International Songwriting Retreat Returns to IIMS Balbriggan for Fourth Year

When the Irish sun rises over Balbriggan, the air hums with anticipation—songwriters from every corner of the world are set to converge on the IIMS campus for the fourth annual International Songwriting Retreat.

The week‑long residential programme, scheduled for 2026, will welcome emerging and professional writers from Ireland and abroad to co‑write, receive mentorship, attend workshops, and perform live. Applications open on 12 June and close on 26 June.

IIMS, a €12 million campus that opened in 2022, sits just 20 minutes from Dublin Airport and is easily reached by bus and rail. The site houses 19 teaching studios, a restaurant, and the Lark Concert Hall, a 400‑seat venue that will host the retreat’s evening talks and performances.

At its core, the retreat offers a structured series of co‑writing sessions, one‑to‑one mentorship, and workshops focused on contemporary songwriting techniques and industry trends. Returning mentors Rob Wells—multi‑platinum producer behind hits for Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande—and Maria Christensen, a Grammy‑nominated songwriter who has worked with Celine Dion and Jennifer Lopez, have guided the programme since its 2023 launch.

2026 will bring a new dimension with special‑guest mentor Craig Stuart Garfinkle, an Emmy‑nominated composer known for film, television, and video‑game scores such as World of Warcraft. His involvement underscores the growing importance of sync opportunities for songwriters.

Evening events at the Lark Concert Hall will feature talks and Q&A sessions. Confirmed speakers include Danny O’Reilly, frontman of The Coronas, and Nathan Carter, a leading Irish country artist. A third speaker will be announced later in the year, and each event is expected to attract up to 300 attendees.

The Irish Music Rights Organisation (IMRO) will award two full residential scholarship places to its members. Scholarship recipients receive full tuition and shared accommodation. Applications must include an IMRO membership reference, a letter explaining the applicant’s songwriting stage and how the retreat will help, and three audio or video examples. Winners will be selected by the retreat’s mentors and announced on 30 June.

IIMS CEO Michael T. Dawson said the retreat “is 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 capacity and rising international demand, the retreat continues to play a pivotal role in Ireland’s cultural ecosystem. By fostering cross‑border collaboration and offering professional development, it elevates Ireland’s presence in the global music industry and supports the next generation of songwriters.