Singing On The Wild Side Donegal – Spring 2018
Candy is very excited to announce a new Singing on the Wild Side holiday in The Song House / Teach na nAmhrán. Singing on the Wild Side is about the singing, but much more too. Over the week, our own little community will build, seed new friendships, connect to local people, explore the natural vibrant […]
Singing On The Wild Side Donegal – Spring 2018
Candy is very excited to announce a new Singing on the Wild Side holiday in The Song House / Teach na nAmhrán. Singing on the Wild Side is about the singing, but much more too. Over the week, our own little community will build, seed new friendships, connect to local people, explore the natural vibrant […]
‘Vox Anima – the Creative Voice Residential’ singing long weekend at The Song House, Co. Donegal with Candy Verney and Rod Paton
Join us for a long weekend in the magical atmosphere of The Song House, Co. Donegal, Ireland. The Vox Anima concept brings together vocal improvisation, interactive vocal games, chants, joiks and part singing in a non-judgmental, creative, inclusive and open space. The weekend will provide you with the opportunity to explore your voice, engage in […]
‘Vox Anima – the Creative Voice Residential’ singing long weekend at The Song House, Co. Donegal with Candy Verney and Rod Paton
Join us for a long weekend in the magical atmosphere of The Song House, Co. Donegal, Ireland. The Vox Anima concept brings together vocal improvisation, interactive vocal games, chants, joiks and part singing in a non-judgmental, creative, inclusive and open space. The weekend will provide you with the opportunity to explore your voice, engage in […]
Hi-Ho Weekend
Hi Ho Weekends Singing / Working volunteer weekends at the Song House, Co Donegal These are a fun way to join in all that is developing at The Song House. Day: 9-10am singing 10-1.30pm DIY, gardening, whatever needs doing. Lunch Afternoons free to explore the spectacular local scenery, beaches, mountains etc. Not to mentione fantastic […]
Hi-Ho Weekend
Hi Ho Weekends Singing / Working volunteer weekends at the Song House, Co Donegal These are a fun way to join in all that is developing at The Song House. Day: 9-10am singing 10-1.30pm DIY, gardening, whatever needs doing. Lunch Afternoons free to explore the spectacular local scenery, beaches, mountains etc. Not to mentione fantastic […]
Singing On The Wild Side Donegal – Summer 2018
The Song House Clonbara, Falcarragh, Co. Donegal, IrelandOur ‘Singing on the Wildside’ Singing Holiday in Donegal is booking up fast! 2 -9 June 28 July – 4 August. Book now to avoid disapointment! Early Birds: Book before 1 March for either of these 2 holidays and get €65 off. Candy is very excited to announce a new Singing on the Wild Side […]
Singing On The Wild Side Donegal – Summer 2018
The Song House Clonbara, Falcarragh, Co. Donegal, IrelandOur ‘Singing on the Wildside’ Singing Holiday in Donegal is booking up fast! 2 -9 June 28 July – 4 August. Book now to avoid disapointment! Early Birds: Book before 1 March for either of these 2 holidays and get €65 off. Candy is very excited to announce a new Singing on the Wild Side […]
Singing On The Wild Side Donegal – Summer 2018
The Song House Clonbara, Falcarragh, Co. Donegal, IrelandOur ‘Singing on the Wildside’ Singing Holiday in Donegal is booking up fast! 2 -9 June 28 July – 4 August. Book now to avoid disapointment! Early Birds: Book before 1 March for either of these 2 holidays and get €65 off. Candy is very excited to announce a new Singing on the Wild Side […]
Singing On The Wild Side Donegal – Summer 2018
The Song House Clonbara, Falcarragh, Co. Donegal, IrelandOur ‘Singing on the Wildside’ Singing Holiday in Donegal is booking up fast! 2 -9 June 28 July – 4 August. Book now to avoid disapointment! Early Birds: Book before 1 March for either of these 2 holidays and get €65 off. Candy is very excited to announce a new Singing on the Wild Side […]
The Stunning Gardens of Donegal
Visit the world renowned Glenveagh gardens, feast on wild food and learn how to grow on the Wild Atlantic Way. Come and visit the area of Cloughaneely, with it's rich and wide range of fascinating gardens to suit all tastes. You will visit Glenveagh National Park, have a personal tour of Cluainn na dTor […]
The Stunning Gardens of Donegal
Visit the world renowned Glenveagh gardens, feast on wild food and learn how to grow on the Wild Atlantic Way. Come and visit the area of Cloughaneely, with it's rich and wide range of fascinating gardens to suit all tastes. You will visit Glenveagh National Park, have a personal tour of Cluainn na dTor […]
Irish Traditional Song 2020: an Online Sean-Nós Masterclass Weekend
Sean-Nós: explore the culture through a series of online masterclasses over a weekend. A unique opportunity to participate in an ancient living tradition of song from NW Ireland.
7-9pm GMT +1 Fri 19th – Sun 21st June 2020
Cost €75.00
Are you interested in the learning and performing Irish traditional song and exploring the cultural roots of this tradition?
We are very excited to launch a new online traditional singing weekend course in collaboration with An tSean Bheairic Cultural Centre in An Fál Carrach (Falcarragh), in the Gaeltacht area of NW Donegal.
Irish Traditional Song 2020: an Online Sean-Nós Masterclass Weekend
Sean-Nós: explore the culture through a series of online masterclasses over a weekend. A unique opportunity to participate in an ancient living tradition of song from NW Ireland.
7-9pm GMT +1 Fri 19th – Sun 21st June 2020
Cost €75.00
Are you interested in the learning and performing Irish traditional song and exploring the cultural roots of this tradition?
We are very excited to launch a new online traditional singing weekend course in collaboration with An tSean Bheairic Cultural Centre in An Fál Carrach (Falcarragh), in the Gaeltacht area of NW Donegal.
Ard Rang Scéalaíochta / The Language of Storytelling
With Seanán Mac Aoidh agus Bríd Anna Ní Bhaoill
Would You Like to Develop your Storytelling skills?
Calling all Irish Speaking Story tellers wishing to develop their craft. This is a Workshop/ Masterclass designed especially for you. Seasoned Irish Speaking Story tellers Seanán and Bríd Anna have designed this innovative and unique online immersive experience so you can hone in and develop the art of your own unique story teller. You will also have the opportunity to share the fruits of your learning and stand shoulder to shoulder with Seanán & Bríd Anna, at a later online event called Oíche Scéalaíochta i dTír Chonaill/A Night of Storytelling in Donegal, in front of a live online audience on November 21st.
Introducing the Art & Craft of Writing Poetry: Creating Your First Draft
A series of 3 Online Poetry Workshops with Annemarie Ní Churreáin
Annemarie is an award winning poet from Cloich Cheann Fhaola in the Donegal Gaeltacht and current writer in residence at Maynooth University of Ireland.
3 x Wednesdays @ 10am – 1pm; 30th September, 28th October, 25th November (Individual Workshop €40/ All 3 €105)
Whether you are a seasoned or a budding poet, one or all of these workshops will have something very special to offer you. In the first Annemarie will guide you through the creation of your first draft. During the second, and with no prior experience necessary, you’ll get the chance to experiment using the Irish language. In the third and final workshop you’ll learn how to shape your poem.
Cancelled – Community Choir Leadership Course 2020
Community Choir Leadership Course
If you are interested in leading singing groups and choirs, or seeking to build your confidence in this area, this series of workshops will cover all the basics and much more.
Amhráin Thír Chonaill – An Dúchas Beo / Donegal Song – The Living Heritage
Conor Ó Gallchóir agus Lillis Ó Laoire
A Donegal Workshop & Masterclass in Sean-Nós Singing
This is a bilingual Workshop designed to support intermediate to advanced Sean-Nós singers in developing their craft. During this workshop Conor and Lillis will guide you into deeper relationship with your Sean Singing style and skill. There will be opportunities for you to share your craft within the container of an interactive learning environment, where you will receive feedback, teachings, guidance and more. Due to this, places are limited.
Tending the Wild – An immersive wild food and medicine journey on the Wild Atlantic way
With Lucy O’Hagan
Follow the path of your ancestors and learn how to gather and process wild foods and medicines from coast to forest, river to field and all the hedgerows along the edges.
Introducing the Art & Craft of Writing Poetry: Experimenting with The Irish Language
A series of 3 Online Poetry Workshops with Annemarie Ní Churreáin
Annemarie is an award winning poet from Cloich Cheann Fhaola in the Donegal Gaeltacht and current writer in residence at Maynooth University of Ireland.
3 x Wednesdays @ 10am – 1pm; 30th September, 28th October, 25th November (Individual Workshop €40/ All 3 €105)
Whether you are a seasoned or a budding poet, one or all of these workshops will have something very special to offer you. In the first Annemarie will guide you through the creation of your first draft. During the second, and with no prior experience necessary, you’ll get the chance to experiment using the Irish language. In the third and final workshop you’ll learn how to shape your poem.
Samhain at the Song House
The Rules have changed - Where to now?
This Samhain at the Song House, we explore contemporary challenges through ancient ways. Join us as we mark the transition of more than just seasons, through contemplation and discussion, celebration and song.
Storytelling And Its Treasures
With Fran O’ Boyle
In Story and Conversation with Fran O’Boyle Storyteller Scealaí
Join us this Samhain at the Song House Fire side, where Fran will share the treasures inherent in the craft of Storytelling. Included in this experience you will get to participate in a live conversation & Q & A with Fran as well as hear some of the wonderful stories he has uncovered and is uncovering around our local landscape of Donegal and the North West.
Story Song & other Shenanigans
A modern twist on a Raking tradition Hosted by The Song House with Fran O’Boyle Join us this November for an online Raking gathering. The Song House invites you to gather in the spirit of sharing a yarn, a song or whatever you’d like to bring along. You are welcome also to join us as […]
Introducing the Art & Craft of Writing Poetry: Shaping Your Poem
A series of 3 Online Poetry Workshops with Annemarie Ní Churreáin
Annemarie is an award winning poet from Cloich Cheann Fhaola in the Donegal Gaeltacht and current writer in residence at Maynooth University of Ireland.
3 x Wednesdays @ 10am – 1pm; 30th September, 28th October, 25th November (Individual Workshop €40/ All 3 €105)
Whether you are a seasoned or a budding poet, one or all of these workshops will have something very special to offer you. In the first Annemarie will guide you through the creation of your first draft. During the second, and with no prior experience necessary, you’ll get the chance to experiment using the Irish language. In the third and final workshop you’ll learn how to shape your poem.
Carolling with Candy and friends Workshop #1
With Candy Verney and Lindsey Williams
Fed up with Covid? We can still sing together! Come join us to celebrate the festive season:
- Unusual and forgotten carols from around Ireland, the UK and other parts of the world
- Easy Winter rounds
- Learn one or two harmony parts
Carolling with Candy and friends
Workshop #2
With Candy Verney and Maria Wood
Fed up with Covid? We can still sing together! Come join us to celebrate the festive season:
- Unusual and forgotten carols from around Ireland, the UK and other parts of the world
- Easy Winter rounds
- Learn one or two harmony parts
Carolling with Candy and friends
Workshop 3
With Candy Verney and Joseph Moras
Fed up with Covid? We can still sing together! Come join us to celebrate the festive season:
- Unusual and forgotten carols from around Ireland, the UK and other parts of the world
- Easy Winter rounds
- Learn one or two harmony parts
Introduction to Songwriting Workshop
A series of three workshops With Troy Devaney
For All Levels
Interested in the art of songwriting and not sure where to start? Or perhaps you would like to develop your existing songwriting skills? Then this is the course for you. Focusing on the method, structure and creativity of songwriting, this 3-part workshop will provide you with the skills and confidence you need to continue on your journey as a songwriter
Story Song & other Shenanigans
A modern twist on a Raking tradition
Hosted by The Song House
Join us this January for an online Raking gathering. The Song House invites you to gather in the spirit of sharing a yarn, a song or whatever you’d like to bring along. You are welcome also to join us as an observer.
Songs from the Blue Stacks and Beyond: South Donegal Song
With Rita Gallagher and John Tunney
A Donegal Workshop & Masterclass in Sean-Nós Singing
Following on from the success of our Donegal Song workshop, we are delighted to bring to you this English language exploration of sean-nós singing.
Are you looking to learn about traditional Irish singing? Sean-Nós is an ancient ornamented style of singing, typically unaccompanied by instruments.
Imbolc at the Song House
Sowing the seeds to come
Imbolc is a special time - Winter has not yet passed from the land, and yet our hearts and minds turn naturally to the coming Spring. What will accompany us on our way? Here at the Song House we are delighted to continue the tradition of honouring and celebrating the turning of the wheel of the year. Join us as we mark this bridging time!
Story Song & other Shenanigans
A modern twist on a Raking tradition
Hosted by The Song House with David Ingerson
Join us this February for an online Raking gathering. The Song House invites you to gather in the spirit of sharing a yarn, a song or whatever you’d like to bring along. You are welcome also to join us as an observer.
The Harbour of Song with Ali Burns and Candy Verney
A series of 3 workshops with Ali Burns and Candy Verney
Take refuge in harmony, in rhythm and rhyme; in singing inspiring new songs for our times
In this series of 3 workshops Ali Burns and Candy Verney will each share some of their compositions and arrangements from recent years where poetic lyrics, rhythm and soaring transcendent harmonies combine in magical alchemy to create songs that are satisfying and special to sing.
In this series of 3 workshops Ali Burns and Candy Verney will each share some of their compositions and arrangements from recent years where poetic lyrics, rhythm and soaring transcendent harmonies combine in magical alchemy to create songs that are satisfying and special to sing.
The Subject Tonight is Love
An evening of sacred songs
With Chloe Greenwood
This is an invitation to join me for an hour on Sunday evening , to drop into a sacred space, with songs and poetry from the worlds spiritual traditions.
Sunday evenings are the highlight of my week as I find it has a still and sacred energy that inspires me to sing spiritual songs and contemplate the wonder and gifts of our existence and the boundless love of God. One Sunday evening each month I will be offering sacred songs from many traditions which are simple to sing, all are welcome. We will gather on Zoom and I will sing accompanied by guitar. The participants will be muted whilst singing (because of the time lag).
The traditions include Christianity, Earth based spirituality honouring the Earth and the elements and life cycles, Judaism, Buddhism, Sufi, Hinduism. Together we will dive into these beautiful songs, both new and ancient.
Singing & Foraging
With Lucy O’Hagan
Follow the path of your ancestors and learn how to gather and process wild foods and medicines from coast to forest, river to field and all the hedgerows along the edges.
Join ethnobotanist and ancestral skills teacher Lucy O’Hagan on this journey to explore your inner and outer nature. We will rewild our minds and bodies as we explore a new environment from which to harvest nature’s bounty each day. You will learn how to safely identify and sustainably forage from a range of plants, trees, fungi, seaweed & lichens.
Story Song & other Shenanigans
A modern twist on a Raking tradition
Hosted by The Song House with Ita Fitzmahoney
Join us this March for an online Raking gathering. The Song House invites you to gather in the spirit of sharing a yarn, a song or whatever you’d like to bring along. You are welcome also to join us as an observer.
The Subject Tonight is Love
An evening of sacred songs
With Chloe Greenwood
This is an invitation to join me for an hour on Sunday evening , to drop into a sacred space, with songs and poetry from the worlds spiritual traditions.
Community Choir Leadership Course April 2021
Community Choir Leadership Course
Led by Candy Verney
If you are interested in leading singing groups and choirs, or seeking to build your confidence in this area, this series of workshops will cover all the basics and much more.
Candy has been running community choir leadership trainings for 13 years. Many previous participants have gone on to make this their full time profession.
Story Song & other Shenanigans
A modern twist on a Raking tradition
Hosted by The Song House with singer/songwriter Andrew Roddy
Join us this April for an online Raking gathering. The Song House invites you to gather in the spirit of sharing a yarn, a song or whatever you’d like to bring along. You are welcome also to join us as an observer.
Bealtaine at the Song House
Ancient traditions for modern times
Hosted by The Song House and Jenny O'Hare
Bealtaine is one of the traditional fire festivals of the Celtic Wheel of the Year. Also known to many as Beltane, or even as May Day, it is a potent time of year when we mark the passage of Spring to Summer, and celebrate the harvest and abundance that we will soon welcome. Join us as we gather online in a warm space to honour the seasons and our place within them, bringing time honoured traditions to life for our modern days.
Irish Traditional Song, Story & Dance
A unique opportunity to participate in an ancient living tradition of seán-nós singing, dancing and storytelling from NW Ireland
With John Tunney, Noeleen Ní Cholla, Emma O' Sullivan, and many more wonderful tradition bearers
Fri 7th – Sun 9th May 2021 @ 7-9pm each evening (GMT +1 )
After a very successful Irish Traditional Song Online weekend last year, we are putting this exciting event on again, with even more fantastic performers in the fields of song, storytelling and dance.
The Subject Tonight is Love
An evening of sacred songs
With Chloe Greenwood
This is an invitation to join me for an hour on Sunday evening , to drop into a sacred space, with songs and poetry from the worlds spiritual traditions.
Corncrakes, Biodiversity & Birdsong
A weekend dedicated to Birds & Biodiversity - especially the Corncrake
In Collaboration with the Corncrake Traonach LIFE Project, With Special guests Aengus Kennedy & Malcolm Green
Fri 21st – Sat 22nd May 2021 @ 7.30 - 9.30pm each evening (GMT +1 )
This weekend is inspired by the Corncrake. Parts of Donegal, particularly the offshore islands of Inishboffin and Tory, are some of the few habitable landscapes left for what was once a bountiful bird across the entire Island of Ireland & the UK. As such, the decline in the Corncrake population has seen it added as a red listed breed. However, there is much being done to ensure the protection of this bird, with conservation and habitat management initiatives by Birdwatch Ireland and most recently the Corncrake Traonach Life project.
Story Song & other Shenanigans
A modern twist on a Raking tradition
Hosted by The Song House with storyteller Brigitte Hirsig
Join us this April for an online Raking gathering. The Song House invites you to gather in the spirit of sharing a yarn, a song or whatever you’d like to bring along. You are welcome also to join us as an observer.
The Subject Tonight is Love
An evening of sacred songs
With Chloe Greenwood
This is an invitation to join me for an hour on Sunday evening , to drop into a sacred space, with songs and poetry from the worlds spiritual traditions.
Hiking, Heartsong and History on the Wild Atlantic Way
Wake up each morning with an hour’s singing with Candy, then put on your walking boots and explore the mountains, valleys and beaches of North West Donegal with Seamus. Discover as we uncover the layers of history in our landscape and learn about our rich Gaelic culture and heritage.
The North-west coast of Donegal is one of the undiscovered gems of Ireland. It possesses some of the most spectacular, unique and
unspoilt scenery in the country, and is a veritable paradise for hill walkers.
Singing on the Wild Side July 2021
Singing is back!
With Candy Verney
I am very excited to announce two Singing on the Wild Side holidays here at The Song House for 2021. These will follow our usual successful format, however because of Covid restrictions, we will only offer single rooms (unless you are coming with a friend). So we will be between 6 – 8 singers in all.
The Subject Tonight is Love
An evening of sacred songs
With Chloe Greenwood
This is an invitation to join me for an hour on Sunday evening , to drop into a sacred space, with songs and poetry from the worlds spiritual traditions.
Lughnasadh at the Song House
Ancient Medicine for Modern Times
Hosted by The Song House and Jenny O'Hare
Lughnasadh (or Lamas as you may know it) has it's origins in the Celtic harvest feast day. It is named for the Sun God Lugh, who showed the Celts how to harvest. This time provides us with an opportunity to celebrate life and the abundance that this time of year brings. It also encourages us to meditate on the slow descent into darkness. Traditional celebrations would see golden sun gatherings focussed on the harvest of corn and other crops, matchmaking and offerings to the Faerie folk. Our celebration will take the more modern manifestation of an online gathering via Zoom.
Singing on the Wild Side August 2021
Singing is back!
With Candy Verney
I am very excited to announce two Singing on the Wild Side holidays here at The Song House for 2021. These will follow our usual successful format, however because of Covid restrictions, we will only offer single rooms (unless you are coming with a friend). So we will be between 6 – 8 singers in all.
The Subject Tonight is Love
An evening of sacred songs
With Chloe Greenwood
This is an invitation to join me for an hour on Sunday evening , to drop into a sacred space, with songs and poetry from the worlds spiritual traditions.
Family Constellations Facilitator Training
Module 4 - Nature Constellations
With Róisín Fallon
Learning to work with nature within the model of Family constellations.
On The Trail Of Colmcille/Columba Workshop 1: Exploring the Influence of Landscape
A Series of Online Literary Events
With Annemarie Ní Churreáin & Charlie Gracie
A series of online literary events to mark the 1500th birth anniversary of Colmcille. Led by Irish poet Annemarie Ní Churreáin and Scottish poet Charlie Gracie, these will include public workshops, poetry readings and podcast/webinar discussions: creating a space for poetry, reflection and the exploration of cross-cultural perspectives of Colmcille.
End of Life Doula Training
A Time To Gather Event
With Alexandra Derwen
This event is hosted by A Time To Gather. You can apply to join this training through A Time To Gathers website: Click here to register.
A 5 day training, of face to face sessions to embody the role of EOL Doula. Like Birth, we want to bring Death back where it belongs; in the hands and hearts of loved ones, in the home and community, in sacred space. We want to bring back touch, care, love, connection and to uphold the importance of Death as a holy threshold and transition. We seek to reclaim all aspects of caring for the dying, the dead and the bereaved from clinical conditions back into our hearts and everyday lives. When you join this training you also join a community of European Doulas, benefiting from weekly community Zoom calls, where we share in each others process and progress. You dive deeply into the theme in way supports you to restore your natural given ability to be witness and prepare for departures.
The Subject Tonight is Love
An evening of sacred songs
With Chloe Greenwood
This is an invitation to join me for an hour on Sunday evening , to drop into a sacred space, with songs and poetry from the worlds spiritual traditions.
On The Trail Of Colmcille/Columba Workshop 2: The Battle of the Book: Exploring Power & Conflict in the Story of Colmcille
A Series of Online Literary Events
With Annemarie Ní Churreáin & Charlie Gracie
A series of online literary events to mark the 1500th birth anniversary of Colmcille. Led by Irish poet Annemarie Ní Churreáin and Scottish poet Charlie Gracie, these will include public workshops, poetry readings and podcast/webinar discussions: creating a space for poetry, reflection and the exploration of cross-cultural perspectives of Colmcille.
Song Story and Other Shenanigans Returns!
A modern twist on a Raking tradition
Hosted by The Song House with Ita Fitzmahoney
Join us this September for the return of our Raking gatherings. The Song House invites you to gather in the spirit of sharing a yarn, a song or whatever you’d like to bring along. You are welcome also to join us as an observer.
Ita Fitzmahony has been telling stories for about 11 years since she accidentally fell into a job as a museum Tour Guide in 2010 as an out of work actor. She has also studied Clown through Mask which is based on the North American Clown tradition. Having spent a number of years telling stories from the rich tradition of Irish Myths and Legends, Ita put on a site specific one woman show at the National Leprechaun Museum in 2014 to highlight the great and rather under-represented or written off women of our stories. In 2017 Ita took to the stage again to do a little stand-up comedy but that all came to an abrupt end this time last year. Of all the arts she practices, storytelling is probably the most flexible in terms of live or virtual audience, and it’s a great joy to be able to share it.
Weekend of Celebration with Sacred Song
Bringing more love and joy into the world
With Chloe Greenwood
A residential gathering of song and much needed connection to enrich your soul.
Along with guitar and drums Chloe brings songs honouring and celebrating the earth and all of life from many traditions.
Together we will dive into these beautiful songs, both new and ancient and will embody joy and peace in celebration of life. There will be time for walking at the beach and on the hills and bountiful landscape of the majestic Donegal. We will prepare food and eat together – food cost included in your ticket price. We will sing and gather around the Song House fire pit and we will engage in sacred ceremony together. You are welcome to bring your own songs and instruments, poetry and stories for a celebration evening. Upon arrival on the Friday evening, there will be a simple and nourishing evening meal prepared for you before we gather in the Song room for our first evening of Sacred Song.
On The Trail Of Colmcille/Columba Workshop 3: Making a connection with the story of Colmcille
A Series of Online Literary Events
With Annemarie Ní Churreáin & Charlie Gracie
A series of online literary events to mark the 1500th birth anniversary of Colmcille. Led by Irish poet Annemarie Ní Churreáin and Scottish poet Charlie Gracie, these will include public workshops, poetry readings and podcast/webinar discussions: creating a space for poetry, reflection and the exploration of cross-cultural perspectives of Colmcille.
The Subject Tonight is Love – October 2021
An evening of sacred songs
With Chloe Greenwood
This is an invitation to join me for an hour on Sunday evening , to drop into a sacred space, with songs and poetry from the worlds spiritual traditions.
Story Song & other Shenanigans
A modern twist on a Raking tradition
Hosted by The Song House with David Ingerson
Join us this October for another online Raking gathering. The Song House invites you to gather in the spirit of sharing a yarn, a song or whatever you’d like to bring along. You are welcome also to join us as an observer.
Ancient Medicine for Modern Times
Ancient Medicine for Modern Times: Samhain, Deep Ecology, Ceremony and more….
With the turning of the seasons, we invite you to the Songhouse to participate in our Sacred Seasonal offering. As part of our Wheel of the Year series, we are hosting a special weekend, exploring the themes of Samhain, Deep and Sacred Ecology and the relevance of these for our modern times.
Samhain is a special season, the turning of the year towards rich depth. We will mark this shift with practices deeply rooted in Nature Connection, learning modules centred around Spiritual Ecology and Deep Ecology, and practices to explore resilience and restore relationship to place.
The Subject Tonight is Love – November
An evening of sacred songs
With Chloe Greenwood
This is an invitation to join me for an hour on Sunday evening , to drop into a sacred space, with songs and poetry from the worlds spiritual traditions.
Story Song & other Shenanigans
A modern twist on a Raking tradition
Hosted by The Song House with Linn Phipps
Join us this November for another online Raking gathering. The Song House invites you to gather in the spirit of sharing a yarn, a song or whatever you’d like to bring along. You are welcome also to join us as an observer.
Winter Caroling
Songs for the dark turn of the year
With Ali Burns and Candy Verney
• Join two highly experienced choir leaders for 4 sessions of festive seasonal singing
• Unusual and forgotten carols from around Ireland, UK and other parts of the world
• Easy Winter Songs
• Learn one or two harmony parts
In this series of workshops, Ali will bring some of her own beautiful easy winter songs and rounds – some based on words found when researching older carols, some written especially for this event.
Candy will be exploring unusual carols from diverse traditions and will be sharing their fascinating history as we learn them. Even though many of the carols date from centuries past they are still fresh and fun to sing with wonderful tunes and make a vibrant living tradition that continues in pubs around the UK.
The Subject Tonight is Love – December
An evening of sacred songs
With Chloe Greenwood
This is an invitation to join me for an hour on Sunday evening , to drop into a sacred space, with songs and poetry from the worlds spiritual traditions.
The Subject Tonight is Love – January 2022
An evening of sacred songs
With Chloe Greenwood
This is an invitation to join me for an hour on Sunday evening , to drop into a sacred space, with songs and poetry from the worlds spiritual traditions.
Sacred Song Online – February 2022
An evening of sacred songs
With Chloe Greenwood
This is an invitation to join me for an hour on Sunday evening , to drop into a sacred space, with songs and poetry from the worlds spiritual traditions.
Solas Writer’s Retreat – SOLD OUT
An immersive weekend of poetry, landscape & stories in the heart of the Donegal Gaeltacht
With Annemarie Ní Churreáin
25th - 27th Feb 2022
This event has now reached full capacity. We are looking into running the event later this year depending on interest. If you are interested and would like to be put on a waiting list for this, please contact info@thesonghouseireland.com with your details.
The Song House is delighted to present a special weekend retreat for writers of poetry at all levels. Hosted by Donegal poet Annemarie Ní Churreáin, the programme will feature poetry workshops, readings and one-to-one feedback sessions. Unfolding over two nights and three days, this retreat will offer poets a space to explore, reflect, share, dream and(re)connect with your creative voice in the lap of Errigal Mountain, and among the echoes and shadows of the ancient mythological gods. Solas, meaning ‘light’, is the theme for this weekend and we’ll be illuminating page, space and imagination through language, literature and community.
Introduction to Mens Work – POSTPONED
Connection, Community and brotherhood weekend in Donegal
With Niall Graham and Robin Botley
18th - 20th March 2022
"No man is an Island.” John Donne
This event has been postponed. Please get in touch to express your interest and we will add you to a waiting list.
What we will explore on this Introduction to Menswork weekend:
- Communication skills: The power of words and agreements.
- Understanding the masculine archetypes and how they affect your life: Lover, Warrior, Magician, King are some, and we will explore their qualities.
- Finding your ‘blind spot’/ Shadow, and how does it impact your life?
- What is initiation and rites of passage? Why and when are these events necessary and of value?
- The importance of Elders and Mentors in society.
- Purpose and Mission: The importance of having a focus and direction for men.
Sacred Song Online – March 2022
An evening of sacred songs
With Chloe Greenwood
This is an invitation to join me for an hour on Sunday evening , to drop into a sacred space, with songs and poetry from the worlds spiritual traditions.
Song, Story and other Shenanigans – March 2022
A modern twist on the Raking tradition
Lead contributor to be confirmed
We will be delighted to share Part 2 of our Poetry Video Series. This time exploring the theme of Power and Conflict. The poems in these short videos were composed by attendees of our Colmcille poetry writing workshops held in the autumn. These three workshops were facilitated by Irish poet Annemarie Ni Churreain and Scottish poet Charlie Gracie and were supported by the Colmcille 1500 grant scheme marking his 1500 birth year anniversary. More information on lead contributor to follow, we are just ironing out the details.
St Colmcille, also known as Columba is a very rich and significant historical figure who during the workshops Annemarie described as ‘being at the intersection between pagan and Christian Ireland’. Anecdotally, Colmcille has been described by others as ‘the last Druid’ and this perhaps flooded his known and documented poetic appreciation and love for the beauty of landscape, the natural world and in particular, his beloved Ireland.
Community Choir Leadership Course April 2022 -– SOLD OUT
Community Choir Leadership Course
Led by Candy Verney
If you are interested in leading singing groups and choirs, or seeking to build your confidence in this area, this series of workshops will cover all the basics and much more.
Candy has been running community choir leadership trainings for 13 years. Many previous participants have gone on to make this their full time profession.
This event is now full but may be repeated with sufficient interest. Please get in touch to express your interest and we will add you to a waiting list.
Tending the Wild – An immersive wild food and medicine journey on the Wild Atlantic way – SOLD OUT
With Lucy O’Hagan
Follow the path of your ancestors and learn how to gather and process wild foods and medicines from coast to forest, river to field and all the hedgerows along the edges.
Join ethnobotanist and ancestral skills teacher Lucy O’Hagan on this 5 day journey to explore our inner and outer nature. We will rewild our minds and bodies as we explore a new environment from which to harvest nature’s bounty each day. You will learn how to safely identify and sustainably forage from a range of plants, trees, fungi, seaweed & lichens. Autumn is perhaps one of the most exciting times to be a forager. The abundance is overwhelming as the fruits of the year ripen, the nuts fall to the forest floor, the roots swell with medicine and the fungi burst through the carpeted woodland. Our ancestors surely would have filled their stores in preparation for the long winter ahead. So too you will fill your basket and process plants into salve, syrup, vinegar and pickles to take away with you.
Contact Lucy - at wildawake.ie for booking and further info.
Spring, Song and Seaweed – 2 places Available
With Lucy O’Hagan and Candy Verney
22-24 April 2022
Singing and Foraging go hand in hand and heart in heart
This previously full event has just had two last minute cancellations! contact info@thesonghouseireland.com if you would like to join.
As you learn how to safely identify, sustainably harvest, process and preserve nature’s bounty, you will be encouraged to explore your own voice in giving thanks to the land and collectively rising up together with the rising tree sap.
Foraging and singing together can enhance strong inner and collective resilience, boost our immune systems and forge strong connections with the land, ourselves and with each other.
This offering is open to all levels, no experience is necessary.
Story Song & other Shenanigans
A modern twist on a Raking tradition
Hosted by The Song House with Joanie Bones
Join us this April for an online gathering led by singer Joanie Bones. The Song House invites you to gather in the spirit of sharing a yarn, a song or whatever you’d like to bring along. You are welcome also to join us as an observer.
We will also be delighted to share the third and final part of our Poetry Video Series. The theme this time is 'Connecting with the figure of Colmcille/Columba'. The poems in these short videos were composed by attendees of our Colmcille poetry writing workshops held in the autumn. These three workshops were facilitated by Irish poet Annemarie Ni Churreain and Scottish poet Charlie Gracie and were supported by the Colmcille 1500 grant scheme marking his 1500 birth year anniversary.
Full bodied Acting – 1 Day Workshop
Towards maximising our unique potential
With Margaret Hannon
30th April
The focus of this workshop will be on acting from our full bodies; Remembering that we go all the way down to our toes, that we are 3-D, that we even extend beyond our physical bodies. Sometimes we go on stage and all of a sudden we are talking heads encumbered by our bodies. This happens to almost everyone. So what do we do about it?
A Capella Concert
The Song House is proud to present to you beautiful evening of music, with 2 Choirs: The Pan European Choir and Cór an Chroí Choir local community choir (both led by Candy Verney) and additional music from local musicians Isabel Ní Chuireáin, Andrew Roddy and Howard Chu.
As a response to the prospect of the UK leaving Europe, Candy, along with her friend and colleague Lindsey Williams, launched the Pan-European choir. We meet in person twice a year for a three to six day residential in different singers’ cities around Europe, and we welcome experienced singers from all over Europe.
Cór an Chroí is a lovely choir based at the Song House, Falcarragh, Co Donegal has been going since 2017. We sing weekly on Tuesday evenings, and perform at local festivals and events. Repertoire- all sorts, with an emphasis on Irish songs in Irish and English.
Ionad Naomh Fionan Falcarragh
Saturday 28th May 5.30pm
No entry fee, with donations going towards Unicef's Ukraine Appeal and Cloughaneely Food bank.
Voice and Choral feast on the Wild Atlantic Way
A week of immersive choral singing and voice work, surrounded by mountains and the Wild Atlantic Way - For singers with some experience of singing in choirs
24 June - 1 July 2022
With Candy Verney and Sophie Grimmer
Would you like to develop your voice further?
Have you sung in choirs for a while, and now you feel the need to deepen the quality of the sound?
Would you like to sing more challenging repertoire?
Would you like to immerse yourself in the beauty of the human voice, and have fun too?
Circles of Light
Series of five listening circles for women, bringing connection and community around issues often unspoken.
With Joanie Bones
Joanie Bones is coming to the Songhouse in September, leading a 3 day event bringing ceremony and song to major waymarks on a woman's life path.
In the lead up to September Joanie is offering a series of listening circles around topics of womanhood that often go undiscussed, and yet have daily resonance for women.
What is means to be a woman, our connection with our bodies, sexuality... Joanie will hold space for sharing experiences and views, learning from each other and connection on these and other powerful themes. And doing a bit of singing too.
Singing on the Wild Side
Singing Holiday on Ireland's Beautiful Wild Atlantic Way
With Sarah Garden
26th August - 2nd September 2022
This event has now reached full capacity.
The experience of Singing on the Wild Side is far more than just a singing holiday. We sing every morning in the gorgeous large sunny singing room, with its beautiful acoustic, that looks out onto Muckish mountain. By the end of the week you will find yourself rested, rejuvenated and restored to your centred & grounded self, with a repertoire of up to 12 harmony songs – and that’s just the beginning…
Singing Women’s Lives
Exploring our experiences of womanhood through song, ceremony and sharing our stories
15th - 18th September 2022
With Joanie Bones
Joanie will be sharing songs from her project THE SHAME // THE LIGHT and other women's songs, holding space so that together we can give voice to our experiences and creating beautiful ceremony to help us on our way through our lives as women. Expect some tears and much belly laughter as we finally get to put aside generations of separation and come together to share our depths and light with each other.
Donegal – In Tune With Our Wild Nature
Shamanic Pilgrimage
With Andrew Steed
The Song House is delighted to welcome Andrew Steed and his fellow Pilgrims to Donegal during September 2022. Andrew is a shamanic healer, a transformation facilitator and a frequent traveller & guide into the realms of the lessor known, mystical & magical aspects of self, land and love. He is devoted to creating opportunities for individuals & groups to gather and experience the power of song, story, myth, ceremony and pilgrimage – so that they can ultimately, live more connected and compassion filled lives. This pilgrimage is full – please click on the link to Andrews website for other opportunities.
Community Choir Leadership Course Autumn 2022
Community Choir Leadership Course
Led by Candy Verney
27th Sept to 5th Oct
"Tranformational. This course, this environment, the land, Candy’s style of deep listening and ability to create a safe container for vulnerability has helped me recognize my own fears that hold me back from living my full creative potential. The wealth of Candy’s experience coupled with her sensitivity to the group made it easy to experiment with teaching styles amd let me feel comfortable to try thing out and make mistakes." Fran Haverfordwest Wales April 2022
This course will give you skills to run singing workshops in a wide variety of community settings. But singing in this way, opens the heart, and for many, leads them also on a transformational journey.
It is a hands-on, practical course which includes philosophy, theory and lively discussion where appropriate. There are no entry requirements and you don’t need to be able to read music. However it will be most useful to people who have had experience in some areas of music: singing in choirs, but also teaching or other musical settings. All musical experience is helpful.
Belonging – a Journey of Enquiry
In an ever shifting world, what are we belonging ourselves to?
With Jenny O'Hare and Niall Graham
14th - 16th October 2022
This event has now reached full capacity, but we will be running the retreat again in February 2023. Book your place - https://thesonghouseireland.com/event/belonging-a-journey-of-enquiry-2
As humans, we have a deep desire to belong; be that to place, to a people, or simply to ourselves. Much of what has traditionally offered us this belonging is now shifting rapidly. In such a landscape, how is it that we can root ourselves in lives of meaning?
You are invited to a deeply experiential weekend in which we will explore the thread of Belonging through relationship to self, place, community and culture.
Solas Dreamtime Retreat
An immersive weekend of poetry, landscape & stories in the heart of the Donegal Gaeltacht
With Annemarie Ní Churreáin
This event has now reached full capacity. We are looking into running the event again depending on interest. If you are interested and would like to be put on a waiting list for this, or if you would like to be put on a reserve list for this retreat (in the event a participant has to cancel) please contact info@thesonghouseireland.com with your details.
Due to the success and high demand of the February Solas retreat we are running this event for a second time this year. We anticipate this will sell out so and book your place early to avoid disappointment.
21st - 23rd October 2022
Following the sold-out success of the first Solas Writing Retreat Weekend led by Donegal poet Annemarie Ní Churreáin, The Song House is delighted to present a second retreat for writers of poetry at all levels. This retreat will offer poets a space to explore, reflect, share and(re)connect with your creative voice in the lap of Errigal & Muckish Mountain, and among the echoes and shadows of Lugh Lámfada and other mythological ghosts.
Unfolding over two nights and three days, and led by Annemarie Ní Churreáin, the programme will feature poetry workshops, readings and one-to-one feedback sessions. ‘Dreamtime’ is the theme for this weekend and poets are invited to submit a poem in advance of the weekend for group editing over the course of the weekend.
Lost Rites and the Community of Grief
Remembering the Way
With Death Doula Alexandra Derwen and apprentice Death Doula Tanya Bryan
The premise of the “community of grief” is that Grief itself is a force for community cohesion and repair; whatever our personal stories of loss it is in the shared circle space that the potential for alchemy and amplification of the healing process takes place. If you feel moved and called to this work then you belong there; we do ask that people come with open hearts ready to participate with curiosity and courage; but most importantly just bring your broken human selves and the circle itself will hold you.
Belonging – a Journey of Enquiry
In an ever shifting world, what are we belonging ourselves to?
With Jenny O'Hare and Niall Graham
10th - 12th February 2023
As humans, we have a deep desire to belong; be that to place, to a people, or simply to ourselves. Much of what has traditionally offered us this belonging is now shifting rapidly. In such a landscape, how is it that we can root ourselves in lives of meaning?
You are invited to a deeply experiential weekend in which we will explore the thread of Belonging through relationship to self, place, community and culture.
Community Choir Leadership Course
Led by Candy Verney
23rd to 31st March 2023
"I adored every single bit. It soothed and comforted and pushed and challenged. It took me to the heart of my fears and out the other side. There was nothing I couldn’t use. The protective loving atmosphere you and Robin create is utterly unique and has held us so safe, allowing us to go to… and through… and past dangerous territory. Thank you for giving us so much of yourselves." Jessie from Ceridigion, Wales April 2022
This course will give you skills to run singing workshops in a wide variety of community settings. But singing in this way, opens the heart, and for many, leads them also on a transformational journey.
It is a hands-on, practical course which includes philosophy, theory and lively discussion where appropriate. There are no entry requirements and you don’t need to be able to read music. However it will be most useful to people who have had experience in some areas of music: singing in choirs, but also teaching or other musical settings. All musical experience is helpful.
Voice & Choral Feast on the Wild Atlantic Way
A week of immersive choral singing and voice work, surrounded by mountains and the Wild Atlantic Way – for singers with some experience of singing in choirs
Friday 30th June – Friday 7th July 2023
With Candy Verney and Sophie Grimmer
Would you like to develop your voice further?
Have you sung in choirs for a while, and now you feel the need to deepen the quality of the sound?
Would you like to sing more challenging repertoire?
Would you like to immerse yourself in the beauty of the human voice, and have fun too?
This promises to be a very stimulating and restorative course, with a high professional input from both teachers. Candy’s background is in community choir leadership. Sophie’s background is in opera performance, singing teaching and voice pedagogy research. Between us we can draw on extensive experience in diverse complementary fields to offer an immersive week of choral music and personal voice work
Over the week, our own little community will build, sharing profound musical experiences and challenges, seeding new friendships, exploring the natural vibrant beauty surrounding us. So if you want to challenge your singing self, have a sense of adventure, meeting other interesting folk and returning home feeling refreshed, invigorated and in tune, then join us here.
Singing on the Wild Side – Event Full
Singing Holiday on Ireland's Beautiful Wild Atlantic Way - Event Full
With Sarah Garden
Friday 18th to Friday 25th August 2023
This event has now reached full capacity. Sign up to our newsletter for info on future holidays.
The experience of Singing on the Wild Side is far more than just a singing holiday. We sing every morning in the gorgeous large sunny singing room, with its beautiful acoustic, that looks out onto Muckish mountain. By the end of the week you will find yourself rested, rejuvenated and restored to your centred & grounded self, with a repertoire of up to 12 harmony songs – and that’s just the beginning…
Our repertoire will be wide and varied. We normally have one or two songs that challenge us, including an original song specially arranged by Candy, then a mixture of Irish songs, world music, rounds, and improvisation.
We also do our best to introduce singers to the rich local Gaelic culture. You may find yourself moved to tears singing in the ruins of Ray church, or listening to a local singer singing in the ancient sean-nós style. You will have the afternoons to explore the beaches, mountains, rivers and historic sites that abound in the area. We also offer guided walks, kayaking, poetry and music evenings.