Inishowen Artists' Retreat and Studio Reviews

C COYLE 2025.10.13

     

A fabulous Abstract Art workshop that was good for the soul. Sinead was an excellent host who guided and coaxed you along to build your confidence and expertise in doing abstracts in such a calm and reassuring manner that made me feel special and worthy of being a pupil at this workshop. My lack of experience did not matter as Sinead enabled everyone to reach their ability and strengths. Her demonstrations were instructive and very informative especially allowing me to freely interpret them to help in the progress of my work. The studio was amazing - calm, serene and beautifully located amongst the stunning backdrop of Donegal as well as being so tastefully decorated with Sinead's own work. Sinead was a wonderful teacher - and I learnt so much. I look forward to coming back for more workshops like this. This was just what I needed - I LOVED every bit of it and it has made me gain in confidence in my love of painting. Thank you so much Sinead.

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Margaret 2025.10.13

     

It’s just over 24 hours since the Abstract painting day with Sinead Smyth ended and I still feel the effects from it!!Relaxed, more confident in my abilities and happy memories of a wonderful day.Sinead explained everything so well,from colour mixing to composition,to blocking in colour and then adding some extra textures or minimal detail.The day also comprised a gorgeous homemade organic lunch ,a tour of the gardens and great company from the other participants.I thoroughly recommend the workshops.

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McCafferty Antiques 2025.05.18

     

Lovely, warm, relaxed welcome, five star tuition and superb quisine at this fab school. Ball O Dia are an obair Sinead and Andy!

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LeeAnn Taggart 2025.05.11

     

I had such a great time at the Inishowen Artist Retreat and Studio. From the start, it was warm and welcoming, and the group of people I met made the whole experience even better. Sinead is a fantastic teacher—really encouraging and knowledgeable. Whether we were working in the studio or painting outdoors at Kinagoe Bay and Ballyliffin Pollenhead Beach, she made the whole process feel enjoyable and inspiring. The cottage is just gorgeous—so cosy and full of character—and the gardens are beautiful. It was the perfect spot to relax, meet new people and soak up the creative atmosphere. Overall, it was a lovely weekend, full of art, nature, and great company. A great place to challenge yourself and enjoy the experience.

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Zachary Johnson 2024.08.14

     

We had a lovely family weekend in the cottage, which is clean and well-equipped. Everyone enjoyed the painting instruction very much. The nearby nearby beaches are beautiful.

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Pascal Ilie Virgil 2024.03.10

     

Close your eyes, or rather, keep them slightly ajar, like a painter gazing upon the emerging forms of light, shadows, and colors for his future masterpiece. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Inishowen, where you can spend your nights in a gracefully restored, centuries-old house, steeped in history and beauty. Venture outside, and you'll discover the wild and majestic nature that unfolds right at your doorstep – mountains, hills, beaches, islands, and untamed waves. Above, a sky, either serene or adorned with multi-layered clouds, consistently stages captivating displays of shapes and lights, allowing the warmth and radiance of the sun to gracefully filter into the northernmost realm of Ireland. Here, you have everything to nourish your soul, engage your mind, and create memories that will stay with you forever.

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Liz Coleman 2024.03.08

     

We had a wonderful weekend with sinead and family on the fabulous inishowen penninsula. The location is stunning, the accommodation is gorgeous. Fabulously comfortable, warm, welcoming. Highlights were the warm welcome, the art class which stirred creativity in all of us participants (with very varying experience and skill), the confindence and courage instilled by sineads sensitive and excellent tuition, the great company but my absolute highlight was the swim in local spot on sunday morning. Thanks so much to sinead for inviting me along! Would highly recommend an artstay with sinead

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Rupert Cox 2024.03.07

     

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Deirdre Monaghan 2024.03.06

     

Had a fantastic stay here with my family & dog. Great surroundings and very peaceful and tranquil. The kids loved using the artists studio. Sinead was extremely helpful with loads of ideas & handy tips for things to do in the local area. Would definitely recommend a visit here.

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Emer O'Kane 2024.03.06

     

Great homely feel to the place. Fab location and quite a rare find having access to an EV charger too. We can't wait to come back soon.

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ciara steele 2024.02.28

     

We had a fantastic time in a beautiful setting exploring the possibilities of Oil Paint learning colour theory perspective and sharing stories with warm and lovely people. Sinead is so welcoming food and snacks are home made delicious and timely. I will definitely rebook

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Elaine Graham 2024.02.28

     

I attended Inishowen Artists Retreat for the Autumn/Winter classes and must say it was fabulous. Sinead fills you with knowledge and encourages your enthusiasm. My two hour painting sessions there are so relaxing and therapeutic. I would highly recommend and will certainly go back for more classes

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Eithne Mckevett 2024.02.28

     

Lovely weekend very relaxing. Sinead is a great teacher and very encouraging. Arrived home with 2 very nice paintings .First time using oils easy step by step process to follow. Studio bright and airy.Stayed in cottage which was lovely and very comfortable

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Susanne Bergin 2024.02.28

     

A great weekend with my daughter. Sinead was great welcoming and supportive! We loved learning the art of oil painting together.

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Bennery Rickard 2023.06.20

     

We had the best weekend ever. Beautiful retreat, lovely cottage and studio. I really enjoyed painting with Sinead very encouraging, sensitve teacher and what can I say about Inniseoin its magical. Bennery

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Sarah Rigby 2023.05.16

     

A lovely place to stay -Donegal has the best beaches. The art tuition from Sinead was brilliant-it was even fun painting in the rain! It was a real bonus to be able to work in the studio as well.

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Amanda Kelly 2023.03.21

     

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.

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Fionnuala McCullagh 2022.11.30

     

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!

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Shannon Mary Mahoney 2022.11.18

     

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...

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Aileen O'Donnell 2022.10.17

     

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.

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