A small group yoga class practising together in a bright, high-windowed hall

200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training · 2027 · Waterford, Ireland

Become the heartfelt teacher
you were born to be

AlphaZone School of Yoga · Teaching & Serving Since 1994

Yoga Alliance Professionals AccreditedInternationally Recognised Certificate

A transformational 9-month journey through the art, science and spirit of yoga — designed to take you step by step from dedicated student to highly skilled, confident yoga teacher.

200
Training Hours
9
Training Weekends
30+
Years Teaching

Yoga Alliance Accredited · Waterford, Ireland · Starts January 2027 · Payment Plans Available

★ Early Bird Discounts & Payment Plans Available

Who this is for

You don't need to be ready, getting you ready is our job. You just need to feel the call.

This training is designed for dedicated yoga students who are ready to go deeper — into their practice, into themselves, and into the lives of the people they will one day guide.

You've been practising yoga for at least a year and feel ready to go further

You feel drawn to teaching but aren't certain yet if it's the right path

You want to understand yoga — philosophy, anatomy, breath — at real depth

You want a training that honours tradition without ignoring the real world

You want a small, intimate cohort where you are truly known and supported

You don't have to want to teach — many join purely to transform their own practice

The programme

Two modules. One complete teacher.

Over 9 months and 9 training weekends, you will immerse yourself in the attitudes, methodologies and applications of yoga — building from the art of your own practice to the art of sharing it with others.

Module one

The Art of Practice

Weekends 1–4 · January 2027 – April 2027

  • Dedicated yogic asana, pranayama & meditation practice
  • Detailed instruction in alignment — physically & energetically
  • Exploration of philosophy — both traditional & modern
  • Study of anatomy & physiology
  • Specialised asana clinics
  • The foundations of a sustainable personal practice

Module two

The Art of Teaching

Weekends 5–8 · May 2027 – June 2027

  • Teaching skills & communication essentials
  • Sequencing and class design
  • Voice, language and cueing with precision
  • Hands-on assists and adjustments
  • Working with all levels and abilities
  • Full supervised teaching practice, with feedback

Weekend 9 (11–12 September 2027) is Graduation — celebrating taking the seat of the teacher.

“Yoga is not just about flexibility and strength of the body — it's about flexibility and strength in life, while leading with the heart.”

— Michael Connolly · Founder, AlphaZone School of Yoga

Format & schedule

Designed for real life. Without compromise.

Training takes place over 9 weekends from January 2027 through September 2027. Friday evenings are optional and dedicated to personal practice development. Your work week remains your own.

2027 weekend schedule
WeekendMonthDatesModule
Weekend 1January 2027Friday 15th, Saturday 16th & Sunday 17thThe Art of Practice
Weekend 2February 2027Friday 19th, Saturday 20th & Sunday 21stThe Art of Practice
Weekend 3March 2027Friday 19th, Saturday 20th & Sunday 21stThe Art of Practice
Weekend 4April 2027Friday 16th, Saturday 17th & Sunday 18thThe Art of Practice
Weekend 5May 2027Friday 7th, Saturday 8th & Sunday 9thThe Art of Teaching
Weekend 6May 2027Friday 28th, Saturday 29th & Sunday 30thThe Art of Teaching
Weekend 7June 2027Friday 11th, Saturday 12th & Sunday 13thThe Art of Teaching
Weekend 8June 2027Friday 25th, Saturday 26th & Sunday 27thThe Art of Teaching
Weekend 9 ★September 2027Saturday 11th & Sunday 12thGraduation

Weekend 9 is a two-day graduation weekend — please confirm with Michael whether a Friday 10th session is included.

Friday evenings 6:30–8:30pm (optional, not required for certification) · Saturday 9:00am–5:00pm · Sunday 8:30am–5:00pm · All previous graduates welcome on Friday evenings

Your teachers

Taught by practitioners who live what they teach

Black-and-white photograph of Michael Connolly seated on a studio floor beside a candle

Michael Connolly SYT

Principal Teacher & Founder

After 30+ years of experience, Michael's teaching has distilled into something quite unique: a practice that is both deeply informed and genuinely heartfelt. There is no pretence, no performance — simply the heart of yoga. Each training weaves together the rigour of Hatha yoga with the intellectual inquiry of Jnana yoga and the devotion of Bhakti Yoga.

Black-and-white photograph of Mary Dowling seated cross-legged, laughing, on a studio floor

Mary Dowling

Lead Teacher

Mary's philosophy is simple and beautiful — “lead with love.” Mary supports each student during their training and long after graduation. Her ability to cut straight to what matters makes her a force of transformation in every training room she enters.

Supported throughout by the experienced AlphaZone teaching team.

Student voices

From students who stood exactly where you are now.

“AlphaZone School of Yoga is yoga embodied. Their ethos is one of giving, warmth and kindness. Michael, Mary and the other instructors are incredibly talented. Having graduated a year ago I go back as often as I can for masterclasses — just to get that amazing zen they share!”

Margaret O'Riordan

Class of 2025

“Training with AlphaZone back in 2015 was one of the best decisions I've made for my career. Michael's depth of knowledge is truly priceless. Even years later, I'm still teaching, still loving what I do, and still benefiting from that foundation. The support never stopped.”

Mary Slattery

Class of 2015

“I can't thank you and Mary enough for tonight. I am the happiest I have felt all week. You are both incredible teachers — I feel so honoured to get to learn from you both. Tonight was a big deal for me and ye gave me the belief I needed. ❤️”

Kaya Keating

Class of 2026

Investment

Everything you need to become a qualified teacher.

€2,500

Full investment · payment plans available

  • 200 hours over 9 in-person training weekends and some home study
  • All course materials, handouts & personal manual
  • Yoga Alliance Professionals certification
  • Essay or class project (fully supported by your teacher)
  • Post-graduation support from Michael & Mary
  • Access to AlphaZone graduate community for life
  • Previous graduates invited to all Friday evening sessions

Note: student teacher insurance (~€25) required from Weekend 3 onwards.

Early Bird Discounts & Payment Plans Available

  • Before 30th September 2026€2,250save €250
  • Before 31st October 2026€2,300save €200
  • Before 30th November 2026€2,350save €150
  • Before 30th December 2026€2,400save €100
  • Full price€2,500

Flexible payment plans

A deposit of €500 secures your place. The balance is paid in instalments over up to 18 months — the sooner you book, the longer your plan can be. Payment plans are also available on early-bird rates. We do not want money to be the limiting factor in this training — please talk to Mary or Michael.

FAQ

Answered honestly.

Take the first step

Your practice brought you here.
Your teaching starts now.

January 2027. Waterford. This is the training you've been feeling your way toward.

Applications reviewed in order received · Place confirmed on receipt of €500 deposit · Deposit is non-refundable but transferable