Ukes go Bere!

June Bank Holiday

Friday 30th May - Monday 2nd June

A WEEKEND OF UKULELES, CRAIC, AND SONG AS YOU EXPERIENCE NATURE AND SOAK UP THE SPECTACTULAR SECENERY OF BERE ISLAND

Whether you have recently taken up the instrument or are an accomplished ukulele player, this weekend is jam-packed with uke delights to accommodate all playing abilities. As well as improving your ukulele technique, you can take part drumming, bodhrán and vocal workshops, all hosted by renowned, professional musicians. Ukes Go Bere, is a unique opportunity to broaden your musical skills and play with uke-minded musicians together in this glorious setting on Bere Island.

Weekend Schedule

  • Check in from 2pm

    7-9pm BBQ for all participants prepared by local chef (bring your own drinks)

    9-11pm Campfire session

  • Optional early morning dip in the sea.

    Breakfast is self-catering (you have use of a fully equipped kitchen and dining area).

    10 – 11am Drumming Workshop

    An exciting percussion workshop lead by well-known percussionist Fergal O’Connor. Fergal is a songwriter, holistic practitioner, team building facilitator using rhythm, music and wellness.

    11:30am - 12:30pm Vocal Masterclass

    A workshop by Dr. Eva McMullan (UCC) and singer/songwriter Eoin Coughlan. The emphasis this will be on vocal harmony and the art of arranging and collaboration.

    1 - 2pm Lunch Prepared by a local chef and delivered to the glamping site.

    2 - 3pm Ukulele Tabs and Tunes

    A ukulele workshop lead by the renowned director of the Ukuladies Andrew Moran. This workshop will focus on building proficiency on reading and interpreting tab notation.

    3:30pm - 4:30pm Ukes Ensemble led by Pat Barrett

    All musicians will join together for this session in preparation for the BrunchUlele.

    7pm Dinner Prepare your own meal on site or go to ‘The Hotel’ for your evening meal (3km from the campsite - lifts can be arranged on request). Cost of meal is not included. Booking essential – WhatsApp Maria on +353 86 162 8344.

  • 10:15 - 11am Breakfast at The Bakehouse Café in the village. Breakfast baps (incl. vegetarian option), tea/coffee & Mimosas will be served (cost included)

    11:15am - 11:45am BrunchUlele - post breakfast session in the village!

    1 - 2pm Bodhrán with Brian

    An introductory workshop with renowned Bodhrán and multi-instrumentalist, Brian Morrissey. Bring a Bodhrán if have one but we will have some available.

    2:30pm – 3:30pm ` Ukes Ensemble led by Andrew Moran

    All musicians will join together for this final session before the gig.

    5 - 6:30pm An open air concert at Wild Atlantic Glamping (open to the public) by The Oars. The Oars will perform a selection of songs from their new album before they are joined by the ‘Ukes go Bere ensemble’ for a few tunes.

  • Morning

    Breakfast is self-catering (you have use of a fully equipped kitchen and dining area).

    11am check out.

 

Accommodation

You can choose to stay in one of our ten luxury Glamping Tents or you can arrange your own accommodation and join us for the events and workshops.

Meet Your Hosts

The weekend will be hosted by Eva McMullan along with five other professional musicians who are looking forward to sharing their skills with you and making sure you have plenty of fun along the way.

FAQs

 

Apart from my Ukulele, what else should I bring with me?

When you are packing, don’t forget that you will be sleeping in a tent; a very luxurious tent, certainly, but it is still a tent! The Irish weather can be unpredictable and changeable, so we suggest packing plenty of layers. It can get cold at night, so bring warm clothes to sleep in, woolly socks, a hat and maybe even a hot water bottle. The tents are bright in the morning so bring an eye mask if you plan on sleeping in. You’ll be spending your days outdoors in nature so you should leave your high heels at home, and pack hiking boots, runners, sunglasses, raincoat, swimming togs, bug spray, torch and sunscreen.

Do I need to bring sheets

We provide bed linen and towels, but please bring your own beach towel.

What services are available on the island?

Don’t forget there isn’t any ATM or petrol station on the island, so please make sure you fill your wallet and your car before leaving the mainland. Some businesses take payment by card, but for smaller purchases you may want a little cash with you.

How do I get to Wild Atlantic Glamping?

Bere Island is served by two car ferries (see Getting There for more details). You will need to reverse onto the ferry, so join the queue ready to reverse down the pier. Please note that you cannot book the ferries in advance, so at peak times you might have to queue but if the ferry is full, don’t worry, they will come straight back for you - you will not be left behind! There will be signs from the ferry for the glamping site. Ferry Prices are on their websites and the ferry can only take payment in cash, so make sure you have some with you.

Where do I find more information?

To ensure that all our guests have a pleasant and relaxing stay, we have a 'no noise' policy after midnight for this event. We have put a list of other FAQs on our website here but please do not hesitate to call us on 086 6027819 if you have any questions about the facilities.

  • "Caitriona runs a fantastic operation on Bere Island in West Cork. The tents themselves are spacious and comfortable, the communal area was lovely [and] the facilities are really well thought out. The surrounding areas both on and off the Island are a great break, and we were also recommended some lovely hikes, things to see and places to eat on the island. "

    — Lisa

  • "Amazing 4 nights in stunning location, unspoilt beaches, excellent snorkelling and kayaking. Caitriona and staff are exceptional, place is sparkling new and clean. Best camping experience in Ireland with everything on our doorstep for outdoor fun. Superb barbecue and cooking facilities. We will be back."

    — Len