Why is it called a retreat?
Jim O’Flaherty, the person for whom the retreat was named, held annual sessions at his house that included hours of lively music, a pot luck and an opportunity to relax with friends new and old. He made it a comfortable place for all players whatever their age or level. In many respects, it was like being on a retreat with people you liked to be with. That is our hope for OIMR. People will come assured that they will be welcomed and encouraged -- a place where they can relax among friends and play the music they love.
Who are the organizers?
The retreat is organized by the Traditional Irish Music Education Society (TIMES), a Texas non-profit corporation based in Richardson, Texas formed to "assist and encourage people in their learning and playing of traditional Irish music through educational programs and performance events."
Who are the sponsors?
Trinity Hall Restaurant & Pub and its Trinity Hall Session Players joined to fund the first OIMR in 2004 and remain active sponsors of the retreat. The Southwest Celtic Music Association is also a sponsor providing major funding, marketing and operational support.
What is the retreat's purpose/mission? 
The O'Flaherty Irish Music Retreat is a learning environment that focuses on the fundamentals of traditional Irish music. It serves to encourage young and new players as they struggle through the learning process. It also challenges more experienced players to master their instruments and the music that they love. But most of all, it is a continuation of a tradition that started long ago in Ireland as the music was passed down from one generation to another to preserve it. It has since evolved into a “world” music, but the tradition of passing it on and preserving it is alive and well, even in Texas.
Who was Jim O’Flaherty?
Jim O’Flaherty was a piper who influenced many of the local Irish players in the early 80s until his passing in July 2001. His family hosted annual sessions in their home attracting players from all around the state. Jim’s enthusiasm and love for traditional Irish music and his strong interest in helping young players inspired the founding of the retreat, and as a tribute, the retreat is named for him. For more info about Jim, go to JIM O'FLAHERTY.
How can I support the retreat?
We rely on the financial support given by individuals, organizations and companies. There are a number of ways to contribute to the retreat. For ideas, please go to our SUPPORT page.
When can I arrive?
You can arrive Thursday evening after 5 p.m., Thursday, October 23rd. You can arrive at the retreat anytime Friday, Saturday or Sunday mornings, just be sure and park in the designated areas if no one is there to direct traffic. Check in will begin promptly at 8 a.m. on Friday
and Saturday mornings at the retreat office as you enter the camp grounds.
What is the location of the retreat?
The retreat will be held at Hoblitzelle Camp and Conference Center, 8060 Singleton Rd., Midlothian, Texas 76065. For a map and directions, go to MAP. For more information about the camp, go to http://www.hoblitzelle.com.
For a site map, go to SITE.
What do I do when I arrive?
You should go to the Retreat Office to receive a packet of necessary
information and your pass/name badge which you must wear at all times. We
suggest checking in at least an hour before classes begin so you will have
time to get familiar with the facilities and services available. The retreat
office will be open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday night; 8 a.m. to
5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; 12 noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday; and 10 - 12 noon on Monday. When the office is closed, seek out our event managers who will be traveling around the grounds on carts
or call them at (972) 238-8724.
Is there a shuttle
from and to area airports?
Yes, we operate our own shuttle between DFW and Dallas Love Field Airports
at Camp Hoblitzelle. The cost is $25 per trip and can be arranged
by sending us an email or calling us at (972) 238-8724. The schedule will be announced sometime in May. Payment will be collected at the time of pickup.
Is there lodging at the camp?
Yes, we have dormitories, motel rooms and cottages available for our students and families Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. In fact, we strongly recommend staying at our facilities on-site because of the late evening activities that you may want to attend. The costs vary from $20 to $225 per night. To save money, we encourage you to share a room with other students. For more information about the options, go to our LODGING page. You can reserve your lodging during the online registration process.
Can I tent camp? 
Yes, we have tent camping available in the "fort" next to the camp's lake on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 23-26). The cost is $15 per night for a family campsite (up to three tents, one family). There are sinks and bathrooms but no electricity. There are no showers near-by, but you can use the showers in the dorms (ask for specifics when you check-in). You can arrange tent camping during the online registration process.
Can I stay in an RV?
Yes, on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights only (Oct. 23-26) at a designated area on the property. The cost is $20 per night and it includes electrical and water hookups. There is not a dump station at the camp. You can arrange RV lodging during the online registration process.
What should I bring?
A tape or digital recorder to record lessons (very important), rain gear or umbrella (if it rains), a flashlight, a portable camp chair for outside sessions and classes if weather is nice, a tape or digital recorder to record lessons (did we mention that already), your instrument(s), extra strings in case you break one, a notepad to take notes, a great attitude for learning, and last of all, a tape or digital recorder to record lessons. Maximize the value of your tuition – record your classes!
What should I NOT bring?
Pets, alcohol or illegal drugs, and electric instruments (except for electric pianos).
What do I get for my tuition?
The three-day tuition covers nine 90-minute class sessions and all class materials and instructor concerts on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. The single-day tuition covers only those activities on that particular day. You must have a pass/name badge for the day(s) you are enrolled to be admitted to any of the classes and concerts.
Are there classes just for beginners?
Yes. We offer a series of classes for beginners called "Basics" that are for students who are just learning or wanting to learn Irish music and also play at a beginning level on their instruments. If the Basics classes are not challenging enough, you can switch to other classes if there is space available.
Can I change classes?
Yes. You can change your classes by logging onto your account and making the changes online anytime before registration ends on Friday, October 17th but ONLY if the classes for which you want to enroll are not closed.
Are there scholarships available?
Yes. The scholarship program is set up to award scholarships based on musical ability with the potential for excelling within the Irish music tradition or based on financial need.
The scholarships are funded through the generous support of the Southwest
Celtic Music Association. Go to our SCHOLARSHIP page for more information about how to apply.
Are there sessions?
Yes. We encourage players to get together whenever time allows. Some sessions are organized by our instructors while others happen spontaneously. We offer sessions for different levels of play at different locations. Please refrain from playing near areas where classes are being held.
Can non-students attend?
Yes. Everyone at the retreat must be registered and wear their badges. Spouses and supervised kids not participating in the retreat are welcome on campus, however they should register as “non-students” at no charge. Non-students may attend concerts by purchasing concert tickets at check-in.
Is there food at the retreat?
Yes. Meals are $7 each. There will be meals provided for Thursday dinner; Friday breakfast, lunch and dinner; Saturday breakfast, lunch and dinner; Sunday breakfast, lunch and dinner; and Monday breakfast. All of the meals will be served in the camp dining hall. We also sell water, soda and snacks at our Products Booth. You can purchase meals during online registration. To order additional meals in advance for non-student friends and family and have food tickets waiting for you when you check-in, you can order them during online registration.
Are there restaurants in the area?
are primarily fast food restaurants in Midlothian 10-15 minutes away. The better deal (and quality) is the food found at the camp. And you would miss the meal-time concerts and camaraderie.
What's the weather like?
It could be cold or absolutely beautiful. All of the facilities have heaters and all of the classes will be indoors, unless it is nice out and we decide to move classes outdoors.
Are t-shirts, instructor CDs and other retreat merchandise for sale?
Yes, we operate a Product Booth each day at the retreat with many items for sale. Unlike previous years, we do not have an online store where you can pre-order items. Instead, we ask that you come by our booth and purchase them.
Can I buy additional concert tickets?
Yes, you can buy additional tickets for friends and family members. The
concerts are free to registered students, but you may buy tickets for youth
and seniors (ages 18 and under and 65 and older) for $9 and for everyone else for $15.
Children ages 6 and under are free (no ticket required). Additional tickets
can be ordered and purchased during online registration or at check in. A concert
ticket admits the purchaser to all of the concerts at the retreat.
Are there payphones?
No. So, you are welcomed to bring your cell phones. During classes, however, please turn them off or set them on vibrate.
Please be advised that many cell services don't work well inside the camp.
Most work at the entry gate.
What are the emergency numbers?
If you need phone numbers to give someone in the event of an emergency,
give them the retreat office number at Hoblitzelle at (972) 723-2387 ext. 117.
We will forward our main office number (972) 238-8724 to our
managers' cell phones during the retreat.
Is there a lost and found?
Yes, at the Retreat Office.
If I have any questions, comments, criticisms or complaints, who do I contact?
Before, During or After the Event:
Ken Fleming, Director, at director@oflahertyretreat.org, (972) 238-8724About Online Registration:
Rick Roberts, Registrar, at enroll@oflahertyretreat.org, (972) 578-9918About Lodging:
Louvain Guiomard, Asst. Director, at lodging@oflahertyretreat.org, (972) 230-2142During the Event:
Retreat Office -- (972) 723-2387 ext. 117
Managers will carry phones during the day and can be reached by calling (972) 238-8724.