Having decided that I wanted to visit Ireland and combine my trip with fiddle tuition I was looking for something a little unique. I found exactly what I was looking for when I discovered 'Fiddlers Retreat'. Theresa Bourke runs an Irish cultural appreciation and fiddle tuition programme from her family home in Loughmore County Tipperary. The quickest and easiest method... more

I spent a week in April 2006 with Theresa in Loughmore studying traditional Irish fiddling, and it was one of the best experiences I've ever had. Her food and hospitality were wonderful, and the fiddle instruction was top-notch. If you're looking for great value for your money, I strongly suggest that you try the Fiddlers Retreat...even if you're not a... more

My name is Erez Avisar from Jerusalem, Israel. Before I came to Theresa's house I could'nt play even one tune correctly. She taught me the basics and much more than that - she beleived I could do it! In the end of the week I got to play along with Theresa about ten(!!!) tunes - like a real session! so... more

"So Maya, how was your Thanksgiving?" a coworker would ask, to be followed by a slow smile, revealing both confusion and envy, as I answered: "Well, naturally, I spent the holiday in the Irish countryside, learning traditional fiddle, visiting medieval castles, and swilling hard cider and Guinness!" And I must say, Theresa Bourke's "Fiddlers Retreat"-- which is open all-year long... more

The Fiddler's Retreat was a fantastic experience. I am a 17 year old fiddler from Alberta, Canada and I spent three days with Theresa at the F.R. this past summer. Everything was great. I learn't more tunes in those three days than probably any other three days in my life and it was a great way to get comfortable playing... more