Ballycastle - N.Ireland
Ballycastle is located on the north coast of Northern Ireland overlooking Scotland and Rathlin Island. The town is located on the sea front and offers beautiful landscape for painting, walking and exploring – many of the sights you may recognise from famous movies or TV dramas including the ‘Game of Thrones’.
A short drive from Ballycastle takes you to the Giants Causeway and the Bushmills whiskey distillery as well as many other beautiful locations.
Working mainly in pen, pencil and watercolour we will be recording the sights of this pretty coastal gem, coupled with the opportunity to visit nearby world famous attractions such as the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-rede rope bridge and the “Dark Hedges.”
Our trip on this date is led by artist Graham Thew.
Graham, a committed sketcher, is never happier than when out and about, sketchbook in hand. He founded “Wirral Urban Sketchers” (see the FaceBook site) and recently appeared on B.B.C.’s “Home is Where the Art is” as a winning contestant. He enjoys teaching watercolour on cruise ships with the opportunities it brings to meet new people. Graham is inclusive and understanding in the way he dedicates his time to those in his classes, ensuring everybody enjoys not only a fun experience, but also feel that they have benefited from the time they have committed to the class.
The Hotel
Our base is the 4* Marine Hotel in Ballycastle. Situated directly facing the sea, this modern hotel is a great base for your painting holiday. The recently refurbished lounge area is welcoming and you can relax with a coffee looking out to sea. Dinners are enjoyed in Marconi’s Bistro which serves a variety of Irish and European dishes.
Your Room
The rooms are decorated with clean, bright colours and have all modern amenities available. Each room is ensuite with shower, includes tea and coffee making facilities and TV. Prices are based on rooms with a inland view.
Upgrade to a sea view room for an extra £20 per night.
Hotel Facts
- 51 rooms
- Free WiFi
- Restaurant and bar
- Costa Coffee Shop
- Double or twin bedded ensuite room
- Hairdryer
Itinerary
Day 1
Fly into Belfast City airport or Belfast International airport. Our group transfers will depart Belfast City at 11.30 and then pick up at Belfast International for 12.15 hours before travelling onwards to Ballycastle. Check-in at the hotel and settle into your bedroom. Alternatively if you are driving to Ballycastle, please check-in between 15.00 – 16.00 hours.
Tonight we all meet at 18.30 in the studio before dinner at 19.00 hours.
Day 2 to Day 4
The itinerary will be flexible to allow for weather conditions but if its dry we will sketch/paint around the town of Ballycastle or maybe take a short drive to a nearby location such as Ballintoy. We also include a take a trip to the stunning, world famous Giants Causeway.
Each day after breakfast we will meet in the studio at 9.30 hours where you will be informed of the plans for the day. Weather permitting we will walk or drive to the location where Graham will start the day off with a demonstration lasting 60 to 90 minutes.
Day 2 to 4 continued
After this time the rest of the day is yours to paint and Graham will pass around the group giving advice and encouragement. The painting day ends at 16.00 hours but you are welcome to continue painting or relax, as you wish. On day 4 we will return to the studio at 16.00 hours for a gentle, constructive critique of the paintings produced.
Each evening we will have dinner together at 19.00 hours with 1/2 bottle of house wine included. In the event of wet weather we will use the studio and paint from local photographs. To maximise the painting time you will be provided wth a light picnic on 3 days.
Day 5
It’s time for home today. Breakfast will be served at the hotel from 8am and depart after breakfast. For anyone taking our transfer to the airport for flights home, we will depart at 10.00am.
For those driving home, depart at your leisure after breakfast and drive along the coast home.
Location
Our base is the town of Ballycastle situated just over 1 hours drive from Belfast, on the North Coast of N.Ireland. Ballycastle is a seaside town which offers a range of shops, bars and restaurants to enjoy.
In the area is breathtaking scenery and a short drive from Bushmills and the surrounding area. From the hotel you can also see Rathlin Island and Scotland on a good day – perfect areas and ideas for painting.
Car parking is free of charge for residents at the hotel.
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