The Irish Fiddle And Culture Retreat for guests who would like to incorporate Irish music tuition on fiddle with cultural excursions and workshops. Suitable for all levels of players from absolute beginners to professional musicians. Players of different ability levels are not in the same retreat week so you will never be out of your depth. 

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This programme is designed for guests wishing to experience both concentrated Irish music tuition as well as cultural aspects of life in Ireland. 

 

A portion of your day is spent learning how to play or improve the Irish Music Style of playing your instrument, e.g. tunes, techniques, bowing and phrasing. Your teacher, Theresa, has amassed almost 30 years teaching the specifics of Traditional Irish music to people from all over the world, from absolute beginners to professional violinists wanting to access the essence of how to make their music sound authentically Irish. Theresa will give you expert tuition and specific directions, suggestions and guidance in a gentle and effective manner during the course of your Irish Fiddle workshops - tuition Tuesday to Friday mornings. The class is tailored to include your specific needs and playing aspirations.  

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You will learn a few words of Gaelic and the history of the Irish language, see local handcrafts, walk the country hills and roads, explore ancient archaeological sights. Enjoy outings to historic and scenic sights. For example, in the town of Cashel you can visit The Rock of Cashel and Hoare Abbey. Treat yourself to Afternoon Tea in the newly refurbished 5* Cashel Palace Hotel. Spend an afternoon in the local town of Thurles - home of the G.A.A. (Gaelic Athletic Association) which is the national organisation for the traditional sports of Hurling and Football. The G.A.A. was founded in Thurles in 1884. 

Theresa will take you to two night time traditional Irish music sessions, Wednesday and Thursday nights. They are spent enjoying the local culture, meeting local people and musicians who share music, singing and storytelling. 

 

The itinerary is carefully planned to ensure guests really enjoy themselves as well as learn lots about Irelands rich cultural heritage. This retreat promises to be an authentic and unique holiday experience. You will be engaged from dawn until dusk. Tuesday arrival - Friday departure.

 

Cost : €1,350 p.p. 

 

We offer a reduction for accompanying, non-playing, guests taking part in all aspects of the retreat except for the music workshops. €1200

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Workshops and activities: 

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Irish music workshop on Irish Fiddle  - Tuesday to Friday - 2 hours duration daily. 

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Two daytime cultural outings to local towns and village with lots to see and do - Wednesday and Thursday departing at 2:00pm We will arrange your collection at a designated pick-up place in the town centre we are visiting at approximately 5:00pm. You will have ample time to enjoy the sights and have something to eat or enjoy a drink in one of many highly recommended places before returning to your accommodation in the evening. 

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Outing to two Traditional Irish music pub session is one of the many highly anticipated aspects of the week. Departing Fiddlers Retreat on Wednesday at 21:00pm for a session full of reels and jigs in Thurles towns famous Monks Pub. The session has been running for over 30 years, never missing a beat and you get the opportunity to meet musicians young and old. Thursday night at 20:30pm we go to your second traditional Irish music session up on the hills of Upperchurch parish to a farmhouse pub which, by the way, only opens up on Thursday night during the week especially for the session of singing, storytelling and music. A quaint spot with turf fires, nooks, crannies and character in abundance.

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Accommodation and Meals: 

Three nights homestay bed and breakfast accommodation - Tuesday (lunch and dinner), Wednesday (breakfast and evening dinner) and Thursday (breakfast and evening dinner)

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Home cooked family style evening meal served at approximately 6:30pm- Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. 

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You will be able to purchase two lunchtime snacks during your two afternoon outings on Wednesday and Thursday before returning to Fiddlers Retreat. We will guide you as to the type of cuisine you wish to enjoy with many great eateries available in our outing locations. 

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We will be organising all of the driving during the afternoon outings and for the pub sessions to enable you to relax and enjoy the sightseeing and music! 

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Admission to historical sights and tours at your own discretion.

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We will collect you from our local train station in Thurles and return you for your onward journey if you decide to come by train. 

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Tuesday morning arrival at 10:00am for the start of the music class - Friday departure at 12:20pm after the music class to meet your onward journey or train departure schedule. www.irishrail.ie

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