From the wild to the wonderful – a cultural retreat in Connemara

Are you looking for an opportunity to immerse yourself in the heartland of Irish language, culture and tradition? Cnoc Suain, is an award-winning cultural-retreat centre based in the Connemara Gaeltacht.  In 2009 Cnoc Suain, which was created by Dearbhaill Standún and Charlie Troy, received a much-coveted Guardian Ethical Travel Award.

“Inspired by the spectacular, ancient landscape which surrounds us, our philosophy at Cnoc Suain is to preserve this pristine environment, and to nurture the unique culture of Conamara.” commented Dearbhaill.

The 17th-century hill village is now home to Dearbhaill and Charlie’s centre for creative arts, heritage and natural history. Here you can bone up on your Celtic mythology and spirituality or attempt to capture the haunting quality of Connemara's brittle wilderness in watercolours, as well as been on an even more elemental mission – how to bake the perfect loaf of soda bread.

As Irish speakers, musicians, natural scientists, teachers and owners of Cnoc Suain, they invite you to join them on 200 acres of stunningly beautiful ancient landscape, overlooking mountains, lake and sea.

Situated in an Irish speaking area, steeped in traditional music, song and dance. Cnoc Suain is also rich in the unique flora and fauna of the wild and beautiful Conamara landscape.

Thatched and slate-roofed stone cottages, some dating back to 1691, and providing modern conveniences (discretely) for the comfort of guests, exude peace, tranquility, comfort and ease.

Cnon Suain offers programmes and activities which take place over a weekend for private and public groups to engage with the Irish culture and heritage within unique and idyllic surroundings.  These activities vary from educational activitites such as the Gaeilge Bheo, a weekend course which helps those who have studied the Irish language previously to communicate the Gaeilge they have already learnt through activities which emphasis on communication. Another, the opportunity for beginners to learn the tin whistle from the internationally acclaimed master musician and teacher Mary Bergin.

If you would prefer a more relaxing time, Cnoc Suain, provides Folkloric evenings where some of Irelands finest traditional musicians hare with you their music and stories, while the highly ornamented and unique sean-nós (old style Irish/Gaelic) singing – passed from generation to generation – can be enjoyed in its true heartland.

So if you’re looking for some time-out or feel the need to reconnect with your identity and heritage, give Dearbhaill or Charlie a call, they’ll be delighted to help you out!

Visit their website here.