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Co-founder

Karen Jeffares

Weaving peacebuilding, human rights and contemplative practice into the regeneration of land and community.
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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
13 Sep 2026
10
:
00

NEW! Introduction to Scything

Join Chris Hayes and discover history, theory, bodily alignment and hands on use of the scythe! Join us at Síolta Chroí for a unique, interesting and very useful/practical workshop on Scything with expert Chris Hayes! What to expect? Your Facilitator Chris worked as a private forester for ten years and after many bone rattling hours […]

Facilitator:
Joanne Fullerton
27 Sep 2026
10
:
00

Introduction to Small- Scale Dairy Farming & Processing

Explore regenerative small-scale dairy production, cheese-making, and more with Gyspy from Leitrim Hill Creamery! Do you want to know what it takes to keep a small healthy herd on the land and produce nourishing and delicious food such as cheese and ice-cream? Join us at Síolta Chroí and explore regenerative small-scale dairy production, cheese-making, and […]

Facilitator:
Joanne Fullerton
04 Feb 2027
06
:
00

Farming the System - Tyrone

A 6 week course introducing the key concepts of regenerative agriculture: Direct Selling, Soil Health, Holistic Grazing, & Agro-forestry. The objectives of the course are to cultivate the knowledge, skills and motivation for farmers to begin first steps in transitioning into regenerative agriculture practices Learning Objectives Week 1 - Introduction to Regen Ag Week 2 […]

Facilitator:
Joanne Fullerton
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Our current partners:
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