Mercyland In Ireland
April 7-12, 2026

The Fourth Annual Mercyland In Ireland is ON!

Join Phil Madeira and Sammy Horner for an amazing, Celtic-infused Mercyland Songwriter Workshop in Gorey, Ireland April 7-12 , 2026.

You’ll be writing with Sammy and Phil and the other attendees — writers and singers from North America and Ireland and the UK. By the end of the workshop, you will have co-written between 5 and 7 songs. 

Each day starts with an inspiring prompt from Phil and Sammy, followed by a morning co-write, lunch, and an afternoon co-write.  

Listening to each day’s crop of songs is fun and amazing. (Many of the Mercyland songs have been recorded, including 3 from Phil’s upcoming record!)

Each evening, many of us gather at the pub across the street, where an Irish folk group plays traditional reels and folk music. And you might even sit in with them, as often happens with our emboldened writers!

We’ll be lodging at the Loch Garmon Arms once again, right in the heart of Gorey. We’ll likely take a day trip to someplace special (last year, we went to the famous Glendalough!)

The cost (not including travel, meals, and lodging) is only $1600 (USD) for the 5 full days together. (Note:  If the cost is beyond your means, please inquire nonetheless!) What you’ll get in return is not only one of the best songwriting experiences available anywhere, but entry into the vibrant, loving creativity community called MERCYLAND.

For more information, please email Phil directly at mercylandmusic@gmail.com.

Phil is a singer-songwriter who has written for The Civil Wars, Garth Brooks, Keb’ Mo’, Emmylou Harris, Buddy Miller, David Crowder, Toby Keith, The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, and so many more. He is also an artist in his own right, playing a mix of Americana and Jazz, and having appeared numerous times at the Americana Music Festival, and recently having been added to the roster at the famous Newport Jazz Festival. Phil’s ability to cross genres has made him a successful songwriter and producer, working with artists from the Pop, Country, Christian, Americana, and Blues worlds, and beyond.

Sammy is an Irishman who spent the better part of 20 years living in Scotland, where he fronted the Electrics, a Celtic influenced rock band. Having relocated back to Ireland, he now tours with his wife Kylie as The Sweet Sorrows. His songwriting is saturated with Celtic imagery, and Irish melodies, spilling over with strains of Americana and real country sounds.

Together, Phil and Sammy are a powerhouse of non-stop humor, compassion, creativity, wit, and knowledge, with the ability to stir souls into action. Expect an amazing time.