Singing 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.
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.
Testimonials
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 2022
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 2022
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 2019
It filled my heart and my voice to sing its beauty in harmony with all that is- so much gratitude to Candy and Joseph for making this week to remembered and cherished forever and ever.. AB 2019
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 2019
"Our escape to the opening up of the Song House to song, banter and laughter is a week to remember forever. It's healing vibration 🎵 will stay with me to draw on in times of stress.I might not be communicating but each of you are stamped in my mind and soul I will carry you and that special week in my heart always.Thanks again to Candy and Robin for facilitating that atmosphere." B 2021
It’s hard to really put into words the way this week has affected me but I feel it very deeply within and I now carry a beautiful sense of joy I can take wherever I go. RG 2019
All I can say is keep doing what you’re doing, you have brought something wonderful to all and I leave with a desire to have singing in my life from now on and with a new sense of possibility and community. RG 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 2019
So many opportunities for exploring, climbing, hiking and wandering; a week wasn't enough. I loved the Song House, and the whole holiday. I hope to be back to get the bit of my heart I left here. PB 2018
"Hugely recommend - if you love to sing and cannot get enough come to Singing On The Wild Side. Plus, enjoy getting to really feel and know the real Donegal" PB 2018
"Wonderful singing. Beautiful Place. Such Generosity from Candy & Robin in sharing this place, their friends and knowledge of the area and the music" SM 2018
"Wonderful to bring in authentic local talent. We learned a lot. Loved being part of the creation process of a new song, by a local singer songwriter- ‘Spread your Wings’ "- D 2018
"Gorgeous, welcoming, inclusive, beautiful singing, wonderful views, gorgeous community." - ZG 2018
"Candy's singing holiday at the Song House has been one of the most enjoyable experiences of my adult life, sharing poignant uplifting songs and stories with lovely people, surrounded by natural beauty."
- CG 2019
"The welcoming environment leads to an easy building of community. A fabulous week! Loved the singing and it's variety." - G 2018
"The singing, the song, the way it is taught without any pressure, but focused.
The harmony in the group! The landscape!!!" - BB 2018
"I cannot take it for granted to find such a friendly harmonic and lovely group. " C 2018
"Singing- loved the oneness, harmonies, trust, openness, wild flowers, chatting to local people in pubs, Guinness, feeling part of Donegal’s living history, the Gaelic language, books at Song House" JT Somerset, UK 2017
Candy and Robin have created an open-hearted, comfortable home and centre for gatherings and music making and have taken great care to make our singing holiday a culturally, musically, and personally enriching experience"
CG 2019
"J’ai enormement apprecié gue les chansons soient en quelque sorte ‘sur-mesure’ pur le groupe: thématiques, arrangements, une vraie immersion dans le Donegal." MC Paris 2017
"Excellent singing- I have opened my singing voice. The songs ‘Don’t Fence me in’ and When the Ice Came’ transformed me personally and touched my soul" ES india 2017
"Candy is a superb voice coach, the atmosphere was spot-on: truly delightful, building all week." MD Donegal 2017
"Candy you are a wonderful teacher/director!" RR Devon UK 2017
"loved meeting such lovely people who although from different backgrounds and cultures, all have singing in common We are all separate notes in a beautiful harmony" ED Bristol UK
Unique Singing Experience
Each singing holiday is a very special stand alone experience, the music that we make on the singing holiday is of a high quality. We always have at least one song that is either especially composed or arranged for that particular holiday. We work on it and if the song writer is local, which we aim for – we invite them over. It’s a very special occasion as we are working on a completely new piece of music and performing it for the first time, it’s a fantastic musical experience.
Contact us if you have any questions.
Candy Verney
Singing on the Wild Side is the vision of Candy Verney. Candy is a choir director who for the last 25 years has been building communities through song, facilitating thousands to find their voice. When the opportunity of a lifetime came her way, Candy acquired the Song House. She has since converted it into a comfortable, sustainable and beautiful retreat centre with productive organic gardens. She runs singing holidays and choir leadership trainings there, and it is available for other groups to use too.