ENJOY guided Ireland Art Experiences led by renowned Galway artist and creative force, Cathy Hughes!
Cathy is currently offering two Ireland art experience packages listed below.
- Come into My Home with Cathy Hughes, Boat Haven, Salthill, County Galway
- Old Head Beach Home, Louisburgh, Westport House and Westport Town, Co Mayo
To book your art experience, please contact Cathy directly:
E-mail: Cathy@hughes.ie
Phone: +353(0)87 2359152
To download the PDF of this page, click here.
Come into My Home Art Experience with Cathy Hughes, Boat Haven, Salthill, County Galway
A two hour art experience
Cathy is delighted to host groups of visitors at her charming house, Boat Haven, and garden in Salthill, Galway, overlooking the Wild Atlantic Way. Enjoy the connection with Cathy and learn about the inspirations and stories behind her original art.
Boat Haven acts as a showcase for her original abstract paintings and prints. Cathy enjoys sharing her work, the stories behind each piece and what led to their creation with her visitors.
Among the other art on view, Cathy‘s Grace Kelly Series of paintings was inspired by the exquisite aquamarine dress that Grace wore to receive the Oscar for Best Actress for her performance in The Country Girl in 1955. Grace Kelly, the legendary American actress and Princess of Monaco, was a cousin of Cathy’s mother, Maíre Kelly.
Tea or coffee will be served in the drawing room, with homemade brown scones & Irish whiskey fruit cake. Whiskey or brandy can be added to either drink, as traditionally provided at Irish wakes and other occasions.
Take the opportunity to wander through Cathy’s lovely home and view her art in the kitchen, the conservatory studio and the garden.
Boathaven, Salthill Co Galway: Come Into My Home: €95 / person
Photo Credit: WestportHouse.ie
Old Head Beach Home Art Experience, Louisburgh, Westport House and Westport Town, Co Mayo
A four hour art & heritage experience
Begin with an invitation to Elevenses with Cathy Hughes at Old Head Beach, Louisburgh
A unique invitation to join Cathy for a cup of tea and home-made cakes at her charming beach house on Old Head Beach, Louisburgh. 
In the shadow of Croagh Patrick, one of Ireland’s holiest mountains, surrounded by magnificent views of Clare Island and Clew Bay, let Cathy entertain you in her delightful seaside home.
Discover her art, while you experience the beauty that inspires her work. Learn about the history and myths of this enchanting place that attracts so many seekers of inspiration and regeneration.
Westport House and Westport Town, County Mayo
Following on, accompany Cathy on a visit to the magnificent Westport House.
Surrounded by 400 acres of peerless beauty, this exceptional historic house was built in 1730 by the architect, James Wyatt. Westport House was originally the family seat of the Marquis of Sligo and the Browne family, whose connection to County Mayo dates back to the 1500s. https://www.westporthouse.ie/
Built on the site of the original castle, home of Grace O’Malley, the legendary pirate queen and local chieftain, it is one of the few important Irish houses that remain in private hands. Westport House is now in the ownership of Cathy’s brothers, Harry, Cahal and Owen Hughes, who also own PortWest, the world’s fastest growing workwear company.
Enjoy a delicious lunch of your choice on the Westport House estate. The meal cost is not included in the tour price.
After lunch, experience an insider’s private tour of the house with one of Westport House’s excellent guides.
Westport House tours are designed to amuse, inform, enchant and leave you wanting even more! Immerse yourself in the extraordinary history of this remarkable place, filled with marvellous tales of kings, queens, pirates and slave emancipators, while admiring the magnificent architecture and exceptional art including (a famous painting or sculpture) and a 3,000-year-old Greek sarcophagus!
After your experience, feel free to visit the delightful town of Westport for casual sightseeing and a unique shopping experience. Upon request, Cathy may organise discount vouchers at her family-owned retail store, Carraig Donn. The Carraig Donn stores feature Aran Island traditional sweaters by Aran Woolen Mills, also a Hughes Family (Pat and Vincent) owned enterprise.
Westport House + Old Head Beach Home, Louisburgh Co Mayo:
Price – €195 / person
Book your West of Ireland Art Experience now!
E-mail: Cathy@hughes.ie
Phone: +353(0)87 2359152
About Cathy Hughes, the artist
Born into a family of thirteen children, Cathy grew up in Westport, Co Mayo.
After graduating from University College, Dublin, she qualified as a social scientist. Now that her family are reared and have flown the nest, Cathy especially enjoys socialising with others who are interested in the arts and beauty of Ireland. The challenges in her life have propelled Cathy to work things out on canvas.
Following the Hughes family tradition, Cathy spends her summers in nearby Old Head Beach, and on Inis Mór, the largest of the Aran Islands. The colours of the landscape, the maritime environment and the imagery of Celtic mythology are significant and ever-present factors in her art. While studying in Dublin, Cathy spent her summers working in the family’s craft shop on Inis Mór.
Surrounded by locally produced, handmade Aran sweaters, Cathy’s work reflects the tactile textures of wool and hand-spun textiles. She is fascinated by the stitches and design of the fishermen’s oil woollen sweaters, their boats and currachs. Even the stone walls and the cliffs of the Aran Islands have influenced Cathy’s art.
To book your Art Experience, contact Cathy direct at +353 (87) 23 59 152 or email cathy@hughes.ie
