Introduction to Tantra: A Morning Retreat with Ian McGlade

What to Expect

Lamrim Kadampa Buddhist Centre on Pump Street hosts a three-hour introductory retreat on Buddhist tantra with teacher Ian McGlade on Saturday 22 August 2026. The morning is built around two talks, each followed by a guided meditation, with a refreshment break in between. The centre describes the session as a way to gain a clear framework for understanding tantra as an authentic spiritual path, aimed at complete beginners as well as anyone with existing meditation experience. Both chairs and meditation cushions are provided, so no particular seating experience is expected. Lamrim Kadampa is part of the wider international New Kadampa Tradition, and its Derry city-centre premises run a regular programme of drop-in classes alongside occasional deeper-dive retreat mornings like this one, giving people who attend the weekly meditation sessions a chance to go further into the philosophy behind the practice. The event is aimed squarely at people new to tantra as a topic, rather than assuming prior study, and the two-talk structure is designed to build understanding gradually across the morning rather than front-loading theory.

Good to Know

• Saturday 22 August 2026, 10:30am to 1:30pm
• Venue: Lamrim Kadampa Buddhist Centre, 11 Pump Street, Derry
• Ticket price is not published on the Eventbrite listing; check the booking page for current cost
• Open to everyone regardless of prior meditation or Buddhist experience
• Part of the centre’s regular programme of retreats and classes; the centre also runs weekly meditation classes at the same address

Getting There

Pump Street is in Derry’s Cityside, a short walk from the Diamond and the city walls. The nearest public car parks are at Foyleside Shopping Centre and Fountain Street, both within five to ten minutes on foot. Foyle Street bus station, served by Translink city and regional routes, is about a 10-minute walk away, making the centre an easy stop for anyone already in the city centre for the morning.