Arrived - November 8

This is Tulip. We left Shannon Airport around 8am (waited 2 hours for the sun to rise)  and headed north on the motorway to Ballycastle, County Mayo. We arrived here in front of Ballinglen Arts Foundation building around noon. Greeted warmly, with keys to the cottage and a tour of the facilities. Studio on the 2nd floor, extensive library and- the Atlantic Ocean down the street. We are going to be very happy here, especially if we remember to drive on the left side of the road.

First Full Day - November 9

Took a drive over to Benwee Head, sketchbook and camera in the front seat. A glorious sunny day, walked through the bog - the closest likeness to a salt marsh I am going to find over here.

November 10

Determined to try my hand at a few oil sketches- no matter the weather. Calm sea, birds, loving the smell of the salt air when I get out of the car. The rest of the day was spent getting organized, enjoying staff and artists in the building.  

First study of the rocks..

November 11

Today I traveled to Ballina to meet painter/friend at the Bus Station and do some shopping. No painting today. Groceries were needed but also was on the hunt for push-pins, a watch and a teapot!

Ballycastle has a convenient store with a gas pump on the curb, Mary's Cottage (delicious food open til 4) and three pubs ( had 17 in its glory days). Getting a routine for each day- walk to the ocean, paint, Mary's for lunch/dinner, back out painting then to studio to push-pin the day's work, time in the library and then Guinness with Tayto Irish chips at Healy's Pub around 8PM. 

There is a Community Center where I can hear kids playing basketball and have signed up for yoga class on Thursday evenings.

Here is my cottage, 1/4 mile south of town. Four dogs live next door that greet me when I come home at night. And here is one of my great meals at Mary's! She is a delight. She is going to treat me to an Irish coffee for Thanksgiving!