The 4th annual International Songwriting Retreat will return to the Irish Institute of Music & Song (IIMS) in Balbriggan, Co. Dublin, offering a week-long, immersive programme designed to bring together emerging and professional songwriters from Ireland and across the globe. Building on the success of previous years, the 2026 retreat will continue to position Ireland as a hub for world-class creative collaboration and contemporary songwriting practice.
Hosted on the award-winning IIMS campus, home to The Lark Concert Hall, Ireland’s newest state-of-the-art performance venue, the retreat provides a unique environment for artists to live, work, and create together. Located just 20 minutes from Dublin Airport and minutes from bus and rail connections, the campus offers an ideal setting for artistic development and international exchange.
The International Songwriting Retreat is a pioneering initiative in Ireland, supporting songwriting as a contemporary art form through a structured programme of co-writing sessions, mentorship, workshops, and live performance opportunities. Participants engage in intensive creative collaboration while gaining valuable insight into the evolving global music industry. The programme welcomes songwriters of all genres and styles, from solo artists to bands, fostering an inclusive and dynamic creative community.
The retreat is led by internationally recognised mentors, including returning resident mentors Rob Wells, a multi-platinum producer known for his work with global artists such as Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande, and Maria Christensen, a Grammy-nominated songwriter whose credits include Celine Dion, Jennifer Lopez, and Sabrina Carpenter. Their continued involvement since the programme’s inception in 2023 has been central to its international reputation and success.
In 2026, the programme will expand its creative scope with the addition of Special Guest Mentor Craig Stuart Garfinkle, an Emmy-nominated composer whose work spans film, television, and video games, including major titles such as World of Warcraft. His participation reflects the growing importance of screen composition and sync opportunities within the modern music landscape.
A highlight of the retreat is its public-facing evening programme, which will feature a series of guest speaker events hosted at The Lark Concert Hall. These sessions will offer audiences and participants alike the opportunity to engage with leading figures from the music industry through talks and Q&A discussions. Confirmed speakers include Danny O’Reilly, frontman of The Coronas, and Nathan Carter, one of Ireland’s most successful country artists. A third guest speaker will be announced in the coming months. Each event is expected to attract audiences of up to 300 attendees.
Speaking about the programme, IIMS CEO Michael T. Dawson said:
“We are delighted to welcome songwriters from around the world to our Dublin campus for another exceptional week of creativity, collaboration, and artistic growth. The continued support from IMRO is invaluable as we work to increase access to high-quality music education and professional development opportunities.”
With limited places and growing international demand, the International Songwriting Retreat continues to play a vital role in Ireland’s cultural ecosystem, supporting artistic exchange, nurturing talent, and elevating Ireland’s presence within the global music industry.
The Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) is delighted to partner with the International Songwriting Retreat to offer TWO full residential course scholarship places to IMRO members.
The IMRO Scholarship Awarded Place includes full course tuition and shared accommodation for the International Songwriting Retreat 2026.
Entries will open on 12th June 2026, with a closing date of 26th June 2026.
Winners will be announced on 30th June 2026.
To apply, applicants should submit the following information:
IMRO Membership Reference Number (if applicable)
A letter of application stating where they currently are in their songwriting career, and how this course and scholarship will benefit them
Three examples of their work or inspiration (audio or video recording links, public or unlisted)
The winners will be chosen by the retreat’s mentors.
Connect with International Songwriting Retreat