17 – 21 July 2023
Leitrim, Ireland
About the Irish Culture Retreat:
An immersive week in the finest of Irish Culture and Traditions with Edwina Guckian and special guests.
Modelled on her world renowned, successful programme at Áirc Damhsa Culture Club, now in it’s 18th year, this week will include:
- Daily dance classes with Edwina Guckian including Sean Nós Dance, Old Style Irish Step Dance, Two Hand Dance, Set Dancing and history and traditions associated with them.
- Edwina’s new collection of steps and dances that she has specifically choreographed for the Irish Culture Retreat 2023
- Music, Song, Dance & Crafts Workshops
- Folklore Trails
- Music & Dance Sessions in the local Teach Ceoil
- House Concert
- Performances and Céilí with Áirc Damhsa
- Adventure on Land and Water across the Leitrim Landscape
- Visits to Historical Heritage Sites
- Professional Photography & Videography of your time on the Irish Culture Retreat which will be sent to you directly
- Special guest dancers, musicians & singers
- Stay 6 nights at a boutique heritage hotel in the heart of Carrick on Shannon, renowned for their hearty welcome and local cuisine
- Situated daily in the picturesque town on the banks of the River Shannon, Carrick on Shannon with outings across the county
- Transport provided to and from all programmed events
- Limited places to ensure quality, enjoyment and a close sense of community amongst the group
Bring A Friend:
Want to bring your partner or friend to attend all the Culture Club activities and outings with you? No problem! We have a package deal just for them!
Stay – Bed & Breakfast:
You’ll be staying at the charming boutique heritage hotel in the heart of Carrick on Shannon. The Bush Hotel is privately owned and managed by the Dolan family, and their mission is simply to provide all of our Guests with exceptional honest, ethical and personal service in a respectful and sustainable way. Passionate about the environment and community, their Hotel is more than a place to eat and sleep. “We open our doors to hearts and minds – especially those who enjoy culture, fun, comforts and great cuisine and we are enthusiastically committed to exceeding your expectation.”
6 nights bed and breakfast is covered in the Irish Culture Retreat package deal.
About Leitrim:
Tucked away in the North West of Ireland, enjoying the relaxed rhythm of Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands and the untamed spirit of the Wild Atlantic Way, is the wild and spectacular county of Leitrim. Only a two-hour drive from Dublin and a mere 45 minutes from Ireland West Airport, Leitrim is a rural haven for families, explorers and slow adventurers who cherish a slower pace of life and spending quality time in the great outdoors.
Getting Here:
Getting to Leitrim couldn’t be simpler!
Irish Rail operates a train from Connolly Station Dublin directly to Carrick on Shannon.
Bus Éireann provide services to County Leitrim from Dublin, Sligo, Galway, and other counties.
Located just 45 minutes drive from County Leitrim, Ireland West Airport Knock is the main international airport for the West & North West with Dublin airport a mere 2 hour journey away.
NOTE: You won’t need transport for the week of The Irish Culture Retreat. Transport will be provided to and from all events.
Here to Help:
Edwina is delighted to answer any questions you may have about The Irish Culture Retreat. Drop her an email at: info@edwinaguckian.com
This week is best suited for people with a keen interest in Irish Culture and at least 2-4 years of experience in any form of percussive dance.
Booking:
Early booking opens for Edwina’s subscribers on Wednesday 15th December at 6pm Irish Time. (Subscribers check your emails at 6pm)
Booking opens to the general public on Thursday 18th December at 6pm Irish Time.
Full package including all workshops, activities & 6 nights B&B: €900
Bring A Friend including all activities & 6 nights B&B: €600
Full package 11 – 16 year olds including all workshops, activities & 6 nights B&B: €600
This includes Edwina’s fee as host, cultural teacher, guide and workshop leader, and the time and performances of special guests, musicians, singers, dances and experts who will meet with us across the week. It also includes your 6 night B&B stay at The Bush Hotel, all transport for programmed events Monday – Friday, the hire and services of our venues, materials and drivers.
About the Host:
Dancer Edwina Guckian hails from outside the village of Drumsna in Co. Leitrim. Coming from a family steeped in the tradition of music and dance, her style is greatly influenced by the style of local music she grew up with across Leitrim and Roscommon.
Having started teaching dancing at the age of 16, Edwina has now taught her steps and shared the stage with some of Ireland’s most influential acts such as Altan, De Danann, Dervish, Mairtín O Connor, Frankie Gavin, Kíla, Martin Hayes, Séamus Begley, and Laoise Kelly to name a few. She set up Áirc Damhsa Culture Club for youths in her area to have a space to be immersed in traditions and cultures from home and all across the world in a fun and non – competitive environment. Now in its 18th year, the club has over 500 members in 9 counties in Ireland and 1 in New York.
In 2017 Edwina was awarded the Arts Council of Ireland Next Generation Bursary to support her work on redeveloping the connection between music and movement, musician and dancer.
Known for her pride in Leitrim and having a gift for rallying her community together to make great things happen, Edwina annually hosts events in the county such as Leitrim Dance Festival, the Mummers’ Project and the Effrinagh Crossroads Dance.
Terms & Conditions:
A 100% cancellation may be made up to 2 weeks from your booking date. Following this, if you choose to cancel a 50% refund will be given up to the 1st of January 2023. Cancellations made after the 1st January 2023 will not receive a refund.
All refunds are minus a booking/transaction fee.
If The Leitrim Retreat is necessarily and unavoidably postponed or cancelled as a sole and direct result of a cause which is entirely beyond Edwina’s control then the event will be rescheduled and you will have the option to be reimbursed (minus booking/transaction fee) or keep your booking for the rescheduled date.
The Irish Culture Retreat is proudly supported by Leitrim Tourism.
