About Us

Our Mission

Our mission is to create a space where individuals and groups can renew, transform and reconnect with Nature and Spirit, through song, culture and stillness

Sustainability and Eco Values

In line with our mission, it has been a major priority that the Song House is restored and maintained to the highest environmental standards possible.

  • An air-sourced heat pump provides all heating and hot water.

  • Triple glazed windows throughout the house.

  • In 2019 we installed a series of 14 solar panels.

  • We use recycled building materials where possible.

  • We have designed and developed an organic garden around the Song House.

  • We make our own compost, and encourage guests to contribute to this.

  • We have a herb garden for use by visitors.

  • Recycling facilities.

  • Ecological cleaning products.

Surroundings

The Song House lies in the heart of the Donegal Gaeltacht – an area where the native Irish language is commonly spoken. Sandwiched between wild and expansive Atlantic sandy beaches on one side, and the Derryveagh mountain range on the other, with superb views of Muckish mountain to the east. Enjoy a good hike? From the summit of Errigal or Muckish mountains you will be rewarded with a panorama of the whole of northwest Ireland.

Every day, something of staggering beauty can take your breath away: wind blown patterns in the sand, unusual cloud formations, an unexpected cluster of wild orchids along a lane, or the lark’s song high above the bogland.

History

This Donegal cottage was originally restored and named The Poets’ House, and was a centre of literary activity for over 20 years. Regular visitors included the legendary Seamus Heaney.

The area is steeped in living myth and tradition, history and archaeology. If you love traditional culture and music, you will find plenty of it in the pubs and halls around.

Meet The Team

Candy Verney

Candy Verney is a woman of vision, creativity and courage, so when she got the call to purchase the then Poets House in 2015, she took the leap and answered that call. She and Robin have since converted it into The Song House, a comfortable, sustainable and beautiful retreat centre with fruitful organic gardens.

Candy is a choir director and trainer, who for the last 27 years has been building communities through song, facilitating thousands to find their voice. She has written several song books for Choirs. (link)

She directs The Pan European Choir with members across Europe, and a local choir from the Song House - Cór an Chroí.

Robin Botley

Robin’s passion is working with organisations that support men getting their lives on track. The Song House facilitates this work. But he also combines taking on the maintenance role at the Song House, enhancing the garden with designing and constructing unique walls and gates, and working with volunteers.

Paul McCann

Paul fell in love with the Donegal countryside while spending time out on the land at the end of 2022. Looking for somewhere to develop his voice and his poetry, he was thrilled when the opportunity for the Song House coordinator position came up.

As Coordinator, Paul is responsible for most of the day-to-day running and organisation of the house. He loves working with people, and being able to offer them a space to learn, explore and grow.