Ardgillan Castle and Gallery invites you to join us for National Drawing Day on Saturday 20th May 2023, in association with the National Gallery of Ireland. National Drawing Day is a celebration of drawing with workshops and events happening across the country. This is the first year Ardgillan is taking part and we want to get as many people drawing as possible! This is a family friendly event with activities for all ages and artistic abilities. Enjoy experimenting with various art techniques to create your own fun artworks on the day, guided by our talented artists.

Ardgillan Castle and Gallery invites you to join us for National Drawing Day on Saturday 20th May 2023, in association with the National Gallery of Ireland. National Drawing Day is a celebration of drawing with workshops and events happening across the country. This is the first year Ardgillan is taking part and we want to get as many people drawing as possible! This is a family friendly event with activities for all ages and artistic abilities. Enjoy experimenting with various art techniques to create your own fun artworks on the day, guided by our talented artists.

‘Drawing from the Imagination’ with Nicola Weldon

This is a workshop for parents/guardians who would like to do something fun and meaningful with their child, grandchild, niece, nephew, etc, on National Drawing Day. All drawing and painting materials will be provided. This workshop places an emphasis on fun, and process rather than structured guidelines or end product. Participants will be gently guided with imaginative themes and tools / materials. Everyone is sure to proudly bring home their own masterpiece. Limited numbers

(€35 Adult with Child)
Time: 10.30am to 12.00pm
Bookings: Email Nicola at nicolaweldon10@gmail.com

A calm drawing space for neurodivergent children

A calm drawing space for neurodivergent children with their parents/guardians with Ardgillan Gallery Curator and Artist Aisling Dunne

Neurodivergent Children and their parents/guardians are invited to come into the gallery to view the artworks and to use drawing materials if they wish. The gallery will be closed to other visitors during this time. This will be a child-led experience.  There will be tents, bean bags, cushions and exercise balls set up in the gallery. All materials will be provided.

For further information or to book please email aisling.dunne@fingal.ie
Time: 11am to 12pm.

Welcome to my clay workshop at Clay and Cocoon

Make a clay bird using pottery tools to create line and texture. Your pieces will be bisque fired and available to collect another day.

Max 4 people (€20 per person)
Time: 11.00am to 12.30pm
Booking: Email Jill at jillkellyart@gmail.com

Draw the exhibition ‘Something of it Remains’

Draw the exhibition ‘Something of it Remains’ with Ardgillan Gallery Curator and Artist Aisling Dunne

This is a free workshop for parents/guardians with their children to spend time looking at the paintings by Tony Gunning and Colette Cronin and respond to them using a variety of drawing tools. All materials will be provided.

No booking required.
Time: 1.30pm to 2.30pm.
Meet at the gallery on the ground floor.

Observational drawing from a life model

Observational drawing from a life model. Led by figurative artist Marie Le Men

The objective of this workshop is for intermediate to advanced level learners to develop their drawing of the human figure from a life model. The workshop will be organised in two blocks including twenty minute demonstrations where artist Marie Le Men will provide tips and some basic principles of observational drawing to equip participants with some technical knowledge. Participants are invited to bring their own preferred materials/sketchpads.

Number of participants: 15 – Age group: 18+ (€35 per person)
Time: 2:30pm to 5:30pm
Bookings: Email Marie at mlle.marielemen@gmail.com to book your place.

Sketch the historic castle rooms

Sketch the historic castle rooms with Ardgillan Gallery Curator and Artist Aisling Dunne

Spend time observing and creating several drawings in the castle rooms. Participants must bring their own drawing materials.

Adult only. No booking required.
Time: 3pm to 4pm. Meet in the craft shop on the ground floor.

Introduction to Drawing Techniques

Introduction to Drawing Techniques with Nunce McAuley

Come and draw with artist Nunce McAuley on the patio of the new artist studios overlooking the Rose Garden, if weather permits. Alternatively, participants can enjoy drawing in one of the castle rooms. Nunce will lead the session sharing tips and techniques. Materials supplied but you are welcome to bring your own if you prefer. 

Bookings: Contact Nunce at nunce2mcauley@gmail.com
Time: 11am to 1pm
Cost: €25