Three local women’s groups enjoyed a social day out today in two unique enterprises in West Donegal.

The weather may not have been hot and sunny, but the welcomes were warm in the Song House in Falcarragh and OURganic Gardens in Gortahork.

The outing was a member event organised by the Donegal Women in Business Network. Local entrepreneurs mixed with members of the Donegal Town Women’s Group and Dunfanaghy Community Garden to visit both projects.

A musical treat was in store for everyone at Candy Verney’s Song House. The retreat centre has been open for three years, where Candy provides singing holidays and a creative space for groups from all over the world.

Candy Verney, owner of the Song House in Falcarragh

The Song House in Falcarragh

Originally from England, Candy has 20 years of experience as a choir director. She took a daring risk to buy the former Poets’ House of Falcarragh and embark on a brand new lifestyle. That sustainable way of life, in the shadow of Muckish Mountain, has changed Candy’s life.

She shared her story with guests today and gave a tour of the centre and gardens before engaging everyone in a song. The uplifting experience gave guests a taste of how music brings people together and can strengthen a group during a retreat.

Singing workshop with Candy Verney at the Song House in Falcarragh as part of the Donegal Women in Business Network member event

Tea and coffee in Song House in Falcarragh as part of the Donegal Women in Business Network member event

Touring the gardens at the Song House in Falcarragh as part of the Donegal Women in Business Network member event

After learning some tricks in vocals and harmonising, the group moved on to OURganic Gardens in Gortahork to discover the green-fingered way of life with Joanne Butler.

Joanne and her husband Milo started their garden in 2008, on a four acre site with impressive mountain views. Their business grew to become an outdoor environmental education centre with food, sustainability, and the environment at its core.

Touring OURganic Gardens in Gortahork as part of the Donegal Women in Business Network member event

Joanne and her team had a welcome drink of homemade kombucha for her guests today. She gave a tour of her ornamental, vegetable and fruit gardens. She had a wealth of information to share on gardening and sustainable living, while answering questions on everything from weeds to seeds!

Kombucha reception at OURganic Gardens in Gortahork as part of the Donegal Women in Business Network member event

OURganic Gardens in Gortahork 

The day ended with a hearty lunch of local produce and plenty of networking among the women from the business and community groups. The musical, education and social event was another great interactive outing for the Donegal Women in Business Network and guests.

Check out more photos below.

Find out about the Donegal Women in Business Network here: donegalwomeninbusiness.com/why-join

Stay tuned to the Facebook page for the next network event, as they continue their 20th anniversary celebrations this year.

Members of the Donegal Town Women’s Group at the Song House in Falcarragh as part of the Donegal Women in Business Network member event

Mary Meehan and Carol Lyster from the Donegal Town Women’s Group at the Song House in Falcarragh as part of the Donegal Women in Business Network member event

Candy Verney, owner of the Song House in Falcarragh

The Song House in Falcarragh 

The Song House in Falcarragh

Tanya McGill and Maria Murphy of the Donegal Town Women’s Group at the Song House in Falcarragh as part of the Donegal Women in Business Network member event

Clare Gallagher and Katrina Tasker at the Song House in Falcarragh as part of the Donegal Women in Business Network member event

Lisa Buchanan, Carol Wilson, Joanne Hamill and Marjorie Byrne at the Song House in Falcarragh as part of the Donegal Women in Business Network member event

OURganic Gardens in Gortahork

New renovations at OURganic Gardens in Gortahork

OURganic Gardens in Gortahork

Candy Verney of the Song House, Joanne Butler of OURganic Gardens and Isabella Rowatt of Bellaville Farm at OURganic Gardens in Gortahork as part of the Donegal Women in Business Network member event

Lunch at OURganic Gardens in Gortahork as part of the Donegal Women in Business Network member event

Joanne Butler, owner of OURganic Gardens in Gortahork at the Donegal Women in Business Network member event