Singing Holiday on Ireland’s Beautiful Wild Atlantic Way
With Sarah Garden
Friday 18th to Friday 25th August 2023
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.
Perhaps we will even have deepened our appreciation of the land, our place in it, our communities and ourselves.
A wide range of singers come on our holidays: from beginners to experienced and confident singers. Over the week our little community grows and develops, as we cook and eat together each evening, share experiences and sing together.
Costs
Cost Includes all tuition, accommodation at The Song House or at a B&B nearby, breakfast, lunch, and an evening meal when you arrive.
Standard Price in twin room
€790 per person
En Suite room, shared x 2
€980 per person
Bunk Room (with upto 2 others)
€750 per person
Single (in Song House or in B&B nearby)
€1070 per person
Camping in the Song House garden
€710 per person
Non-residential price (includes lunch and supper)
€650 per person
Please fill in the application form below, and pay €150 deposit in order to secure your place. Please check if your preferred accommodation is available as accommodation is allocated on a first come first serve basis.
“I have been making and playing music for as long as I can remember. I was firmly rooted in the western classical tradition. Later in life I moved to Ireland and discovered a world of joyful community music making and the Irish aural music tradition. I learned Traditional Irish fiddle, rediscovered my guitar and opened myself to the scope, beauty and unique qualities of ‘vernacular’ (ordinary, day-to-day, normal) music.
Whether you make music a little or a lot with your voice, or with an instrument, you are creating something beautiful. My passion is to bring people together to celebrate and generate music of all kinds. My approach is joyful, inclusive, relaxed, informal and fun and I aim to ensure that all participants feel uplifted, happy and end the session with a big smile. ” Sarahs Website
What is included?
This covers the singing, accommodation, food for breakfast and lunch, and the evening meal when you arrive on the first night.
Our fire pit overlooking Muckish mountain. On a fine evening, it’s magical to light a fire, and sing around the fire.
Food and shops
There are 2 little supermarkets in Falcarragh, one mile away.
Markets: veg and fish market on Friday mornings.
Evening meals
Previous singers have really enjoyed cooking the evening meal in groups. It was fun! So to keep costs down, the plan is that each group buys, prepares and cooks an evening meal. If you are not a confident cook- don’t worry! There are always plenty of good cooks and people to help. There are also great local fish and chips and we can treat ourselves to a meal out in the pub too.
Please let us know any special dietary needs.
What to Bring
Bring clothes for all eventualities. Rain gear and walking shoes essential.
Midge repellant (they can be an issue in damp weather in the summer.)
Song House will provide all linen and towels, but if you like swimming, bring a swimming towel.
There is a guitar here you can use. Bring musical instruments, stories, games, poems to make our own entertainment in the evenings.
“This week has been all that I had hoped for and more. The alchemy of the Song House ethos, Sarah’s infectious enthusiasm and gentle facilitation, plus fifteen warm and wonderful personalities created joyous harmony.”
M Lipton, London
“I’ve songs inside, a voice I never knew. Amidst cheery company I’ve enjoyed the hills and the sea; we’ve shared meals and many a laugh. The Song House magic will abide with me. The Song House has given me singing wings. THANK YOU Sarah.” P Cheal, London
“You have put your heart and soul into this week to take us all on an extraordinary journey of discovery through song. It is difficult to find words to describe this unique and special experience which I am truly grateful for.” LW Kerry
“Loved the singing. Was great to be back to it. Filled up my singing tank. Candy you make it so easy to learn and enjoyable. You have a fantastic skill which makes singing accessible to everyone. Thank you for sharing it.” ZG Northern Ireland April 2018
My highlights? Candy’s leadership. And I loved being part of the creation process of a new song, by a local singer songwriter- ‘Spread your Wings’ DD June 2018
“Coming back to Donegal and the Song House was what my soul needed, it filled me with a feeling of connection with nature, with humanity as well as with myself.” AB India 2019
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart and renewed soul for the most wonderful week where through your most special guidance, generosity and hospitality singing has given me so much more than I expected or could have imagined.” RG Dublin 2019
Travel
You can travel to Falcarragh easily by public transport.
• Daily Coaches from Belfast to Falcarragh (2 ¾ hours). The coach doesn’t stop at Belfast International airport, but if you phone them, they’ll arrange for a taxi to drop you from the airport to meet the coach on the main road: gallagherscoaches.com
• Hourly minibus from Belfast airport to Derry: www.airporter.co.uk
Local buses will get you from Derry to Letterkenny, then on to Falcarragh.
• Regular flights from Glasgow and Dublin to Donegal airport. 30 min drive from Song House. The car hire at Donegal airport is more expensive. Or get a taxi.
• To drive, Google maps reference is on our website
Our public liability insurance covers you for injury due to our negligence during the holiday but it does not cover you for injury from other causes or for loss or damage to your property. We cannot accept responsibility for illness, injury or loss, other than that caused by our proven negligence.
“I have been making and playing music for as long as I can remember. I was firmly rooted in the western classical tradition. Later in life I moved to Ireland and discovered a world of joyful community music making and the Irish aural music tradition. I learned Traditional Irish fiddle, rediscovered my guitar and opened myself to the scope, beauty and unique qualities of ‘vernacular’ (ordinary, day-to-day, normal) music.