Following a beautiful launch evening hosted by our friends as JN Wine and a successful online print launch, we brought Kathryn’s newest series of ten local landscape pieces back to our studio. We were delighted that you all loved the prints and paintings, but we soon realised that as lovely as it was to hang the paintings together as one beautiful exhibition, the best way to experience them would be in the very spots that inspired them – or as close as we could get!
We set out to find the perfect local businesses to host the paintings for the summer all around Northern Ireland’s coastline, and the Kathryn Callaghan NI Art Trail quickly took shape. Finally, we identified eight unique venues: three hotels, two restaurants, two cafés, and one traditional Irish pub. Each locale is as distinctive as the natural landscape surrounding it, and we’re thrilled to work with our lovely hosts – you can find out more about them below…
Prints are available of each piece, and most of the originals are currently available to purchase too. Just scroll down to find out more!
The Slieve Donard Hotel
Newcastle, Co. Down
Stop #1 | Bloody Bridge
“This painting was inspired by childhood memories of playing in the rock pools on a hot day, and bouldering with my children as an adult – on a less hot day! It’s a serene, wild place that, for me, represents an opportunity to unwind, have fun, and be close to nature.”
Finding a summer home for ‘Bloody Bridge’ was about more than just the painting itself – this would be the starting point for the entire trail! As such, we needed to find an appropriately stately venue; an icon recognisable country-wide and beyond. There was only one place we could go: The Slieve Donard Hotel.
At over 125 years old, the Slieve Donard has watched over Newcastle beach and Dundrum Bay since the Victorian era. Its “must-see” reputation lives on today as the height of luxury Newcastle. Whether it’s a hearty dinner before a drive home or a longer stay to take in everything Newcastle has to offer, The Slieve Donard Hotel is the place to be, and we couldn’t be prouder to have ‘Bloody Bridge’ in their beautiful halls!
The Bucks Head
Dundrum, Co. Down
Stop #2 | The Mournes from Murlough
“This view is reminiscent of my day trips to Newcastle as a child, and the towering Mountains of Mourne rearing into view on the drive from Comber. Looking at this awe-inspiring profile of the mountains always stirs memories of arcade machines, the beach, chips and of course, ice cream!”
The Bucks Head is a stunning new redevelopment tucked into Dundrum – a true hidden gem along the County Down coast! From the cosy front bar’s crackling wood burning stove to the main restaurant’s culinary artistry displayed right before your eyes, and of course, Murlough Nature Reserve just around the corner, The Bucks Head is the perfect home for ‘The Mournes from Murlough’.
The Lobster Pot
Strangford, Co. Down
Stop #3 | Strangford Village
“I have fond childhood memories of riding the Strangford ferry with an ice cream while visiting Castleward and Kilclief Beach. I’ll always love to watch the boats bob up and down, and see the colourful reflections in the water. I hope these peaceful memories are captured in this painting.”
Strangford may be a tiny village, but it has a huge community spirit and is a much-loved spot for both Northern Irish locals and visitors from further afield – especially thanks to long-established local venues like The Lobster Pot! The idyllic harbour that inspired ‘Strangford Village’ is visible from the front door – but if you were more tempted to turn back around and settle into the bar, we most certainly couldn’t blame you!
The Guillemot Café
Bangor, Co. Down
Stop #4 | Bangor Pier
“Bangor is where I spent many of my teenage and early adult years, so it is home to a lot of fond memories! The Pier is a happy place for me, as well as where my focus shifted to the wider world. I hope this painting evokes for you the opportunity and wonder that Bangor represents to me.”
Located right on Bangor Marina, The Guillemot Café (and Deli!) is definitely our newest go-to breakfast spot, brimming with unique produce sourced locally and worldwide, fresh baked goods, and of course, delicious coffee roasted to perfection. Friendly, enthusiastic, and colourful – the ideal representation of Bangor, just right to house ‘Bangor Pier’ for the summer.
Mary McBride’s
Cushendun, Co. Antrim
Stop #5 | Glens of Antrim
“The Glens of Antrim is an area I came to know in my 20s during my time working in outdoor recreation. The incredible, vast landscape captured my heart and this painting, for me, represents endless possibilities and the many twists and turns that life presents to us.”
What kind of tour of Northern Ireland would this be if we didn’t have a traditional Irish pub on offer? It certainly doesn’t get much more traditional than Mary McBride’s – almost 200 years old and still serving perfect pints and delicious dinners every day of the week! We wanted to find somewhere with a truly cosy vibe for ‘Glens of Antrim’ while retaining that wild, exciting spirit the painting represents, so this fascinating little gem couldn’t be better suited to join our trail.
Fullerton Arms
Ballintoy, Co. Antrim
Stop #6 | Ballintoy Harbour
“Ballintoy Harbour is such a gem, hidden from view and just waiting to be discovered and welcome visitors with its pretty scenery. I remember coming here for lunch with my children, on our way to go rock-pooling. For me, this painting is inspired by happiness and exploration.”
Ballintoy might just be the North Coast’s best kept secret – and once you’ve visited, there will always be a part of you that wants to keep its stunning views and friendly atmosphere to yourself. So to experience that breath of fresh air and famous hospitality for yourself, we definitely recommend a delicious meal of local produce and a stay with The Fullerton Arms – you can even bring your furry friend along for the ride!
The Bushmills Inn
Bushmills, Co. Antrim
Stops #7 & 8 | Causeway Rocks and White Rocks from Magheracross
“I remember climbing those rocks as a child like it was yesterday. There is certainly something magical about the Giant’s Causeway, and I hope this painting captures its energy and wild spirit.”
“Whiterocks Beach holds many happy memories. This viewpoint is jaw-dropping, and reminds me how small I am in this great big world. I hope this painting can give us all a sense of perspective and remind us to step back and enjoy life’s bigger picture.”
Bushmills is another gorgeous North Coast village with a huge amount on offer, from tours of the famous distillery and plenty of charming little art & gift stores on the main street to trips to every major tourist spot on our Art Trail. Of course, you’ll need a stunning boutique hotel and restaurant to base yourself; somewhere with cosy turf fires, an award-winning restaurant, and first class customer service…there’s nowhere else we could mean than The Bushmills Inn!
Arcadia
Portrush, Co. Derry/Londonderry
Stops #9 & 10 | West Strand Portrush and Benone Strand
“Memories of sandcastles and beach picnics, visits to the amusements, chippy, and ice cream shop…I just close my eyes and I’m transported to Portrush’s simple pleasures and happy memories of loved ones here.”
“When I think of Benone Strand, I feel a sense of space and freedom, and the gentle, warm splash of water as I pad through shallow lagoons left by the receding tide. It’s a feeling of peace and serenity, and I hope comes across in this painting.”
What a whirlwind – after visiting some of the wildest spots Northern Ireland can offer, you’ll be ready to just sit for a while and watch the world go by. Where could be better than the Arcadia Portrush, perched right on the water with a view of the rolling blue sea, windswept Skerries Islands, and surfers trying to tame the wild Atlantic? A warming coffee, a delicious homemade bake, and a curated art gallery – sounds just perfect to us!
Now that all ten paintings have found homes for the summer, we want to get you out and about visiting them!
Maybe you already have your eye on a favourite piece – the holiday memories of West Strand Portrush, or the promise of adventure and exploration in Bloody Bridge and Glens of Antrim? Well, how would you fancy the chance to win a print?
To promote the Art Trail and the fabulous businesses hosting Kathryn’s paintings, we’re giving away ten prints – one of each! All you have to do is visit the paintings at their host venues, take a selfie with them, and tag us when you post the photo online, using @kcfineart on Instagram and Facebook. You can enter for as many of the prints as you’d like, and we’ll randomly draw winning names on 1st September.
Good luck, and happy trails!
All ten paintings are now available as prints, so you can take the essence of your favourite place with you wherever you go:
-
Bloody Bridge – Newcastle, County Down Print with Size and Presentation Options
0 - 0 reviews£34.50 – £199.00View Product This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page138-796 Points -
The Mournes from Murlough – Newcastle, County Down Print with Size and Presentation Options
0 - 0 reviews£34.50 – £199.00View Product This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page138-796 Points -
Strangford Village – County Down Northern Ireland Print with Size and Presentation Options
0 - 0 reviews£34.50 – £199.00View Product This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page138-796 Points -
Bangor Pier – County Down Coastline Print with Size and Presentation Options
0 - 0 reviews£34.50 – £199.00View Product This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page138-796 Points
And of course, the ten original paintings are also up for sale now. A couple sold ahead of even being placed on the Trail, so if you’ve fallen in love with one in particular, be sure to get in touch asap! Or if there’s a particular landscape close to your heart that Kathryn hasn’t yet painted, why not get in touch about a possible commission?
-
Sold
Bloody Bridge – Original Newcastle, County Down Painting, 92x72cm in Deluxe Black Frame
0 - 0 reviews£2,200.00View Product8800 Points -
Sold
The Mournes from Murlough – Original Newcastle, County Down Painting, 98x72cm in Deluxe Black Frame
0 - 0 reviews£2,200.00View Product8800 Points -
Strangford Village – Original Northern Ireland Painting, 98x72cm in Deluxe Black Frame
0 - 0 reviews£2,200.00View Product8800 Points -
Bangor Pier – Original Northern Ireland Painting, 98x72cm in Deluxe Black Frame
0 - 0 reviews£2,200.00View Product8800 Points
We have to say a huge thank you to every single person at every single venue hosting the Kathryn Callaghan 2024 NI Art Trail. It’s always been our goal to share the magic and wonder of these ten locations in the paintings with you, and we truly believe that the best way to do that is to have the enthusiastic support and involvement of local businesses! So get out there this summer, visit all eight of our partner venues, and enjoy! x