Singing
On the Wild Side
June 11th-18th 2026
A week-long singing immersion on Ireland’s Beautiful Wild Atlantic Way
With Una McCann
Singing on the Wild Side is a week-long residential singing immersion in Donegal, on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Rooted in the Natural Voice Network approach, this singing holiday brings people together to explore harmony singing, listening, and vocal confidence in a supportive, non-judgemental environment.
Each morning we sing together in the large, light-filled singing room at the Song House, with a beautiful acoustic and views across to Muckish Mountain. Over the course of the week, participants learn a rich repertoire of harmony songs — typically up to twelve — including Irish songs, world music, rounds, original arrangements, and moments of guided improvisation. Some songs gently stretch and challenge us, while others are there simply for the joy of singing together.
This singing retreat is also deeply connected to place. Alongside the core singing work, there are opportunities to engage with the rich cultural and natural landscape of Donegal. Optional activities may include sean-nós singing with local, award-winning singers, storytelling evenings, guided walks, and time spent exploring nearby beaches, mountains, rivers, and historic sites. Singing in resonant spaces — such as ancient church ruins — is often a highlight of the week.
The group lives together in a simple, communal way, sharing breakfasts and lunches and organising evening meals collectively. This shared rhythm helps a strong sense of community to form over the week, supporting both the musical work and the wider experience of rest, connection, and renewal.
Singing on the Wild Side welcomes a wide range of singers, from total beginners to more experienced harmony singers. The only requirement is a love of singing. By the end of the week, many people leave feeling rested, grounded, musically enriched, and more deeply connected — to their voice, to others, and to this wild Atlantic landscape.
THE COURSE
Daily group singing sessions led by a highly-experienced Natural Voice teacher
Focus on harmony, listening, blend, rhythm and musicality
Open to singers of all experience levels. Find your comfort zone or step out and challenge yourself.
A supportive, non-judgmental learning environment
Group size: Minimum 8 - Maximum 14 participants
Visits and performances by local award-winning Sean-nós singers.
Storytelling evenings.
Guided walks in stunning local landscapes
Oceanside sauna
Warm and welcoming music sessions is the local pubs.
(These activities are optional and offered at a modest additional cost - never more than €20 per activity).
ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
Accommodation & Living Together
The course is based at the Song House, with a range of accommodation options to suit different needs and budgets. Places are limited and allocated on a first-come basis.
Accommodation is simple, comfortable, and shared in spirit.
Meals
Breakfasts and lunches are included
Evening meals are organised communally
A small shared contribution covers all evening meals for the week
Cooking and eating together is part of the rhythm of the course and contributes to the sense of community. If you are not a confident cook, don’t worry! There are always plenty of good cooks.
Una McCann
About the Teacher…
‘Every day is a good day to sing together’
I’ve worked in music for all of my adult life as a singer, song-writer, musician and choir leader. I’ve been leading choirs in and around Belfast for over 20 years. I love what group singing does; the fun and friendship that appears when we invite our natural voices out to play. Harmony is like magic to me. It instantly creates joy and connection in the room. Having worked with some of my choirs for many years, I see the community that has built up and am in awe of the connections that have been made.
The songs that I share are songs that inspire, uplift, and are fun to sing. I have both classical training and a natural aural ability and can adapt each song to find something to suit each voice whether you are an experienced singer or an absolute beginner. The main ethos will always be to find our way into beautiful music in a fun and relaxing way. I look forward to singing with you!
Una is a member of the Natural Voice Network.
Costs
Base Course Fee: €760
(Covers full teaching programme, use of the Song House, hosting, facilitation, breakfasts and lunches)
Total Prices (Course + Accommodation)
Choose the option that suits you. All prices below are the full amount per person for the week.
(Accommodation options are limited and allocated on a first-come basis)
Course Dates
11th June 2026
18th June 2026
to
Arrival: 4pm onwards
Departure: 10am
Booking & Payment
A deposit is of €250 is required to secure your place.
The balance is due six weeks before the course begins.
Accommodation preferences are requested at booking and confirmed subject to availability
For travel to the Song House, please see our Getting Here page.
Please take some time to familiarise yourself with our Cancellation Policy.