The Castle

I am delighted to be able to host this new piano course on my site. Please contact Emma Bunting at emmaspiano@yahoo.co.uk for booking.

THE CASTLE PIANO COURSE 2023
A residential piano course with James Lisney in West Cork, Ireland
The Castle, Castletownshend, Nr Skibbereen, Co. Cork, Ireland
Saturday 25th March – Saturday 1st April

Daily masterclasses and workshops, individual tuition, performance opportunities, tutor recitals together with fine food, conviviality and beautiful waterfront accommodation on the west coast of Ireland.

There is also an opportunity to explore the local area on the stunning Wild Atlantic Way with kayaking and whale watching tours to name but a couple of options…
…and not forgetting to finish the day with a local pint of Guinness!

About the Castle
The Castle is situated in the picturesque village of Castletownshend, a family-run boutique hotel nestled at the edge of a scenic harbour and natural woodlands. It has a warm, traditional Irish homely feel and is steeped in history. The Castle has been home to the Townshend family since the 1650s and has been receiving guests for over sixty years. Inside the old stone walls, you’ll find welcoming faces to greet you, roaring fires to warm you, and comfy beds to sink into. Each room has its own story to tell, with the oak-panelled hall and spacious dining room retaining most of their original features, furniture, and family portraits. Full of character and old-world charm, The Castle offers a welcoming retreat from everyday life.

About the Piano Course
Many of you will be familiar with James Lisney’s carefully crafted masterclasses. A typical day consists of masterclasses and workshops in the morning followed by individual lessons in the afternoon. Pre-dinner “aperitif” concerts will give everyone an opportunity to perform in the evening should they wish to. We are invited to give one of our aperitif concerts in the family home of the Somervilles, which is located at the top of the village. Once lived in by Somerville and Ross, authors of “The Tales
of an Irish RM”, made famous by the TV adaptation with Peter Bowles. The authors are
buried in the churchyard above the Castle.

About the pianos
A lovely Steinway B will be located in the hall with a further upright for practice within the Castle. Three further practice piano’s will be located in Jocelyn’s Boathouse, a five minute walk from the Castle. Pianos are supplied by Jeffers of Bandon.
Jocelyn’s is located next to the Rowing Club and provides a beautiful setting for practice sessions overlooking the water. Daily swims from one location to the other are an option for the brave!

About the Food:
West Cork has a great reputation for producing some of the best Irish produce, from its lush, rich farmland and the Atlantic Ocean. A traditional Irish breakfast will be served in the Castle. Lunch will be served in Jocelyn’s Boathouse, and dinner will be in a variety of local restaurants and homes in and around the village.

About the Location:

By Ferry:
Holyhead / Dublin – drive to CT 220 miles (4 hours)
Pembroke / Rosslare – drive CT 170 miles (3 hrs 40)
By Plane:
Cork Airport . Aer Lingus and Ryanair operate into Cork airport. The airport is approximately 1hr 15 from CT. Car hire or taxis are available.About Fees and Booking:
Course fees including accommodation and food ( but not travel ) are £1,685 per person.

About booking
To book or make enquiries, please email Emma Bunting on emmaspiano@yahoo.co.uk
Please feel free to contact her if you would like to bring a non-playing partner.