Looking for a retreat centre in Co. Donegal, Ireland?

Hire the Song House

The Song House (Teach na nAmhrán) is a creative space that is available for hire throughout the year.

Originally named The Poets’ House, it was a centre of literary activity for over two decades, with regular visitors including Seamus Heaney. Under its present musical ownership the house continues to be full of character, and to inspire creativity and learning. The unique history and beautiful surroundings make this the perfect retreat centre.

Retreat Centre Ireland

Set in the heart of the traditional Gaeltacht area of Donegal, and with spectacular views over to Muckish mountain, The Song House ~ Teach na nAmhrán, lies on the Wild Atlantic Way. The drama and beauty of the local landscape will take your breath away. Spectacular three mile sandy dune beaches, wide expanses of blue or stormy skies, the iconic Muckish mountain (The Hog’s Back) and Tory island, surrounded by a skirt of turquoise sea glinting in the evening light.

Historical sites… Glenveagh National Park… archaeology and mythology… the area has it all.

The Song House is less than five minutes drive from Falcarragh and 2 miles from the sea.

If this sounds like your cup of tea but you are not looking to hire a retreat centre then our Singing Holidays and Cultural Breaks will be up your street.

Please check the availability

We offer 2 packages:

1. Book the Song House on a self catering basis and do your own thing.

2. We offer a service to help and support you, to make your trip a truly memorable one that you will never forget. See below for a taste of the masses of things to do and see here.

Bring your group

The large workshop room (approx. 32 1/2 sq metres) is an ideal centre for residential workshops and is used for a range of activities including singing, dance, yoga and meditation, and as a base for surfing and hiking in the local area. Bands have come to work on their latest album. As with all the bedrooms there is an inspirational view Muckish Mountain.

The house has recently been renovated with environmental principles in mind. It is comfortably appointed with an air-sourced heating system and triple-glazed windows making it warm and cosy even in the Donegal winters. It is simple but tastefully decorated, with original art and photographs in all rooms.

Why come to the Song House?

• Profound peace and relaxation

• Gorgeous Singing room / Workshop room overlooking Muckish mountain

• Simple but beautiful bedrooms, all overlooking Muckish mountain. Original art and photographs on the walls

• The Song House lies in the Gaeltacht, the Irish speaking part of Donegal. Hear the Irish language being spoken, and experience a truly warm Irish welcome

• Fantastic traditional Irish music in local pubs, with a friendly atmosphere

• Listen to the authentic sean-nos, an old Irish traditional way of singing

• Climb spectacular Muckish mountain, reward yourself with a view over the whole of Northwest Donegal.

• Visit the ruins of Ray Church beside the Ray river, sacked by Cromwell 400 years ago but still standing, with a 24ft cross made out of a single stone- largest in Ireland

• Walk on the old Burtonport to Derry Railway path, just 10 mins from Song House. Bogland, mountain, heather and rowan. Parts of the line have recently been renovated as a hiking route

• Drumnatinney beach stretches for three miles along the wild Atlantic coastline. Swim, surf or just soak up the sun

• Visit Tullahobegley graveyard, just down the road. This is a prehistoric site, most likely the focus for rituals as far back as 3000 BC Associated with the Celtic God Lugh, and also a very early Christian site

• Spend a day at Glenveagh National Park, visit the Castle and the exceptional Italian Garden on the estate that is now the home of a thousand red deer

Testimonials

  • “As a leader of retreats and gatherings I am thrilled to have found the Song House and for the Song House to have found me. If you are looking for a facility that has both indoor and outdoor work spaces in a tranquil picturesque setting then, the Song House fits the bill! The hosts Candy and Robin offer the best in Celtic hospitality. So many delightful spaces to wander and gather in are within close proximity. Fabulous beaches, faerie groves, waterfalls, ring forts, holy wells and historical finds, stunning views of forests, hills, mountains and the Wild Atlantic Way will call to your heart, they certainly call to mine. I had the pleasure of staying here in March and I have booked again to bring a group in September 2020. They also offer retreat opportunities for those seeking meaningful encounters in life. I recommend looking up all that they have to offer and to venturing this way and experiencing the delights for your self.”

    Andrew

  • “A wonderful warm space for a large group. Well equipped kitchen, ample space to relax, dance or play table tennis. Incredible views of Muckish mountain and a beautiful garden space. Short hop to Falcarragh and Dunfannaghy for great food, pints and scenic beach & forest walks. Don't hesitate to book! An absolute gem.”

    Rory

  • “Gorgeous stay at the Song House, it is well set up to accommodate larger groups and provides the perfect jumping off point to explore the stunning surroundings. The house has a beautiful garden (complete with herbs for cooking) with a fire pit and views of Muckish mountain. Candy was a really responsive host and helped us a few additional requests as and when they popped up.”

    Matt

  • “The Song House is one of those places that stays in your memory for years, if not decades, to come. Our stay was special to begin with as we were staying at the Song House in the few days leading up to a wedding. The stunning views of muckish mountain, the proximity to beautiful Falcarragh beach and glenveagh national park and the bright and airy rooms of the Song House put the property at the top of our list however it was Candy’s warm welcome and the Song House’s special history as a place of legendary poet conferences which made the trip so memorable. The house is large and airy and has everything you would need to cater for a large group. We would come back in a heartbeat! Thanks so much Candy!”

    Meabh

  • "This is a magical place. Not only is it warm and inviting but there is a sense of “come and be at peace” when you enter. The gathering room. Is the heart of Song House. I’ve been here for two different courses and this room was where the learning, growth, reflections, laughs and wonder occurred. Thank you Robyn, and Candy for sharing this space. GRMA"

    Freda

  • "Recently took place on a week long training at Song house and cannot say enough good about the place or the management. The whole experience was really positive from the location, layout of the house, the facilities and the generosity, kindness and fun of the management team.. I would highly recommend a visit :)"

    Emma

  • "The Spiritual Ecology weekend I attended recently at the Song House was deeply enriched by the warm presence and energy of Host Candy. Such a beautiful location, a comfortable space with stunning views out over some the best parts of the Donegal landscape."

    Sinead

You can find more reviews on our Google profile and Airbnb