'The Doors' collection consists of twelve paintings, 4 each of three different doors.
Calendars 2025
EXHIBITION 12 SEPT 24 - 5 NOV 24
These paintings were previously exhibited at the Ìontas Art Centre, County Monaghan as part of the SCÉALTA MO SHINSIR collection.
Cliodhna’s Wave
Original Painting
Medium: Acrylic on stretched canvas.
Size: 24" x 20"
Based on a smaller coloured pencil drawing, this tells the story of the mythological Goddess Clodhna and how her love of a human, Ciabhán, led to her drowning off the west coast of Ireland.
Her name is still remembered in Glandore in West Cork, where a powerful wave that smashes against the rocks, is know as Cliodhna’s wave.
Crashing Wave
Original Painting
Medium: Acrylic on Deep Wood Panel.
Size: 12” x 12”
Sunlight glowing a turquoise hue as a wave crashes on shore.
Storm Cloud over Loughcrew
Original Painting
Medium: Oil on Deep Canvas.
Size: 36” x 18”
A dark cloud, hangs ominously over the 5000 year old Cairn T on Sliabh na Caillí (pronounced Sleeve na Kally). This cairn, associated with the ancient sovereignty Goddess, the Cailleach, lies on top the highest point in County Meath and is aligned to the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes. The energy on this hill is almost palpable.
Patrickstown Walk
Original Painting
Medium: Oil on Deep Canvas
Size: 22” x 38”
One of the sister hills of Loughcrew, Patrickstown is home to the of cairns (unfortunately now destroyed) dating back to over 5000 years.
It is also the place where the famous “calendar stone” is situated and there are wonderful views across to Cairn T on Sliabh na Caillí.
The Promise of Spring
Original Painting
Medium: Oil on canvas.
Size: 30” x 24”
Crocuses break through the dark clay and melting snows, to bring the hope of Spring.
Sheep on Loughcrew
Original Painting
Medium: Oil on Deep Canvas.
Size: 38” x 22”
A wary sheep watches me near the ancient Cairn V on top of Loughcrew, the ancient site of over 5000 years where our ancestors worshipped the changing of the seasons.
Virginia Woods
Original Painting
Medium: Acrylic on Deep Canvas.
Size: 30” x 20”
I painted this picture after one of those heady, warm summer’s evenings, so rare in Ireland.
The Deerpark woods, once part of the estate of the Marquis of Headford, are now a wonderful resource for the community living near Virginia town in County Cavan.
Swan
Original Painting
Medium: Oil on deep canvas.
Size: 30" x 24"
This swan caught my eye when we were in holidays in Wales. The pond water was almost totally green but contrasted beautifully with the brilliant white of the mute swan.
Mullaghmeen walk
Original Painting
Medium: Acrylic on Deep Canvas
Size: 36” x 12”
A beautiful woodland walk in County Westmeath which is home to one of the largest Beech plantations in western Europe.
There is also a cairn on top of what is the highest point in this midland county.
Atlantic Waves
Original Painting
Medium: Acrylic on Deep Canvas
Size: 37” x 20”
The west of Ireland receives the full force of the mighty ocean.
Portnablagh Donegal
Original Painting
Medium: Acrylic on canvas board.
Size: 16” x 20”
A mix of choppy waters and a rich sunset at Portnablagh harbour, Donegal.
Dark clouds over Magheraroarty beach
Original Painting
Medium: Acrylic on canvas board.
Size: 16” x 20”
It was such a calm, balmy day on this beautiful Donegal beach but in the distance the clouds were gathering.
Strandhill
Original Painting
Medium: Acrylic on wood panel.
Size: 16” x 10”
The beach at Strandhill, Co. Sligo.
Inquisitive Cattle
Original Painting
Medium: Acrylic on canvas board.
Size: 16” x 20”
The sun of a summer’s evening lights the Loughcrew hills, while in the foreground some very inquisitive cattle pose for their photo. This is the view from my house, and one I have painted so often, each time as different as the weather or season that passes this timeless landscape.
Atlantic Waves - print
Limited Edition Print
Medium: Giclée
Size: 37” x 20”
The west of Ireland receives the full force of the mighty ocean.
Cliodhna’s Wave - print
Limited Edition Print
Medium: Giclée.
Size: 24" x 20"
Based on a smaller coloured pencil drawing, this tells the story of the mythological Goddess Clodhna and how her love of a human, Ciabhán, led to her drowning off the west coast of Ireland.
Her name is still remembered in Glandore in West Cork, where a powerful wave that smashes against the rocks, is know as Cliodhna’s wave.
Crashing Wave - print
Limited Edition Print
Medium: Giclée
Size: 12” x 12”
Sunlight glowing a turquoise hue as a wave crashes on shore.
Dark clouds over Magheraroarty beach - print
Limited Edition Print
Medium: Giclée
Size: 16” x 20”
It was such a calm, balmy day on this beautiful Donegal beach but in the distance the clouds were gathering.
Loughcrew Estate Walk
Original Painting
Medium: Acrylic on canvas.
Size: 18” x 14”
Loughcrew Estate is situated just outside Oldcastle, Co. Meath with its magical gardens.
Loughcrew Estate Walk - print
Limited Edition Print
Medium: Giclée
Size: 18” x 14”
Loughcrew Estate is situated just outside Oldcastle, Co. Meath with its magical gardens.
Mullaghmeen walk - print
Limited Edition Print
Medium: Giclée
Size: 36” x 12”
A beautiful woodland walk in County Westmeath which is home to one of the largest Beech plantations in western Europe.
There is also a cairn on top of what is the highest point in this midland county.
Patrickstown Walk - print
Limited Edition Print
Medium: Glicée
Size: 22” x 38”
One of the sister hills of Loughcrew, Patrickstown is home to the of cairns (unfortunately now destroyed) dating back to over 5000 years.
It is also the place where the famous “calendar stone” is situated and there are wonderful views across to Cairn T on Sliabh na Caillí.
Portnablagh Donegal - print
Limited Edition Print
Medium: Glicée
Size: 16” x 20”
A mix of choppy waters and a rich sunset at Portnablagh harbour, Donegal.
Sheep on Loughcrew - print
Limited Edition Print
Medium: Giclée
Size: 38” x 22”
A wary sheep watches me near the ancient Cairn V on top of Loughcrew, the ancient site of over 5000 years where our ancestors worshipped the changing of the seasons.
Storm Cloud over Loughcrew - print
Limited Edition Print
Medium: Giclée
Size: 36” x 18”
A dark cloud, hangs ominously over the 5000 year old Cairn T on Sliabh na Caillí (pronounced Sleeve na Kally). This cairn, associated with the ancient sovereignty Goddess, the Cailleach, lies on top the highest point in County Meath and is aligned to the Spring and Autumn Equinoxes. The energy on this hill is almost palpable.
Strandhill - print
Limited Edition Print
Medium: Giclée
Size: 16” x 10”
The beach at Strandhill, Co. Sligo.
Inquisitive Cattle - print
Limited Edition Print
Medium: Giclée
Size: 16” x 20”
The sun of a summer’s evening lights the Loughcrew hills, while in the foreground some very inquisitive cattle pose for their photo. This is the view from my house, and one I have painted so often, each time as different as the weather or season that passes this timeless landscape.
Swan - print
Limited Edition Print
Medium: Giclée
Size: 27" x 22"
This swan caught my eye when we were in holidays in Wales. The pond water was almost totally green but contrasted beautifully with the brilliant white of the mute swan.
The Promise of Spring - print
Limited Edition Print
Medium: Giclée
Size: 27” x 22”
Crocuses break through the dark clay and melting snows, to bring the hope of Spring.
Virginia Woods - print
Limited Edition Print
Medium: Giclée
Size: 30” x 20”
I painted this picture after one of those heady, warm summer’s evenings, so rare in Ireland.
The Deerpark woods, once part of the estate of the Marquis of Headford, are now a wonderful resource for the community living near Virginia town in County Cavan.
Lough Ramor Sunset
Original Painting
Medium: Acrylic on canvas.
Size: 40” x 24”
One of my favourite walks is through Deerpark forest in Virginia, Cavan and the view across Lough Ramor at sunset is spectacular, with little islands and crannógs (ancient dwelling places) dotting the lake.
Lough Ramor Sunset - print
Limited Edition Print
Medium: Giclée.
Size: 36” x 22”
One of my favourite walks is through Deerpark forest in Virginia, Cavan and the view across Lough Ramor at sunset is spectacular, with little islands and crannógs (ancient dwelling places) dotting the lake.
St.Brigid's church Oldcastle
Original Painting
Medium: Acrylic on canvas board.
Size: 11” x 14”
Commissioned Painting
St.Brigid's church Oldcastle - print
Limited Edition Print
Medium: Glicée
Size: 11” x 14”
Commissioned Painting
Vase of flowers
Original Painting
Medium: Acrylic on canvas.
Size: 10” x 12”
A simple bouquet of flowers, to brighten up a dark corner.
Vase of flowers - print
Limited Edition Print
Medium: Giclée
Size: 10” x 12”
A simple bouquet of flowers, to brighten up a dark corner.
Winter Street
Original Painting
Medium: Oil on Deep Canvas.
Size: 42"x 36"
A winter scene in Dublin
Winter Street - print
Limited Edition Print
Medium: Giclée
Size: 26"x 22"
A winter scene in Dublin
Winter’s morning, Loughcrew view
Original Painting
Medium: Acrylic on canvas.
Size: 30” x 20”
The view towards Sliabh na Caillí on Loughcrew is forever changing, depending on the seasons and time of day. This image is one inspired by a beautiful, crisp Winter’s morning, the ground covered by the touch of a white frost and the hills rising above the low-lying mist.
Winter’s morning, Loughcrew view - print
Limited Edition Print
Medium: Giclée
Size: 30” x 20”
The view towards Sliabh na Caillí on Loughcrew is forever changing, depending on the seasons and time of day. This image is one inspired by a beautiful, crisp Winter’s morning, the ground covered by the touch of a white frost and the hills rising above the low-lying mist.
Art Summer Camp
There is nothing more satisfying than seeing a person achieving their potential, enjoying the process of creating and here at Cairn Hill Art, this is my aspiration, that all who come here, develop their own style and experience the joy of making art.
Learn about the Principles and Elements of Art in this fun course, using Oils, Acrylics, Pastels & Watercolours. You will learn to understand the Elements and Principles of Art as a foundation to all disciplines of art, design, architecture, graphics, and beyond.
What you will take home: Process sketches, the Elements and Principles of Design and a drawing and/or a painting referenced from what you have achieved.
This Summer camp is for 11-15 year olds and is over 4 days 10th, 11th, 12th and 14th July 2023. 11am - 2.30pm.
Price per child €100, deposit of €40 is required to secure your child's place.
School Holiday Information
To ensure our students have a great time with us over the school holidays, we ask parents and guardians to please take note of the following: Please ensure your child has a packed lunch and a drink. Please sign your child in and out 10 minutes before/after their session. Ensure your child is wearing appropriate clothing for a potentially messy art class.
If your child has any allergies, medical issues or special needs, please make it known to us at the time of booking.
Any medications must be clearly marked with your child’s name, photo ID and action plan.
About our studio classes
Our class sizes are small, ensuring all students receive the individual tuition they need. We have a maximum of 10 students per class. For kids and teen classes, art materials are included in the fee. To learn about our studio and how to get there, click here.
Make your Booking below
Deposit for Summer Camp 10th, 11th, 12th and 14th July 2023. 11am - 2.30pm.
The remaining €60 to be paid before the classes commence.
Rising of the Cailleach
Original Painting
Medium: Acrylic with pallet knife on canvas board.
Size: 35.5” x 24”
Every Equinox the sun enters the chamber of 5,500 year old Cairn T at Loughcrew. This sacred place is associated with the ancient sovereignty Goddess, the Caileach who is also remembered in its name, Sliabh na Caillí, mountain of the Caileach. Here, I picture her manifesting in the light of that dawn, while in the foreground we see her Chair, from where it is said she gazed upon her landscape.
Rising of the Cailleach - print
Limited Edition Print
Medium: Giclée
Size: 34” x 23”
Every Equinox the sun enters the chamber of 5,500 year old Cairn T at Loughcrew. This sacred place is associated with the ancient sovereignty Goddess, the Cailleach who is also remembered in its name, Sliabh na Caillí, mountain of the Cailleach. Here, I picture her manifesting in the light of that dawn, while in the foreground we see her Chair, from where it is said she gazed upon her landscape.
Ag Siúl Trí Finscéalta - Walking Through Legends - Calendar
Ag Siúl Trí Finscéalta - Walking Through Legends Calendar 2025 - A3 size
Auctioneer
Limited Edition Print
Medium: Giclée
Size: 297mm x 420mm
Commissioned piece, Original SOLD
Jack Charlton
Limited Edition Print
Medium: Giclée
Size: 297mm x 420mm
Commissioned Piece - Original SOLD
Ronnie Drew
Limited Edition Print
Medium: Giclée
Size: 297mm x 420mm
Commissioned Piece - Original SOLD
Sherlock
Limited Edition Print
Medium: Giclée
Size: 297mm x 420mm
Commissioned Piece - Original SOLD
The Cliffs of Moher
Limited Edition Print
Medium: Giclée
Size: 297mm x 420mm
One of the most iconic views in Ireland, the cliffs of Moher, which stand about 214m or just over 700 feet. This Unesco Geopark site is a magnificent stretch of sheer rock, facing out onto the Atlantic Ocean in County Clare.
Woman and Baby
Limited Edition Print
Medium: Giclée
Size: 297mm x 420mm
Commissioned Piece - Original SOLD
Finscéal mo shinsir / The Legend of my ancestors
Original Painting
Medium: Pallet knife acrylic on canvas.
Size: 30”x 20”
Inspired by legend and the beautiful, forested area in Castleshane, this painting tells the story of how the McKenna family came to Monaghan. Although it is just a mythological tale, it is one that can be seen on several gravestones of the clan dating back to the 17th century. It tells of how a young McKenna prince based near Kells in County Meath, went on a hunt which brought him north to Monaghan in search of an elusive stag. However, after traveling so far, he was tired and offered hospitality by a local chieftain by the name of Treanor. The young man fell in love with the chieftain’s daughter and so began the McKenna dynasty. I’m not sure what happened to the stag, but my hope is that he got away. In the painting, I imagined the stag, standing atop a wooded hill, luring the huntsman further and further from home to his destiny in what we now know as County Monaghan.
Capall Dorcha / A Dark Horse
Original Painting
Medium: Palette knife acrylic painting on canvas.
Size: 28” x 20”
This painting was inspired by a story relating to Rossmore Forest Park, just outside Monaghan town. Part of the School’s collection on Duchas.ie, it tells of a man who met a gentleman on a black horse who whisked him away to his castle in Rossmore and treated him well, but then demanded that the young man tell him a story. As the man had no tale to relate, he was put outside. He then met these mysterious evil men, so he grabbed a hazel twig and with it, put the men into a deep sleep. The man then ran back to the castle and told of what had happened to him. The owner was thrilled and treated him to a grand supper and a fine room for the night. However, in the morning the man awoke in his own field, convinced his adventure had been a trick by the fairies.
In this picture, we see the gentleman on his horse, on the Yew Walk in Rossmore Park, where the branches form a dark passage, only broken by intermittent rays of late afternoon sun.
Duilleog Bháite / Water-lily
Original Painting
Medium: A palette knife acrylic on canvas.
Size: 16”x 30”
Waterlilies are a common feature on our inland lakes, and it was both Lough Muckno in Castleblayney and Barhill Lake in Rossmore Forest Park, that were the inspiration behind this painting, where they were abundant on my last visit. In a sense they represent the idea that there is so much more than what we see on the surface, as their stems trail deep down into the depths of the lake. Indeed, the Irish name refers to this aspect, Duilleog being a leaf, and Báite meaning drowned or submerged, indicating something that goes deep beneath that outer layer of water. This concept has echoes throughout our landscape where so much of the undulating fields are filled with traces of our ancient past, stories that reach back to a time of our distant ancestors.
Idir na Crainn / Between the trees
Original Painting
Medium: A palette knife acrylic on canvas.
Size: 20”x 28”
Not far from Castleblayney, in County Armagh, is a fantastic example of a Dún or fort, that of Corliss Fort. The name Corliss comes from the Irish, but unfortunately its meaning is unclear, there being several interpretations, i.e. The Circular Fort, the Conspicuous Fort or the Fort of Help or Protection. The Liss part of the name comes from Lios which is one name for a type of fort and is a common part of many Irish placenames. This place is so well preserved and most likely dates from early Christian to perhaps late Medieval times at least. The high beech trees planted over a century ago seem to give it an extra status as a place of prominence and I was so taken by the amazing views of the South Armagh and Monaghan landscape. The day I was there, the clouds were scurrying across the sky, bringing bouts of heavy squally showers from deep grey/almost purple clouds, interspersed by warm brilliant sunshine, the perfect recipe for a painting.
Macallaí mo shinsir / Echoes of my ancestors
Original Painting
Medium: A palette knife oil on canvas.
Size: 28 x 20”
Tully Fort, not far from Emyvale, is the last surviving of the McKenna forts. Coming from the Irish word for a small hill, Tully fort is a fine example of the type of fort common in Gaelic Ireland before the final fall of the ancient way of life. While I was there, I walked the outer rampart, picking my way through nettles, and ducking beneath the branches of the fine hazel trees that circle this site. It was such an honour to walk through a place where I know my ancestors once lived and it was not hard to feel their energy. This inspired the idea that their echoes are still there, and if you look closely, you can see the vague shapes of perhaps two of those from whom I came, wending their way through the natural gateways between the branches.
Ag tiomáint na ba abhaile / Driving the cows home
Original Painting
Medium: A palette knife oil painting on canvas.
Size: 20”x 28”
To me, this is a scene so often repeated on many a country road throughout the land. In the background we have the rolling drumlins of Monaghan as a young boy helps his grandfather to drive the cows home, guiding that last cow, the “straggler” down a typical rural road, and watched by his faithful Border Collie. Along the way, they pass a derelict house, roof damaged, wild plants climbing the weathered walls. This scene represents the continuation of traditions, the handing down of old ways, the abandoned dwelling, a reminder of previous generations who also would have passed this way with their cattle through the ages.
Baile mo shinsir / My ancestral home
Original Painting
Medium: A palette knife oil painting on canvas.
Size: 20" x 30”
Tully fort, Tully being from the Irish relating to a hill, is the last remaining of the McKenna forts. This wonderful oasis of ancient soil is surrounded by a thicket of hazel trees, with some quite large hawthorns intermingled along its almost perfect circular border. The Hazel tree interestingly, is associated with wisdom in Irish lore and so appropriate to a place that echoes the energy and knowledge of ancestors. Here, between the 12th and 17th Centuries, the McKennas, were one the most prominent families in North County Monaghan, their lands known as a Barony of the Ring Forts, or Tríucha chead an chladaigh. The day I visited, I was lucky enough to meet the farmer, busy at work in the fields and he was more than happy to allow me access to this wonderful site. There is a strange and almost tangible energy, standing in a place where you know for certain, your ancestors lived, and I felt honoured to do so. My only regret was wearing three-quarter length trousers, as my legs were literally buzzing from all the nettle stings, but every sting was worth it!
San áit ba dhual dom / where I belong
Original Painting
Medium: A palette knife oil painting on canvas.
Size: 28”x 20”
It was a drive down a wee by-way, grass in the middle of the road, that was the inspiration behind this painting. As I passed a gate, bordered by two fine trees, the depth of shadows cast by the foliage was a wonderful contrast against the bright sunshine on grass beyond. I imagined the farmer, leaning over the gate, faithful dog by his side, surveying this place where he and perhaps many generations before, have lived and worked, bringing him that sense of peace and belonging.
Crann na Sióga / Tree of the Fairies
Original Painting
Medium: Palette knife acrylic painting on canvas.
Size: 22”x 16”
Situated in Rossmore Forest Park and identified in a County Council Development Plan, is a Fairy Tree near Barnhill lake. So common all over the country are these lone trees in the middle of a field that forever remain untouched for fear of annoying the fairies. This belief, even in this modern age, is something that touches a deep-rooted chord, that perhaps we are not the only ones who inhabit our land. What struck me though, was the fact that this tree is on the Council document, noting that while it has no intrinsic heritage value, it would be “prudent” to leave alone. The “unsaid” told a multitude and I felt this particular Fairy Tree deserved a special place in this exhibition.
Scáthanna na n-am atá caite / Shadows of past times
Original Painting
Medium: Palette knife oil painting on canvas.
Size: 20”x 30”
Castleshane Desmesne, not far from Monaghan town, is now a fantastic area to walk with wide open land, where wildflowers grow contrasting against shadowed walkways through forested narrow paths that almost lead to a mysterious waterfall. The estate belonged to the Lucas family; their “big house” being burnt down in 1920. According to a story on Dúchas.ie, the school’s collection, a mysterious black hare was seen running from the property that night, making its way to the Rossmore Forest area. The hare has always been considered a magical creature in Irish mythology, sometimes a portent of good, sometimes of misfortune, and a black hare could also be a guise of the mischievous Púca. In a sense it’s no surprise that a being of folklore is associated with Castleshane as the name itself comes from Caisleán tSiáin, meaning the castle of the fairy mound. In this picture, I painted one of those sunlit paths, at the time all manner of wildflowers blooming, but particularly the abundance of Willow Herbs. In the distance I hinted at two figures, in old-fashioned dress, as I’m sure the previous occupants would have often walked this path, now available for all to enjoy.
Loch Mucsnámha / Lake of the Swimming Pig
Original Painting
Medium: Palette knife acrylic painting on canvas.
Size: 30”x 20”
A perfect example of a place name so long Anglicized that the true meaning has disappeared. Lough Muckno originally came from the Irish Mucsnámha or the swimming pig and refers to the story of where the church of St. Maeldoid came to be built. For when the Saint first decided to build a church, the stones would mysteriously end up on the other side of the lake. Then one night the builders decided to see what was happening, and to their surprise they witnessed a black pig swimming out to the building site, where suddenly the stones would magically be transported to the opposite side of the lake. Saint Maeldoid decreed that this must be the will of God and so relocated his church. When I went there in Spring, the sky was brilliantly blue though the air was cold. It was a beautiful early Spring day and the almost bare trees were remarkably contrasted against the expanses of blue water and lakeside reeds.
Crios Chú Chulainn ar Loch Mucnú / Meadow sweet on Lough Muckno
Original Painting
Medium: Palette knife oil painting on canvas.
Size: 20”x 42”
One of my visits to White Island on Muckno, was in July, between the showers. A fishing competition had ended a couple of days previously, and so I wandered along the banks, using the track that ran behind the fishing area. What struck me was the beautiful display of wildflowers, Willow herb and Meadow Sweet in particular. Meadow Sweet has a really interesting connection with Irish folklore. In Irish there are two names for it, Airgead Luachra, meaning Rush Silver, and Crios Chú Chulainn, which is also its name in Scottish Gaelic. This version I love as it tells how Cúchulain would sometimes be over come by battle frenzies in which he turned into a monstrous being, and the only thing that would calm him was Meadow Sweet which he tied around him like a belt, the Irish for belt being Crios. It’s a wonderful story which is so fitting for a wildflower that adorns so many places during the summer months, it being like a lovely long creamy belt on many a hedgerow. Out of interest, I used the modern Irish spelling here for Muckno, which has lost the more meaningful version of older times.
Faoi cheilt sna Coillte / Hidden in the Woods
Original Painting
Medium: Palette knife oil painting on canvas.
Size: 14 x 20”
This is the hidden waterfall in the Castleshane demesne, and a truly magical place. Not easy to access as the path meanders through the forest and into a thicket of Rhododendrons, so it’s a case of veering off the very unbeaten track towards where the land drops steeply to this cascade of water tumbling down into dark reflective waters.
An Eas folaithe / The hidden Waterfall
Original Painting
Medium: Palette knife acrylic painting on canvas.
Size: 26”x 14”
Another hidden waterfall and on another former Demesne. When I visited Rossmore Forest park, I wandered down the long Yew walk to the Mausoleum only to hear the sound of gushing water. It took me a while to eventually find the source as the waterfall is well concealed in a thicket of trees. I loved how this darkened spot, barely illuminated by late afternoon sun, managed to reveal itself by the thunderous sound of water after recent rain.
Solas Álainn / A beautiful light
Original Painting
Medium: Palette knife acrylic painting on canvas.
Size: 20”x 16”
I titled this painting, Solas Álainn, because the stark spring light was what really struck me about this particular visit to this wonderful recreation area. Although it was chilly, the place was buzzing with families enjoying the March sunshine. This was just one of many trees where the light seemed to highlight the bark, in a way that appeared to bleach the timber in the light, against the shadows so dark and defined.
