Go West Songwrtitng Retreats - Donegal

hosted by Maria McCormack

Go West Songwriting Retreats are intimate, inspiring creative gatherings set on the wild Atlantic coast of County Donegal, Ireland.

Founded by singer-songwriter Maria McCormack, Go West is designed for songwriters of all levels who want space to write, reflect, collaborate and reconnect with their creative voice. Nestled in rural Donegal, each retreat offers space and time out of the daily grind to write songs.

Over the course of the retreat, participants can choose to take part in guided songwriting workshops, co-writing sessions, small group feedback circles, and one-to-one mentoring or just simply enjoy the beautiful Corcreggan Mill House and gardens to write alone.  The shared meals will be catered by The Donegal Chef https://www.thedonegalchef.com 

Go West is intentionally small. With limited places available, the atmosphere is warm, supportive, and non-competitive. Whether you’re just beginning to write songs or you’ve released albums of your own, you’ll find yourself among like-minded artists who value honesty, craft, and community.

At Go West, we slow down.
We listen.
We write bravely.

And we leave with new songs, new collaborators, and a renewed sense of why we began.

 

To Apply for Octobers Retreat click the link 

Here

Whiskey and Me

Maria McCormack

A soul-stirring blend of blues, country rock, and raw storytelling, “Whiskey and Me” cements McCormack’s reputation as one of Ireland’s most emotionally authentic voices.

Written in the quiet solitude of her back garden Read more
A soul-stirring blend of blues, country rock, and raw storytelling, “Whiskey and Me” cements McCormack’s reputation as one of Ireland’s most emotionally authentic voices.

Written in the quiet solitude of her back garden in Letterkenny, the song was born from heartbreak. Following the devastating loss of one of her closest friends, McCormack found herself grappling not only with grief, but with the role alcohol had played in that loss.

“Drink was always something I enjoyed — but suddenly it became the very thing that took my friend from me. I was afraid… afraid I might not be able to stop if I started.”

That fear, pain, and reflection pour through every lyric. Rooted in soulful blues and country rock influences — with echoes of Chris Stapleton — the track carries a haunting honesty, balanced by a powerful thread of faith that runs throughout.

Recorded at Jealoustown Studios and produced by Stuart Gray, the song came together in what McCormack describes as a moment of pure fate. Stuart has recorded some of Ireland's finest artists including Ryan Sheridan, Dermot Kennedy and Aslan to name a few.

After being selected to perform on the main stage at Lovestock Festival in summer 2025, she was awarded studio time with Gray. In a twist of timing, she was given a full uninterrupted day in the studio — a rare opportunity that would shape the final recording.

“It felt orchestrated by God. Stuart and I connected instantly. He was rehearsing for a ‘Tennessee Whiskey Ireland’ show at the time, and I just knew — this was exactly the sound I had been searching for.”

The result is a track that is both intimate and expansive — showcasing McCormack’s signature ability to cut straight to the heart.

Out July 19th 2024

Maria McCormacks second album Matters of the Heart out on Bandcamp Sept 15th 2023

Maria intertwines gorgeous melodies with wonderful lyrics ” - Eve Blair

BBC radio Ulster

" Girl with good intentions is absolutely cracking "” - Brian Lally

RTE radio 1

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