Reconnect and harmonise. Step away from the noise of daily life and into a weekend of making, singing, and deep rest. This creative retreat in the Sligo mountains is a chance to reconnect with your hands, your voice, and yourself — in a small, welcoming group.

Imagine waking beneath mountain skies, hands wrapped around a warm cup, woodsmoke drifting softly through the morning air — and two full days ahead with nothing asked of you but to make, to sing, and to rest.

This is the retreat you’ve been quietly longing for – A rare and intimate gathering in a beautiful eco roundhouse in the Sligo mountains — a place that feels outside of time — held by people who care deeply about the old ways: craft, voice, fire, and the company of kindred souls.

Evenings gather around the fire — outdoors beneath the sky if weather allows.

Group Size Small · Intimate · Limited places

What awaits you

• Weave a basket with your own hands. Guided by Kate Burrows, master basket maker of Westcountry Willows, you’ll learn the ancient craft of willow weaving. Step by step, you’ll create beautiful, functional baskets — shaped by your own hands, from the land itself. You’ll leave with two baskets you’ve made yourself.
• Sing songs of belonging. Tembre, an experienced song leader, will gently open a space for shared voice and connection. Through simple, powerful songs rooted in community, you’ll rediscover the ease and joy of singing. No experience needed — just your breath and your willingness.
• Evenings by the fire. As the light fades, we gather. Fire, tea, stories, and songs — and the kind of slow, unhurried conversation that feels increasingly rare.
• Morning yoga and nourishing food. Each day begins with optional gentle yoga with Susan to ground and open the body.
• You’ll be nourished throughout with cooked breakfasts, homemade lunches, a warming Saturday dinner – all prepared with care.

The Rhythm of the Weekend

• Friday · Arrival – 4:00 – 5:30pm. Settling in, tea and welcome
• 5:30 – 6:30pm: Opening circle. Meet your guides and fellow participants
• 6:30 – 7:30pm: Shared potluck meal(Bring a simple dish — homemade or shop-bought — to share)
• 8:00pm onwards: Evening by the fire. Soft songs, stories, and a gentle unwinding
• Saturday · A day of making and song
• 8:00 – 9:00am: Morning yoga (optional)
• 9:00 – 10:00am: Cooked breakfast
• 10:00am – 1:00pm: Willow weaving and singing. Begin your first basket
• 1:00 – 2:30pm: Lunch and rest
• 2:30 – 5:30pm: Weaving and singing. Continue your work, guided throughout
• 6:00 – 7:00pm: Dinner
• 7:30pm onwards: Evening by the fire – Outdoors if weather allows, or indoors by the hearth
• Sunday · Gathering and returning
• 8:00 – 9:00am: Morning yoga (optional)
• 9:00 – 10:00am: Breakfast
• 10:00am – 12:30pm: Weaving and singing. Begin a second basket style
• 12:30 – 2:00pm: Lunch and rest or walk
• 2:00 – 4:00pm: Weaving and singing. Complete your second basket
• 4:00 – 5:00pm: Closing circle. A final gathering to reflect, sing, and prepare to return.

Leave With

• Two handmade baskets
• A heart full of songs
• And something quietly restored — that part of you that remembers what it feels like to be alive and unhurried

Your Guides

Kate Burrows is a master basket maker and co-founder of Westcountry Willows, based in County Roscommon in the heart of Ireland. She grows her own basket willow from the ground up — planting, managing, and harvesting the rods that find their way into every piece she makes and every workshop she runs. That connection to the raw material runs through everything she teaches. Kate has worked internationally, bringing Irish willow craft to new audiences and new places, and her teaching reflects a breadth of experience that goes far beyond any single tradition. Her approach is patient, generous, and rooted in real craft knowledge built over many years. Whether you’re picking up willow for the first time or deepening a skill you already have, you’re learning from someone who has lived every stage of this tradition.

Tembre is an experienced community songleader who creates a warm, welcoming space for all. She will bring a basketful of community’s songs and original songs inspired by the Earth, creating with our hands, heart and connection to community. Tembre inspires you to reconnect with the singing you were born to do. All songs taught by ear in a relaxed and inclusive way. No one sings by themselves. We will sing nourishing and inspiring circular songs in a collective while weaving. You are in safe singing hands.

A Fully Inclusive Retreat

This retreat is open to everyone, regardless of background or experience. We believe these crafts and songs belong to all of us — and we work to ensure every person feels genuinely welcome from the moment they arrive.

Important:

The entire retreat is nut-free, allowing those with allergies to fully relax. Please contact us with any dietary or access needs — we’ll do our best to support you.
This retreat is not suitable for children

The Venue

Brú Moytura Ecolodge   is a truly unique ecolodge, set in the wild, myth-rich landscape of County Sligo. This circular, cairn-inspired roundhouse overlooks Lough Arrow and is surrounded by ancient mountains and archaeological sites. A central fire anchors the space, with cosy sleeping nooks, light-filled gathering areas, and quiet corners for rest.

Built in harmony with the land, it offers a rare kind of shelter — one that invites you to slow down, reconnect, and feel part of something older.