Contact Fiddlers Retreat
Fiddlers Retreat
Theresa Bourke,
Thurles,
Co. Tipperary
Ireland
Tel: +353 86 8099661
Also using Whatsapp and SMS
How to Reserve Your Place
To begin your Fiddlers Retreat journey, simply let us know your preferred retreat, the dates that suit you best, and a few details about your musical background or playing experience. This helps us ensure that each group is balanced and that your tuition is perfectly matched to your level.
Once we receive your preferences, we’ll confirm availability, answer any questions you may have, and guide you through the simple booking process.
Spaces are limited to maintain our small-group atmosphere, so early reservation is encouraged — particularly for the Slow Air & O’Carolan and Teacher Training retreats, which fill quickly.
Share your interest, and we’ll help you find the weekend that fits your music, your pace, and your path.
Fiddlers Retreat — Questions & Practical Info Page
Note: These FAQs expand on the itinerary and booking details. Theresa may adjust content and pacing to maximise learning outcomes for each group.
Getting Here
Where is Fiddlers Retreat located?
We’re based in Thurles, County Tipperary, Ireland, within 10 minutes of Thurles Train Station. Trains run regularly from Dublin, Cork and Limerick.
Do you offer transfers?
Yes — local transfers between Thurles Station and your accommodation can be arranged on arrival and departure days. Just let us know your train time when booking.
Which airports are best?
Dublin and Shannon are the nearest major airports. Both connect easily by train to Thurles.
Accommodation & Meals
Where will I stay?
Guests stay in single‑occupancy, en‑suite rooms in a nearby partner hotel or equivalent standard accommodation. www.annerhotel.ie There’s no single supplement.
What meals are included?
Two home‑cooked lunches (Saturday & Sunday) are included. Dinners, drinks, and snacks outside of these meals are not included.
Where can I eat in the evenings?
We’ll recommend a few local favourites — from hearty pub fare in Upperchurch to Thurles restaurants with live music. Each evening is your own to explore or rest.
Can you cater for dietary needs?
Yes, with advance notice. Common dietary requirements (vegetarian, gluten‑free, dairy‑free) can be accommodated for the home‑cooked lunches.
Schedule & Pacing
Is it intense or relaxed?
The retreat is immersive but never rushed. There’s time for reflection, rest, and informal music‑making between workshops.
I’m not a professional — is that okay?
Absolutely. We welcome upper‑beginner to advanced players. Workshops are layered so each musician can work at their own level.
What if I don’t play fiddle?
Melody players on compatible instruments (flute, whistle, accordion) are occasionally accepted by arrangement. Ask before booking.
Excursions & Culture
What kind of excursions do you offer?
Typical options include visits to Rock of Cashel, Holycross Abbey, or a local craft or heritage site. Each trip connects music to landscape and story — the living context of Irish tradition.
Are these trips included in the price?
Yes, the group excursion and evening session transport are included. Personal sightseeing or extra taxis are not.
Booking & Payment
How do I book?
Send a short enquiry through the Contact page or email info@fiddlersretreat.com. We’ll confirm availability and send your booking form.
What’s the deposit?
A €250 non‑refundable deposit secures your place. The balance is due four weeks before arrival.
What if I need to cancel?
Cancellations up to four weeks before arrival may transfer to a future date (subject to availability). Full details are in the booking policy.
Extras & Add‑Ons
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Private lesson: One‑to‑one coaching available on request (€80/hour)
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Photo/video package: Add professional session photos to document your experience
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Safety & Accessibility
Is the retreat accessible?
Workshops take place in accessible indoor venues. Please mention mobility needs when booking so arrangements can be made.
What about safety and insurance?
Guests are responsible for personal travel insurance and instrument care. Retreat activities are low‑risk and follow standard safety guidelines.
Testimonials
“Theresa’s teaching made everything click — it wasn’t just tunes, it was understanding the soul of the music.”
— Aine, Canada
“I left inspired and confident. The blend of playing, food and laughter was exactly what I needed.”
— Michael, UK
Any other questions? Email info@fiddlersretreat.com — you’ll get a personal reply from Theresa.
Please always add us to your address book and check your Junk Folder for our replies.
Getting to Fiddlers Retreat
Getting to Fiddlers Retreat could not be easier as it is situated in the heart of Ireland, near Thurles in Co. Tipperary with excellent road and rail links.
Irish Rail is our only rail service provider. www.irishrail.ie
Dublin Heuston is your train station from Dublin - or Cork (Kent) Station from Cork City or Limerick (Colbert) station from Limerick which is 20km from Shannon airport.
Thurles is your destination. Duration 1 hour 10 minutes.
Suggested arrival time 3:00 p.m. to the Anner Hotel. Check out of hotel at 12:00 on Friday for onward train to Dublin.
Do you offer transfers?
Yes — local transfers between Thurles Station and your accommodation can be arranged on arrival and departure days. Just let us know your train time when booking.
From Dublin Airport:
Take the Dublin Express bus, www.dublinexpress.ie, from the bus pick-up areas as is directed on all signage as you exit the airport arrivals hall. You will walk through a glass tunnel and take the lift to get down to ground level. The Dublin Express service desk is located beside the ground level elevator lift. The Dublin Express bus serves the city centre and stops at the main entrance to Heuston station.
It takes approximately two hours from the time you land and collect your baggage to making your way (5 minute walk) from the arrivals hall to the bus stop, wait for the bus and then make your transfer.
The actual bus journey time is 1 hour at quieter times to 1 hour 30 minutes at busy times.
When you arrive at Heuston Train Station, take the train to Thurles which is on the Dublin to Cork/Limerick route. Journey time 1 hour 10 minutes. www.irishrail.ie
From Shannon Airport:
Take the Bus Eireann transfer from outside the arrivals hall to Limerick city train station. Journey time 45 minutes approximately. €6 single ticket.
Take the train to Thurles which is on the Dublin route. Journey time 1 hour. www.irishrail.ie
From Cork Airport:
Take the transfer bus to Cork Kent train station. Journey time 30 mins approx.
Take the train to Thurles which is on the Dublin route. Journey time approx 1 hour 30 mins. www.irishrail.ie