So, is it too good to be true? Absolutely not, from what all previous guests have said. Being welcomed into the heart of the Bourke family home immediately sets you up for a friendly, personalised, and enrichingly Irish experience. Generations upon generations of this family have lived in Loughmore village (County Tipperary) which is now well and truly being introduced to the world in a very quiet and unpretentious way.

The traditional village location for this vacation takes you away from the usual large city base and allows you to see aspects of local country life. Enjoy an evening drink with the locals who are more than happy to share views and opinions on the topical issues of today and yesteryear. The weather is always a good opening line! Take a stroll down by the river, enjoy the green fields, bird-song and views of the historic castle and mill. It’s a love poem.

From the moment you arrive you will feel straight at home here. This family-run affair offers a relaxing and activity-filled vacation where no stone is left unturned to ensure the experience lives up to your dream Irish holiday. The list of outings and things to do that are packed into your trip will undoubtedly have you checking that your passport is in date and packing your suitcases ready for the off.

The Irish music, culture, and cookery appreciation vacation is an ideal way to sample a wide variety of activities. The days and nights are well organised and balanced with different things to do, from the fun and easy Tin Whistle and Irish language lessons for total beginners, outings to night-time traditional Irish music sessions and cheili dancing, cookery demonstrations, afternoon historic and scenic sightseeing tours.

There is also the specialist course for violin/fiddle enthusiasts. All levels of players are welcome to attend the different courses from absolute beginners to professional players. This course option offers daily fiddle tuition, afternoon scenic and historic sightseeing tours, home-cooked meals and of course many of the nights are spent out at the traditional Irish music sessions.

Regardless of whether or not you can play an instrument a package can be tailor-made to meet your individual requirements. The number of guests in attendence are always small so you will be sure to get top class attention.


Fiddlers’ Retreat was established by renowned traditional Irish fiddle player, Theresa Bourke. Having travelled the world with international Irish dance shows she realised there was an opening for a holiday experience that put people in touch with the real Ireland. The innovative and creative experience that is Fiddlers’ Retreat has been featured on national Irish TV, radio, and with numerous featured articles in newspapers and magazines in Ireland and abroad. Spaces are limited, so get your skates on and don’t say I didn’t tell you about it. Contact Theresa for more details.

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