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
03 Oct 2026
11
:
00

Gathering for Seeds & Seeds Saving

Join us and Conor O'Kane for our yearly adventure into seeds and seed saving! A gathering for seeds. This year we are inviting people to come together to celebrate seeds and deepen their connection with seeds, and share reverence for these tiny packets of potential and wisdom! There will be a balance of the practicalities […]

Facilitator:
Joanne Fullerton
27 Sep 2026
10
:
00

Introduction to Small- Scale Dairy Farming & Processing

What does it take to produce truly local, nourishing food — from healthy animals and healthy soil to a delicious piece of cheese? Join us at Síolta Chroí for a fascinating one-day introduction to small-scale regenerative dairy farming, cheese-making and food production, led by Gypsy from Leitrim Hill Creamery. Gypsy and her family run a […]

Facilitator:
Joanne Fullerton
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
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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