Teach na nAmhrán: The
Song House
A
stunning retreat centre for choirs and other creative groups, in falcarragh,
Donegal
Can you imagine bringing your choir
here, for some creative time away together?
Situated within
the heart of the traditional Gaeltacht area of Donegal, Teach na nAmhrán is a
perfect residential place for groups of musicians and singers to come away on
creative retreat, and to connect with the vibrant traditional music scene of
Ireland.
Over the past
year, Candy Verney, a choir director herself, has renovated the house for her
singing work: Singing on the Wild Side
singing holidays, Community Choir Leader Trainings, and workshops. It is also available
for hire to other
creative groups as well as family holidays.
Originally named
The Poets’ House, it was a centre of literary activity for over 20 years with
regular visitors including Seamus Heaney.
The
Song House has a beautiful
sunny workshop space accommodating 35 people, with a fine singing acoustic. It
can sleep
12-14, all rooms looking out onto the iconic Muckish Mountain, and there is
also a B&B next door, accommodating another 6. We have had groups of up to
32 staying for the weekend, using extra local accommodation.
Lying
on the Wild Atlantic Way, the drama and beauty of the local landscape takes your
breath away- spectacular 3 mile sandy dune beaches, wide expanses of blue or
stormy skies, the iconic Muckish mountain (the hogs back), Tory island
surrounded by a skirt of turquoise sea glinting in the evening light. Historical
sites, Glenveagh National Park, archaeology, the area has it all.
The local music
scene is fantastic- music sessions go on most nights in local pubs, as well as
music events connecting to the Gaeltacht, the Irish speaking area of Donegal. In
June/July there are no less than 4 festivals going on in the area, including
the Earagail Arts Festival which
hosts international artists and musicians. You
can still hear singers singing in the old style of ‘sean-nos’.
There are some
beautiful places nearby to take a group to sing: check out my former choir Sounding
It Out singing in the ruined Ray church. Our coach driver was in tears.
You can see why
this landscape inspired Enya, who came from close by, and I can imagine being
inspired to record an album here.
If you like the idea, but need a helping hand to work
out the logistics, I can facilitate your trip so that you have the kind of
trip that will stay in your soul forever. I
see it as part of my job to introduce you to local musicians, artists and
contacts, as well as give you ideas of where to go for hikes, swims, ancient
and historical visits.
More photos and information are available on
our new website: www.thesonghouseireland.com
Contact me and we can make a time to chat
further.
Candy Verney
Singing towards Change
www.thesonghouseireland.com
I have also published a group of inspiring songs
for choirs- Songs from Life.