Ceol na Mara is delighted to announce its return to Kylemore Abbey this summer from 28th - 31st July for its popular summer school.
The Ceol na Mara summer school for strings began in 2008. It is a course that brings musicians of all ages and levels from Ireland and abroad together for a few days of music making in the beautiful setting of Kylemore Abbey in Connemara, Co. Galway.
It offers string players classes in chamber music and string orchestra repertoire, combining this with classes in traditional Irish music. It caters for a wide range of musicians from primary school age to secondary and 3rd level. We also welcome adult amateur players.
Situated in the new monastery building of Kylemore Abbey this non-residential course is designed to offer tuition in a fun and non competitive environment.
The course director and founder of Ceol na Mara is Oonagh Keogh. Oonagh will tutor alongside ConTempo Quartet: Bogdan Sofei, Ingrid Nicolai, Andreea Banciu & Adrian Mantu and
Odhrán Ó Casaide.
Courses, Schedules & Fees
Location: Kylemore Abbey ( Monastery building), Kylemore, Connemara, Co Galway H91VR90
Senior and adult Course
Secondary school age
3rd level and adult amateur players
This course is suitable for musicians of all levels with experience playing in orchestras and chamber groups.
Cost: €350 (plus €15 online banking admin fee)
Dates : Monday 28th July - Thursday 31st July 2025
Time: 10am-3pm
Thursday 10am to 12.30 pm concert at 1.30pm Thursday
Break 11.10am-11.30am
(this 20 minute break for tea/coffee during the morning session will be provided on site).
A packed lunch is recommended but there is a cafe and restaurant on site where lunch can be bought.
*Existing chamber groups and individual players are all welcome. If you come as an individual, the organisers will place you in groups best suited to your age and level as indicated on your registration form. There is no specific minimum grade required for participation but a number of years study and playing experience together with a proficiency in sight reading is recommended to ensure maximum benefit.
Junior Course 9 - 12yrs (approximately)
A shorter day suited to younger children. No prior experience of group playing necessary but a few years of learning their instrument and a certain degree of ability in note reading is beneficial. Either stave or letter names is recommended for maximum benefit. Group playing with a variety of repertoire from classical and pop and traditional Irish music. Some singing, rhythm games etc.
Cost: €250 (plus €10 online banking admin fee)
Dates: Monday 28th July - Thursday 31st July 2025
Time: 10am - 12:30pm
Thursday 10am - 12pm Concert 1.30p.m.
*Break: Junior participants should bring a drink and snack for the supervised break as they must remain on the premises during this time. They must be collected by parents/guardians at 12.30 Monday to Wednesday and at 12pm on Thursday returning at 1.30pm with parent/guardian for the concert at 1.30pm. Drop off point will be advised.
Accommodation:
As stated previously the course is non-residential. The fee only covers tuition. There is a limited amount of accommodation available in the monastery of Kylemore itself. This is strictly for over 18s and enquiries must be made to Kylemore directly T: +353 95 52001 E: info@kylemoreabbey.com. There is also a variety of accommodation locally from Hotels to B&B’s, guesthouses and self catering houses/cottages. The nearest town is Letterfrack which has a host of restaurants and a well stocked supermarket. TullyCross and Tully are also close. Clifden is approx 25 mins drive.
Some useful links:
https://cc-cottages.com/ ( this features self catering cottages/apartments/houses in the vicinity)
There are many hotels in the surrounding areas which can be easily located online.
The classes end each day giving sufficient time to allow participants time to enjoy all the local attractions such as the beaches, hiking trails, boat tours etc. Each Tuesday there is a seisúin in the Teach Ceoil in the nearby village of Tully which features local talent and encourages participation.
https://www.dkconnemaraoysters.com/
https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/diamond-hill-connemara/
There are buses from Galway to Clifden and Letterfrack with Bus Éireann and Citilink