A unique opportunity to improve your creative skills in the wilds of Donegal.

Art courses in a beautiful 19th century Irish cottage and studio.

The cottage and studio is available here for holiday rentals
People studying on an art course
Sinead Smyth teaching art to a class
A painting by Sinead Smyth
An artists' studio sink
A landscape painting by Sinead Smyth

Discover your inner creativity

Our courses cater for creative people of all abilities - from professional to amateur artists to complete beginners - wishing to spend time improving their painting skills in a working studio with expert tuition from resident artist Sinéad Smyth.

Improve your personal wellbeing

Allowing yourself to be creatively free can really help begin to address personal anxiety in your creative life and beyond.

Our courses are often an opportunity to rewire your brain for a more creative way of thinking, tapping into creative problem solving and map-making for personal and business-based applications.
A daisy in a meadow
Sinéad Smyth

Sinéad Smyth - your artist

Hi! I'm a local artist with more than 20 years experience as an art tutor. I love working with people to help bring out their inner, sometimes hidden, creativity.

I've worked with The Turner Prize, The Thames Festival, The British Council and City of Culture over the years, along with countless children and adults.

My paintings and installations have been shown nationally and internationally. My work is held in public and private collections globally.

I’ve been a creative all my life, taking up oil painting more seriously under artist mentors in my 30s. I find inspiration in everyday observations of people and landscapes.

My style of work is generally abstract impressionism although I have been known to dip into realism on occasion! I aim to capture the essence of my chosen subject, creating the illusion of detail through energetic mark making and brushwork.
More about Sinéad

What a course participant said

Reviews

Amanda Kelly
Amanda Kelly
21 March 2023
Beautiful, picturesque and homely. A warm space to feel welcomed and at peace. Inishowen Artists Retreat is an instantly comfortable and comforting homeplace that provides generous, warm hospitality and conversation. Sinead leads the creative process with gentle, yet adventurous mentorship in her bright, airy studio. A place to learn and feel welcomed.
Fionnuala McCullagh
Fionnuala McCullagh
30 November 2022
My teenage godson, niece and I spent a wonderful afternoon here. Sinead created a bespoke session introducing us to the wonders of painting with oil-paint. The studio itself has an aura of calm and welcome - the perfect environment to bring out your inner creative. Sinead is a fantastic teacher, striking the right balance between letting you lose yourself in the piece and giving you a gentle, supportive nudge when you need it. The three of us came out glowing and smiling. Can't recommend this enough as an experience. A wonderful present to each other for some family members or a group of friends. Would love to have a longer session there!
Shannon Mahoney
Shannon Mahoney
18 November 2022
Where to begin? The Retreat offers an experience like no other. If you are considering booking a stay, a workshop or a class, I can tell you wholeheartedly that you will not regret it! In fact, I can promise it will forever sit in your treasure box of unmissable life experiences that change your heart, mind and creativity for the better. Whether it's the beauty and warmth of the lovingly restored cottage, the hospitality of Sinead and Andy, or the spectacular scenery of Inishowen... you will be gifted with inspiration big and small in every moment. During my stay I simultaneously felt so at home while off on an enchanted adventure. There is so much to see in the surrounding area and so much magic in the land. The beaches are mythic and the countryside is charming and alive with the plants and animals that call it home. Sinead is an expert guide on the area and can point you to whatever strikes your fancy. Her artistic tutoring is thoughtful and encouraging and she is a master at blending helpful technique with personal insight and expression. The groups she draws to her workshops are lovely and supportive and she sets the tone for a very free and experimental space for all levels of ability and experience. I was personally coming in from a long long hiatus from any kind of painting and felt supported in every way. As a traveler from California, I can say that it is unquestionably worth flying to Ireland to stay in the gorgeous cottage, receive the gifts of this sweet, wise and soulful mentor, and discover whatever creative transformation or vacation is meant for you. Whether you are bubbling over with motivation and intention or completely struggling with a block or dry spell, I highly recommend making this your sanctuary and next step...
Aileen O'Donnell
Aileen O'Donnell
17 October 2022
I and 2 friends had a lovely two day art retreat here in the spring.We were greeted with warm smiles and enthusiasm, tea/coffee,and settled in to an exciting weekend facilitated by Sinead,we were served homemade healthy soup and scones for lunch by Andy before heading down to a local beach to interpret the power of the wild Atlantic ocean which was a memorable experience.
Simon McGinley
Simon McGinley
9 October 2022
The Inishowen Artists' Retreat is a perfect setting for Art Courses. It is quiet and atmospheric. The course I attended was well organised and interesting. Sinéad was the perfect hostess and has a wonderful teaching manner. Thank you So much.
Maura Hagerty
Maura Hagerty
8 October 2022
I have attended 3 of Sinead's Art Days, I can’t recommend them enough, Sinead is a wonderful inspired teacher who is able to work with all levels and interests. The days are delightful, always a great people at different levels, The cottage itself is beautiful, and the Inishowen Peninsula is just breathtaking. ,… oh yes, as mentioned in the other reviews the lunch is a total delight.
Dale Treadwell
Dale Treadwell
8 October 2022
A journey and stay in this lovingly restored cottage is recharge to the soul and and burst for creativity. The gardens and tree nursery of saplings collected from ancient oaks are an inspiration and connection to the restoration of nature and art. Sinead and Andy are dedicated and caring hosts a stay in any weather is highly recommended
Teri Wilson
Teri Wilson
7 October 2022
I can’t recommend Sinead’s Art Days enough! I’ve booked a few of these art days for my 17 year old daughter who loves art but suffers from severe anxiety. Sinead has such an easy, engaging way with her and is a great tutor. My daughter is immediately at ease and thoroughly enjoys the small group sizes and has gained so much knowledge, confidence and experience to help in her A level art course. The location is truly beautiful, it’s one of those places on earth that’s good for the soul! My husband and I make a weekend of it when the courses are on and use the time to create quality family memories with our arty daughter. We’re all looking forward to our next trip to Inishowen Art Retreat.
Ria Opgenhaffen
Ria Opgenhaffen
6 October 2022
Art days at Sinead and Andy' Inishowen artist's retreat have been a very special experience for me. Sinead is a talented and inspirational person with great insight. The courses are relaxed and no matter what ability or previous art knowledge, Sinead can tap into your strengths and makes it an enjoyable experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the days and definitely will return for more. Both Andy and Sinead are welcoming and generous and Andy makes brilliant soups. Ria
Leonora Reilly Art
Leonora Reilly Art
4 October 2022
Sinead and Andy welcomed us into their first ever workshop in their newly renovated artist retreat studio. A 2day weekend of abstract painting and life drawing with like minded participants. Each day was well designed and Sinead is a great knowledgable tutor. Thoroughly enjoyable experience and I would highly recommend Sinead’s courses and retreat for other artists of all grades.

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Where are we?

We can be found just outside Carndonagh on the Inishowen Peninsula. This is the most northerly part of the island of Ireland in County Donegal.