the six-metre tall geodesic dome will be Rosie’s brand new yoga studio.
Complete with skylight and panoramic window, visitors to the dome will enjoy views of the rolling hills of the Lee Valley by day and stars twinkling at night.
“I wanted to create something magical,” Rosie told Yay Cork.
“My dream was to hold a special place where people could practice yoga. It’s also an incredible design that uses far, far less materials than a traditional build.”
That’s not to say it was a cinch to erect; “It was gas craic figuring out the Chinese instructions.” laughs Rosie.
“The entire dome came in two medium-sized crates, and a fifteen-minute video was pretty much the only thing I got by way of instructions.”
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“It was a tough slog at times, climbing up scaffolding and the endless nuts and bolts! There were also some serious storms to contend with during the build, which got a little scary. I’ll never forget one particular night when the half-completed dome was howling in the storm. I
didn’t sleep a wink. It hung in there though!”
The insulated geodesic dome is currently being fitted with electricity and a woodburning stove has been installed for the cooler months.
Once the lockdown restrictions are lifted, Rosie is planning a wide variety of socially-distanced yoga classes in vinyasa, yin, restorative, pregnancy yoga, mum and baby yoga, mellow flow and yoga for those living with cancer. It will also be open for workshops and community gatherings.
“I’m really looking forward to the dome becoming a beautiful community space.” said Rosie.
“And not just for The Yoga Nook, but any activity that draws people together– it’s what we all need, isn’t it?”
You can check out theyoganook.ie for a timetable once restrictions are lifted.