John Spillane | Songwriting Masterclass Weekend
Friday 12th to Sunday 14th June, 2026
Limited to just 12 guests, creating a relaxed, friendly atmosphere with plenty of space and personal attention, creativity, and connection.
This weekend is shaped to give you space to slow down, tune in, and make room for new songs to emerge. A small group setting creates the time and quiet needed to write, listen more deeply, and reconnect with your creative voice. You’ll learn directly from one of Ireland’s most respected songwriters, John Spillane, whose masterclasses open up space for story, craft, and song - helping ideas take shape and find their way into finished work.
The weekend also includes a special session with Dr. Eva McMullan Glossop: Define Your Sound: The Art of Vocal Technique & Creative Arranging. This workshop focuses on building strong vocal foundations through practical technique, while also exploring how to create rich, balanced vocal textures - helping you define your artistic sound and bring your ideas to life.
Weekend Schedule
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Check in Friday evening from 4 pm. Take time to explore the island - go for a walk, a dip, or simply relax, breathe in the fresh sea air, and enjoy the views over Bantry Bay. Dine at the local café, enjoy bar food at The Hotel, or make use of our well-equipped communal kitchen.
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Sunrise swim (optional!)
Buffet breakfast (fruits, juices, granola pots, cheese and locally baked breads and treats) available throughout the morning.
11am to 12:30pm
Define Your Sound: The Art of Vocal Technique & Creative Arranging with Dr. Eva McMullan Glossop
1pm
Freshly prepared group lunch
2pm - 4pm
Songwriting Masterclass hosted by John Spillane.
On Saturday evening, dinner is available at The Bakehouse Café or The Hotel (Dinner not included in weekend price)
8pm - 9:30pm
Live performance by John Spillane in a relaxed, close-up setting.
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Sunrise swim (optional!)
Buffet breakfast (fruits, juices, granola pots, cheese and locally baked breads and treats) available throughout the morning.
11am to 1pm
Songwriting Masterclass hosted by John Spillane.
2pm
Check out
John Spillane is a musician, songwriter, performer, recording artist, storyteller, poet and dreamer. Rooted in people, place and story, his music transports the listener and his live performances captivate audiences around the world.
As an artist his music appeals to listeners across many genres and generations. His vocal style has a unique almost sean-nós quality and his performances shimmer with the magic realism that permeates many of his songs as he effortlessly flits between poetry tinged with melancholy and roguish, irreverent humour. John has the ability to charm, mesmerise and entertain.
A two-time Meteor Award winner for Best Folk/Trad act, John is one of the most accomplished songwriters in Ireland. With an extensive back catalogue beginning with the 1997 album The Wells of the World, his songs have been covered by Christy Moore, Sharon Shannon, Seán Keane and many others.
Dr. Eva McMullan-Glossop is the Musical Director and Conductor of the University College Cork Choir and the Crosshaven Community Choir, bringing over 25 years of experience pushing the boundaries of choral music and performance. She has collaborated with nationally and internationally acclaimed artists including John Spillane, Paddy Casey, Lisa Lambe, Brian Kennedy, Iarla Ó Lionáird, and Freddie White.
Eva will lead Define Your Sound: The Art of Vocal Technique & Creative Arranging, sharing her expertise in vocal production alongside practical approaches to creating effective and engaging arrangements for vocal ensembles.
ACCOMODATION & PRICING
You will stay in one of 6 Contemporary Pods or 4 luxury Bell Tents with full access to the Wild Atlantic Glamping serviced building
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![Digital illustration of a new contemporary pod with black exterior walls and large glass facade, viewed from the front.]()
Contemporary Pod
Our pods feature a double bed and a single bed. Inside, you’ll find a private toilet and sink, along with heating, tea and coffee making facilities, and a mini fridge.
€450 single occupancy / €375 pp sharing
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Bell Tents
Each of our bell tents is equipped with a double bed as standard. Larger tents also include two single beds. Electricity, a cool box, bed linen, and towels are provided.
€395 single occupancy / €325 sharing
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2 nights accommodation in a Pod or a Bell Tent.
Two 2 hour songwriting masterclasses with John Spillane
A 1.5 hour workshop Dr. Eva McMullan Glossop: The Art of Vocal Technique & Creative Arranging.
Entry to a live performance by John Spillane in a relaxed, close-up setting on Saturday night.
Welcome pack.
Buffet breakfast each morning.
Lunch on Saturday.
Access to all campsite facilities including toilets, showers, kitchen, dining area and covered deck with firepit.
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Cost of the ferry (approx. €30 return for a car, €10 return for a foot passenger).
Dinner each evening and any additional snacks or drinks that you might like for the weekend (guests will have access to a fridge and storage area in the kitchen).
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No, you just need to pay a 100 euro deposit per person to secure your place. The balance will be due 14 days before check in.
What our previous guests are saying…
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‘This is glamping of the highest quality. Spacious, high quality bell tents and outstanding facilities. The kitchen is equipped with everything possible. Nothing is left to chance. BBQ area is excellent. Bere Island itself has some of the best trecking trails, that I have experienced anywhere in the world.'
— Mike
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“I did the Yoga & Kayaking a weekend with Wild Atlantic Glamping! The yoga was only accentuated by the magnificent scenery on the doorstep of the site! I particularly enjoyed the kayaking where we learned a lot of the history of the island”
— Justine
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‘Wow, we have just left and can't wait to come back, this is paradise.. the whole experience from booking to checking out was 5 star and our host Caitriona was the most helpful, kind and beautiful. The island itself was warm and welcoming from the moment we stepped on the ferry. We hiked, we swam we ate and ran, we immersed ourselves with the locals and felt at home. The setting is glorious and the facilities are fit for a king with everything thought of, you are certain to want for nothing other than more time. The glamping site is immaculately clean.’
— Jane
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‘Wild Atlantic glamping was a magical and ideal location for the yoga workshop with Tricia. The accommodation was fabulous and the food over the whole weekend was delicious! The yoga classes were so enjoyable and Tricia is an excellent teacher. Looking forward to returning next year already!’
— Stephanie
FAQs
What should I pack?
If you’re staying in a Bell Tent, don’t forget - while it’s a luxurious experience, it is still a tent! Irish weather can be unpredictable, so we recommend packing plenty of layers. Nights can get chilly, so bring warm sleepwear, woolly socks, a hat, and perhaps even a hot water bottle.
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.
Do I need to bring bed linen & towels?
We provide bed linen and towels, but please bring your own beach towel.
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?
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 or the workshops.