I am an Irish artist working from my Powerswood Studio near Thomastown Co. Kilkenny. Like all artists I was drawn to art at an early age and the desire to create has always been part of who I am, be it in the garden, the kitchen or in the studio.
I paint mainly in oils although I also like to paint in watercolour and ink. The inspiration for my paintings comes from the vast beauty of the Irish landscape and drama created by the shifting light over land and sea. I fill my paintings with light and atmosphere creating more interest and an engaging painting. I love the challenge of painting en plein air and use these studies to complete larger studio paintings.
Please contact me if you would like more information about my original paintings or if you would like to visit my studio. I would also love to hear from you if you have an image in mind that you would like me to paint.
FAQs
Locations & Getting Here
Where are the classes and workshops held?
I run my creative sessions across two beautiful locations in County Kilkenny:
Kilkenny City Classes & Workshops: Held at The Castle Yard, Gardens, Kilkenny, situated in the heart of Kilkenny City, directly across from Kilkenny Castle.
Thomastown Classes & Workshops: Held at my private studio, Powerswood Studio, Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny (R95 XE76).
How far are the studios from major cities?
My Thomastown studio is centrally located in the South East and is very accessible:
From Kilkenny City: A short 15-20 minute drive (approx. 17km).
From Dublin: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes via the M9.
From Cork: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes via the M8 and N24/N10.
Public Transport: Thomastown is well-served by the Dublin-Waterford train line and local bus services.
The Castle Yard Gallery is conveniently located in the center of Kilkenny city, making it easily accessible for students traveling by train or car.
Proximity to Kilkenny MacDonagh Station: If you are arriving by train at Kilkenny the studio is approximately a 1 km walk, which typically takes about 14 minutes. The route generally follows the R887 through the city.
Driving From Dublin: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes via the M9.
From Cork: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes via the M8.
Materials & Facilities
Do I need to bring my own art supplies? No, you don’t need to worry about a thing! All high-quality professional materials—including oil paints, brushes, mediums, and canvases—are provided for both the weekly classes and the full-day workshops.
Are there toilets on site?
Yes, both the Castle Yard studio in Kilkenny and the Powerswood Studio in Thomastown have full toilet facilities available for students.
Parking
Where can I park in Kilkenny City? For classes at the Castle Yard, there is limited pay-and-display street parking nearby. The most reliable option is the Market Yard Car Park (near Dunnes Stores), which is a barrier car park approximately a 700m (7-minute) walk from the studio.
Is there parking in Thomastown? Yes, there is free, ample parking available directly at Powerswood Studio for all students and workshop attendees.
Bookings & Payments
How much do classes cost and how do I pay?
Art Classes: These are sold in 6-week blocks for €130.
One-Day Workshops: These are priced at €140 and include a full day of tuition, all materials, and lunch.
Payment Policy: Full payment is required at the time of booking to secure your spot. This ensures we can keep class sizes small and prepare materials for everyone.
Do you offer gift vouchers?
Yes! Vouchers are a wonderful gift for someone special and can be used toward any 6-week class block or one-day workshop. You can purchase them on the Giftcards page on my website.
Can I take my painting home if it's still wet?
Yes! However, please note that oil paint can take anywhere from 2 to 14 days to become "touch dry."
Transporting: If you are driving, I recommend bringing a flat piece of cardboard or a shallow box to keep your canvas upright and away from your car seats during the journey home.
Drying at Home: Once home, keep your painting in a dust-free area away from direct sunlight until it is fully dry.
Where to Stay
Planning your creative getaway? To help you prepare for your workshop or 3-day plein air experience, we’ve put together a curated list of local accommodations catering to all budget preferences.
We highly recommend booking your accommodation well in advance, as Kilkenny and Thomastown are popular destinations, especially during the peak summer painting season.
🎨 Workshops at The Castle Yard Gallery (Kilkenny City)
Located in the heart of historic Kilkenny City, the Castle Yard Gallery sits directly opposite Kilkenny Castle. This central location means you are steps away from vibrant medieval history, cafes, and restaurants.
✨ Luxury Stays
Butler House & Garden
The Ultimate Convenience: As the historic dower house of Kilkenny Castle, this elegant 18th-century property features a private garden gate leading directly into the Castle Yard. You can stroll from your breakfast table straight into the studio room in under two minutes.
Website: butler.ie
Pembroke Kilkenny
Boutique Elegance: Located just behind the castle grounds, this award-winning 4-star boutique hotel offers contemporary rooms, stunning castle views from its top suites, and on-site dining at Statham's restaurant—perfect for relaxing after a full day of painting.
Website: pembrokekilkenny.com
🛌 Mid-Range & Comfortable Hotels
Kilkenny River Court Hotel
Scenic Views: Situated directly on the banks of the River Nore, this hotel sits right across the water from Kilkenny Castle, offering lovely riverside terraces and comfortable, traditional rooms a short walk from the gallery.
Website: rivercourthotel.com
Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel
City Center Hub: A highly reliable 4-star city-center hotel featuring spacious rooms and full leisure facilities (including a pool), situated just a short stroll through the lanes to the Castle Yard.
Website: kilkennyormonde.com
🪙 Budget & Affordable Options
The Club House Hotel
Historic Value: One of Kilkenny’s oldest hotels, dating back to 1797. It offers vintage charm, clean and cozy rooms, a warm traditional pub atmosphere, and incredibly wallet-friendly rates right in the city center.
Website: clubhousehotel.com
Kilford Arms Hotel
Comfortable & Affordable: Located a short walk from the Castle Yard near the train station, this hotel provides standard, comfortable amenities, free parking, and very competitive budget-friendly pricing.
Website: kilfordarms.ie
Local Guesthouses & Airbnbs: For a cozy bed-and-breakfast vibe, search for highly-rated city guesthouses like Berkeley House or Celtic House B&B located along the historic center lines.
🌳 Workshops at Powerswood Studio (Thomastown)
For rural landscape painting and peaceful countryside inspiration, Geraldine’s private Powerswood Studio is located near the vibrant market town of Thomastown, nestled in the scenic Nore Valley (approx. 20 minutes outside Kilkenny City).
✨ Luxury Stays
Mount Juliet Estate
World-Class Country Retreat: If you want to pair your workshop with an unforgettable luxury retreat, this world-renowned 5-star estate sits just 5 minutes down the road from Thomastown. Choose between the grand Georgian Manor House or the stylish Hunter’s Yard hotel rooms, surrounded by rolling pastoral landscapes.
Website: mountjuliet.ie
🛌 Mid-Range & Traditional Country B&Bs
The Tower House B&B
Charming Riverside Town Stay: Located right in the heart of Thomastown along the river, this welcoming B&B provides a beautiful garden, river views, and a legendary breakfast cooked by the hosts.
Website: thetowerhouse.ie (or check availability via major booking platforms)
Oldtown Farmhouse
Authentic Irish Hospitality: Situated on an elevated working farm site just minutes from Thomastown, this highly-rated country home offers peaceful, panoramic views of the Kilkenny landscape and cozy, immaculate rooms.
Website: bandbireland.com/accommodation/oldtown-farmhouse
🪙 Budget & Self-Catering Options
The Green Door Cottage & Local Airbnbs
Independent Creative Spaces: Thomastown and nearby villages (like Inistioge) boast exceptional self-catering properties, stone barn conversions, and rural cottages. Spots like The Green Door Cottage or The Jerpoint Apartment are ideal for artists who prefer to buy local ingredients and unwind in a quiet, private space after a day of plein air painting. You can search these via Airbnb Ireland or Booking.com.
