11-Nights in Ireland Plein Air Painting with Rachael McCampbell at Ballinglen Arts Foundation

Join artist Rachael McCampbell for an inspiring 11-night plein air painting retreat at the Ballinglen Arts Foundation, nestled in the charming seaside village of Ballycastle, County Mayo. Located along Ireland’s dramatic Wild Atlantic Way, this trip offers breathtaking landscapes, rugged coastlines, historic ruins, and warm Irish hospitality—all perfect subjects for landscape painting.  Cost: $4,400 per artist (if you want to bring a non-painting partner, email rachael@rachaelmccampbell.com to discuss). We are accepting credit card payments of $103 to hold your spot ($100 plus 3% credit card fee).

About the Workshop

• • Instructor: Rachael McCampbell is an acclaimed American painter and art educator known for her expressive landscapes and plein air expertise. Her teaching style is warm, encouraging, and accessible for all skill levels.

  • What’s included: Instruction and organization of trip by Rachael McCampbell and Curtis Stewart. Transportation to and from Dublin to Ballinglen Arts Foundation and some travel once there, all accommodations with private bedrooms (double or full sized beds, not for sharing) and private or shared baths, lunches and dinners. Airfare, art supplies, breakfasts and alcohol are not supplied.

Daily Instruction Includes: plein air sessions focused on capturing the Irish landscape using oils, acrylics, or watercolors.

• • • Demonstrations by Rachael on location

    • Individual feedback and group critiques

    • Techniques for painting skies, cliffs, seascapes, and pastoral scenes

    • Color mixing and composition tips

    • How to work efficiently outdoors (plein air best practices)

    • Optional studio time for finishing work

      📅 Sample Daily Schedule

      Time	Activity
      8:00 AM	Breakfast on your own or in groups
      9:00 AM	Morning painting session (on location)
      1:00 PM	Break / lunch
      2:00 PM	Continue painting or explore local sites
      5:00 PM	Return to Ballinglen, studio work optional
      6:30 PM	Group dinner
      8:00 PM	Free time or Occasional Evening discussion, demo, or critique

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      Meals

      • Breakfast is on your own. You have your own kitchens.

      • Lunches and dinners are provided and shared family style at Ballinglen Arts Foundation

      • Local grocery store and pubs available for supplies

      • Group meals offer a chance to unwind and share the day’s work

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      Weather & Gear

      • Expect changing weather—layers, rain gear, and windbreakers are essential

      • Artists are encouraged to bring travel easels, lightweight gear, and portable palettes

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      What Makes It Special

      • The raw beauty of Mayo’s coastline

      • The camaraderie of like-minded artists

      • Deep immersion into the Irish landscape and culture

      • The chance to grow artistically under the guidance of an experienced plein air painter

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  A tour of the private area of the Ballinglen Arts Foundation Museum. What a treat!