New life in the sun for Kildare business man

Adventurous couple embark on new chapter

When they arrived in southwest France in 2018, Kildare man Charlie Ganley and his partner, Olive Towey from Navan instantly fell in love with the Charente region and saw an opportunity to create something special amongst the rolling vineyards and ancient villages, renowned for their wines and world-famous Cognac.

It’s a far cry from Naas where Charlie lived and ran a plumbing and property maintenance business, but the couple feel their Leinster roots and their new Cognac home have a lot in common — from the strong sense of family, the warmth and welcome of the people to a deep rootedness in the land — all attributes at the heart of Olive and Charlie’s new life in France.

With a natural affinity for the internationally recognized excellence of Irish hospitality, the couple have created Ceangal (the Irish word for ‘Connect’), a business rooted in their Irish heritage which facilitates cultural getaways for lovers of all things French.

Ceangal curates and hosts wellbeing experiences around the themes of cuisine, art, yoga and mindfulness across an array of stunning French properties situated between Bordeaux and Cognac.

“Coupled with our skilled and passionate team of mindfulness, art, and cookery experts, this fusion of Irish warmth, French charm and passionate instructors creates a truly magical environment for guests and an exceptional experience to nourish body, mind and soul,” they say.

The couple point out that each experience is designed to foster connection, healing, and personal development; and the retreats are run in English to ensure ease and immersion for all their guests, including singles, couples, family and friend groups.

While Ceangal is situated in the heart of France, the founders’ Irish background plays a vital role in shaping the atmosphere and approach of every retreat.

Olive and Charlie are proud to incorporate elements of Irish culture and traditions into their programs, creating a unique blend of experiences that celebrate their Irish roots while embracing the beauty of their French surroundings.

The couple are also proud to have built strong links with local collaborators in both countries and — when back in Ireland over the summer — organised a French Afternoon Tea and a French Soirée, including original Cognac-based wines and cocktails hailing from local partner-producers Le Maine Giraud in the Charentes-Cognac region.

Going from strength to strength, they say Ceangal continues to forge close relationships and enrich their partner portfolio across both Ireland and France to deliver exceptional artisanal retreat experiences for guests, collaborating with Le Maine Giraud, L’Ancienne Distillerie, Mnà na hEireann, Irish in France, Bordeaux Women’s Club, Irish Entrepreneuses and local cultural associations in each country.

To find out more about this couple’s French adventure log on to www.ceangal.eu or www.ceangal.eu/booking/french-
food-wine-tasting-experience/ Check out ceangal on social media.