Fiddlers Retreat offers a series of immersive music retreats throughout the year, created for musicians who value depth, focus, and time with their instrument. Across the programme, retreats explore a wide range of musical themes and ways of working — including bow control and flow, rhythmic lift and internal pulse, foundational technique for returning players, phrasing and ornamentation as tools of expression, building a confident core repertoire, slow airs and O’Carolan melodies, teaching Irish style and passing it on, and the psychology of performance and confidence. These areas of focus are not treated as fixed categories, but as interconnected aspects of musicianship, with content shaped responsively to the needs and experience of each group.
Each retreat is offered in two formats within the same week: a mid-week option from Tuesday to Friday morning and a weekend option from Friday to Monday morning. These formats provide two entry points into the same experience, allowing musicians to choose the rhythm that best suits their lives.
Across both mid-week and weekend formats, retreats are designed to offer a balanced, immersive experience centred on music-making, learning, and integration. Time is intentionally structured to allow focused tuition alongside space for reflection, informal playing, and rest. While the timing of sessions differs, the quality, depth, and intention of the retreat experience remain the same — shaped by the group, the music, and the natural rhythm of the days.
While a schedule of retreat dates is outlined below, musicians are warmly invited to enquire about additional mid-week or weekend dates that are not currently listed online. Where availability allows, we are happy to explore alternative dates or small bespoke group options.
Retreat Dates
Mid-Week (Tuesday–Friday morning) | Weekend (Friday–Monday morning)
Mid-Week: 20–23 January | Weekend: 23–26 January
Mid-Week: 24–27 February | Weekend: 27 February–2 March
Mid-Week: 17–20 March | Weekend: 20–23 March
Mid-Week: 14–17 April | Weekend: 17–20 April
Mid-Week: 19–22 May | Weekend: 22–25 May
Mid-Week: 16–19 June | Weekend: 19–22 June
Mid-Week: 25–28 August | Weekend: 28–31 August
Mid-Week: 8–11 September | Weekend: 11–14 September
Mid-Week: 13–16 October | Weekend: 16–19 October
Mid-Week: 17–20 November | Weekend: 20–23 November
What’s Included
Each Fiddlers Retreat is intentionally small and carefully structured to support deep musical learning, rest, and connection.
Your retreat includes six hours of guided small-group tuition with founder Theresa Bourke. Teaching is immersive, supportive, and responsive, allowing musicians to deepen technique, listening, and confidence at a sustainable pace.
Tuition is scheduled as follows:
• Mid-Week Retreats: Two hours of tuition on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings, with one shared evening session on Wednesday night.
• Weekend Retreats: Two hours of tuition on Friday evening, Saturday morning, and Sunday morning, with one additional evening session held on either Friday night or Sunday evening, depending on the flow and needs of the group.
Accommodation is provided at the four-star Anner Hotel and Leisure Centre, Thurles, on a bed and breakfast basis, with each guest enjoying their own private room. Guests are free to choose where and when they dine, allowing flexibility to enjoy local restaurants and pubs at their own pace.
Optional online post-retreat coaching is available for those who wish to consolidate learning after returning home.
Theresa will meet and collect you from your hotel reception area, bring you to your workshop and session and return you to the hotel afterwards.
Fee: €1150
How to Reserve Your Place
To enquire about a Fiddlers Retreat, the simplest and preferred way is to send a text message or WhatsApp. You are also very welcome to get in touch by email if you prefer.
When you contact us, please let us know whether you are interested in a mid-week or weekend retreat, the dates that suit you best (including any dates not currently listed online), and a brief outline of your musical background or playing experience.
Once we hear from you, we’ll confirm availability, answer any questions you may have, and guide you through the next steps. There’s no obligation at enquiry stage — it’s simply a conversation to see what fits.
Email: info@fiddlersretreat.com
