Singing
On the Wild Side
May/June 2025
Singing Holiday on Ireland’s Beautiful Wild Atlantic Way
With Sarah Garden
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
Course Dates
30th May 2025
6th June 2025
to
What is included?
All the singing, accommodation, food for breakfast and lunch, and the evening meal when you arrive on the first night.
Evening meals
Previous singers have really enjoyed cooking the evening meal in groups of three. It was fun!
So to keep costs down, the plan is that each group of three buys, prepares and cooks an evening meal. It works out at once a week only. 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.
Arrival and Departure Times
Arrive from 4-6pm on the first evening
Depart after breakfast on the final day
Pattern of the Day
We sing for 3 hours every morning. The middle of each day will be free time to explore, do your own thing.
Most evenings we’ll eat together, then after a communal clear up (with more singing of course), we either have a visiting speaker or singer, or we sing, and create our own entertainment by sharing songs and making space for those who wish to share their talents, be they musical, storytelling or games.
Traditional culture in this area of Donegal is wonderfully vibrant, and we often invite local singers, poets, history or archeology experts to give us a session. There are several videos of Diane Cannon and Noeleen ní Cholla, both wonderful ‘seán-nós’ singers, singing at the Song House on our Facebook page.
There are local music sessions on Tuesday evening and Sunday afternoon.
For travel to the Song House, please see our Getting Here page.
Please take some time to familiarise yourself with our Cancellation Policy.
About the Teacher…
“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.”
Sarah Garden
Testimonials
You can find more testimonials on our Singing Holidays page.
“It was a wonderful week. We’ve learned a lot of songs, and a lot about our voices. Sarah is an energetic, enthusiastic and gifted teacher. The house is very welcoming in a great location. The fire outside was wonderful on Tuesday evening. And we had wonderful weather - a great bonus! Thanks for the lovely welcome and hospitality.”
“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”
“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. We have enjoyed glorious weather, the stunning Donegal scenery - and many many laughs. Thank you!”
“Loved Sarah’s warm lighthearted vibe and strong work ethic. We learned a lot and laughed a lot. Loved nationality mix too. Loved the fireside session with other group. Loved Song House and your commitment to healing the world with song.”