Gaelic Song and Nature Retreat
Discover the deep connections between Gaelic song, Highland culture, and the natural world in this unique weekend retreat led by acclaimed musicians Brian Ó hEadhra and Fionnag NicChoinnich. This gentle and inclusive residential offers space to explore your voice, learn traditional songs, and immerse yourself in the landscapes that have shaped centuries of our musical heritage. Whether you are a complete beginner or an experienced singer, you will find a warm welcome, a supportive atmosphere, and a chance to engage creatively with the living traditions of the Highlands.
What you can expect
Across the weekend, you will explore a varied selection of traditional songs from the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, with an emphasis on nature, place-connection, and cultural understanding. Workshops will be delivered in English, with Gaelic woven in naturally and accessibly, allowing participants of all language levels to take part confidently.
- unaccompanied Gaelic singing
- guidance on vocal style and finding your authentic voice
- song provenance, stories, and cultural insight
- opportunities for creative reflection
- gentle nature-based activities
- optional one-to-one support
- shared music-making and community singing
The retreat is designed to be enriching, restorative, and welcoming to adults of all ages.
Who is Gaelic Song and Nature Retreat for?
- Ideal for anyone interested in Gaelic song, culture, and heritage.
- Ideal for singers of all abilities, from beginners to fluent Gaelic speakers.
- Ideal for people seeking a creative, reflective experience in a beautiful Highland environment.
- Ideal for those wishing to explore the relationship between land, language, and culture.
If you are looking for an experience with more of a focus on the Gaelic landscape, check out our Gaelic Experience.
Most sessions are accessible to all. Some outdoor activities may involve moderate walking; please contact the Centre if you have specific accessibility questions.
Gaelic Song and Nature Retreat Dates
Friday 2 – Sunday 4 October 2026
Single occupancy room: £795
Shared occupancy twin or double room: £1200 (£600pp)
Maximum 12 participants
Your Hosts
Brian Ó hEadhra and Fionnag NicChoinnich are internationally respected singers and culture-bearers based in the Highlands. Their work spans traditional Gaelic song, composition, education, and community engagement. With decades of experience performing across Scotland and beyond, they bring a gentle, knowledgeable, and inclusive approach to teaching. Their company Anam Communications has published the acclaimed song book and album: Òrain Cèilidh Teaghlaich – The Family Cèilidh Gaelic Song Collection. Learn more at: brian-fionnag.com and brian-oheadhra.com
Gaelic Song and Nature Retreat Itinerary
You will receive a finalised itinerary and kit list via email in the fortnight ahead of the residential. All meals are included and will be served in our An Nead café or as a packed lunch to take with you. Please note: activities, locations, and timings may be subject to change.
| Day One – Gaelic Song and Nature Retreat – Arrivals and welcome lunch (12.30pm) – Introductory guided walk – exploring the land, stories, and ecology of Dundreggan – Song workshop – Check in to rooms, and free time to settle and unpack – Dinner – Evening song circle in a relaxed, informal setting |
| Day Two – Gaelic Song and Nature Retreat – Breakfast (8 – 9am) – Morning song workshop – Natural wool dying session – Lunch – Song workshop – Optional one-to-one or small-group song sessions – Free time – Dinner – Highland Cèilidh – an evening of music, dance, and community, open to the public. |
| Day Three – Gaelic Song and Nature Retreat – Breakfast (8 – 9am) – Check out of rooms and return keys – Visit to the Tree Nursery – Closing reflection and shared singing – Lunch – Departures (2pm) |
Accommodation
Immerse yourself in the Caledonian forest with two nights in our accommodation, An Spiris. Stay in the double or twin en-suite rooms and relax in the comfortable and cosy communal space. Towels and bed linen are provided, and a boot room is available for drying outdoor gear.
Please get in touch if you would like to extend your stay (arriving sooner or staying extra nights) in An Spiris.