Achill Island

Achill Island in Co.Mayo well what can I say … I love the place!

I can say lots about the Island but you’d be here for the rest of the day!!

Firstly if you havent been you have to put it on your bucket list. I have family that have been going there for the last 25 years religously ever summer. So I have now just joined them the past two years and also have a friend who’s lovely family are from the Island. I have been delighted to get to spend time with them all there touring the Island ,familarising myself with all the various places . The island is dotted with so many different aspects from beautiful sandy beaches to high mountain and cliff walks. There the obvious Wild Atlantic Ocean to the west and the crashing waves of Asleam to the calmer waters lapping up to Grace O’Malleys towerhouse to the southeast of the Island.

Of course theres Keem Bay ,stunning!!

This year I was delighted to paint many of these places. I am still working on paintings from my walks . The big skies and wild landscape make me inspired to go back and try to bring this feeling to life in my paintings. I brought my two of my biggest canvases to Artsource this November 2023. Big for me anyway 1 meter by 1 metre. The paintings are from a walk I had with my two friends Rachel and Angela . We took Rachel to see the west side of the Island its so breathtaking . Its so exposed and wild ,you feel alive for sure!

As we walked behind a ridge between us and the sea down a rural path a flock of sheep appear on the top of the ridge seeking shelter I presume. The sun shone high in the sky with the clouds racing by bringing droplets of sea spray on our faces. The sheep poured over the ridge fifty or more. they circled past us journeying up to the mountain. My heart was full of awe and snapping photographs to prove to everyone that this moment did happen ,it wasnt my imagination.

I got to paint two aspects from this moment and enjoyed it so much. I am delighted that they were so well received at the exhibition and one I am happy to say is hanging in its new home in Skerris Co.Dublin

I think Achill has a little piece of my heart! I cant wait to see it again very soon and drive over the bridge ,take a big breath and say I’m back !