Co-founder

Karen Jeffares

Weaving peacebuilding, human rights and contemplative practice into the regeneration of land and community.
karen

Karen is co-founder of Síolta Chroí, a peacebuilder, human rights advocate and yoga teacher whose work bridges social justice and ecological restoration.

Background

Karen Jeffares is a peacebuilder, human rights advocate and grassroots educator living just outside Carrickmacross, County Monaghan. Originally from Kilmacanogue, Co. Wicklow, she co-founded Síolta Chroí with her partner Gareth Conlon, with a vision of restoring and re-engaging both nature and communities across Ireland. Before this work, Karen spent three years as a volunteer with Peace Brigades International's field projects in Guatemala and Colombia, working on community-based peace projects and social justice interventions in Colombia, Guatemala, Nicaragua and on the US–Mexico border. On returning to Ireland she initiated PBI Ireland in 2014.

Approach & philosophy

Karen brings together peacebuilding, human rights and contemplative practice in her work at Síolta Chroí. As an experienced facilitator and yoga teacher, she sees the regeneration of land and the regeneration of people as inseparable — both rooted in restoring relationship, presence and care. Her facilitation supports peer-to-peer learning, embodied practice and the slow, patient work of healing communities and ecosystems together.

Recognition

Karen was featured in a documentary about Síolta Chroí's farming, environment and wellbeing venture, and her work has been profiled in Irish regional and national media.
At a glance
Based in
Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan
Role
Co-founder
Education
BSc in Human rights
specialisms
Peacebuilding, human rights, yoga & meditation, facilitation
previous roles
Peace Brigades International (Colombia, Guatemala, Nicaragua, US–Mexico border); founded PBI Ireland in 2014
Get in touch

Areas of focus

Peacebuilding & human rights
Drawing on a decade of international field experience to root Síolta Chroí's work in justice and dignity.
Yoga & contemplative practice
Offering yoga and meditation as ways to cultivate the inner awareness that supports outer regeneration.
Facilitation & grassroots education
Designing and holding learning spaces where people can transform together — quietly, slowly, in community.

Upcoming events

See latest events
04 Feb 2027
06
:
00

An Introduction to Regenerative agriculture /Agroecology - Tyrone

What if farming could work better for farmers and the land? Our hope is simple: That farmers can make a fair living from farming, while leaving their farms in a better condition for the next generation than when they inherited them. Síolta Chroí are delighted to invite farmers from Tyrone and the surrounding areas to […]

Facilitator:
Joanne Fullerton
08 Oct 2026
06
:
00

An Introduction to Regenerative agriculture /Agroecology - Monaghan

What if farming could work better for farmers and the land? Our hope is simple: That farmers can make a fair living from farming, while leaving their farms in a better condition for the next generation than when they inherited them. Síolta Chroí are delighted to invite farmers from Monaghan and the surrounding areas to […]

Facilitator:
Joanne Fullerton
07 Nov 2026
10
:
00

Introduction to Food Forest Design

An introduction to designing and implementing a food forest - a layered, self-sustaining edible ecosystem modeled after natural forests! This 1-day intensive course provides a comprehensive introduction to designing and implementing a food forest — a layered, self-sustaining edible ecosystem modeled after natural forests. Whether you're a homesteader, community gardener, educator, or permaculture enthusiast, this […]

Facilitator:
Joanne Fullerton
Our current partners:
sse logoairtricity community fund logodpercmaynoothsaoltamore trees now logoetbsocial
Our current partners:
sse logoairtricity community fund logodpercmaynoothsaoltamore trees now logoetbsocial
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