Mary McGrath Artist

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Mary McGrath Artist

Mary McGrath is a conservationist and artist based in Co. Kildare, Ireland.

21/04/2026

Happy World Curlew Day!

25/12/2025

“What did Santa bring you for Christmas?”

Wishing my friends and family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

🍎 🥕🦴🍗

23/12/2025

In the third of my paintings in this series, Mona checks her goats cheese.

A woman of many talents, from cheesemaking to shepherding to spinning wheel, Mona of Glendree Organic Farm embodies the spirit of organic and Co. Clare farming. Three paintings inspired by Amanda Lockhart's photographs of Mona Muller. Amanda is publishing a book 'Rare and Native Farm Breeds of the UK and Ireland' in 2026; I look forward to reading it.

21/12/2025

Mona of Glendree in three acts: herding her Cladoir and Shetland Black sheep. Based on 's photography of this remarkable woman and her Co. Clare farm. A triptych of dedication.

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19/12/2025

Meet Mona from Glendree Organic Farm: organic farmer, cheesemaker, shepherdess, spinner. I present a triptych of paintings from 's stunning photographs, capturing the rhythm of Mona's life in beautiful Co. Clare

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17/12/2025

I had the pleasure of painting this beautiful Curlew recently as a commission.

There's something so special about capturing that distinctive long curved beak and those intricate feather patterns. These wading birds hold such a special place in Irish wetlands and coastlines - their haunting call is truly unforgettable. I really enjoyed bringing this one to life! If you have an commissions in mind, please do get in touch.

15/12/2025

Ireland’s native cattle breeds are known for their hardiness, easy temperament and ability to thrive on small farms and tough landscapes. They have been shaped by centuries of traditional farming and remain an important part of Ireland’s agricultural heritage, valued for their quality milk, meat and resilience.

Dexter Bull
An Irish breed exported to England by a Mr. Dexter, who then named the breed after himself. Small, hardy and easy to manage.

Irish Maol (Moilie)
From the Irish word maol, meaning “bald.” This ancient breed is naturally hornless.

Droimeann Cow
An old Irish breed once common on small farms. Hardy, easy-calving, and valued for both milk and meat.

Kerry Cow
Another ancient dual-purpose breed, known for producing milk that is rich, nutritious and easy to digest.

12/12/2025

Some recent Irish Native Rare Breed work.

Cladoir Sheep
Traditionally kept by small farmers, this rare breed was known for grazing seaweed along the shoreline. It’s now extremely endangered, and the National Parks and Wildlife Service is working to rebuild a purebred nucleus herd using phenotype and DNA.

Galway Sheep
A hardy native breed that was once scarce but is now making a strong comeback. Its wool is prized by skilled weavers and knitters who are creating both traditional and ultra-modern Irish designs.

Old Irish Goat
Known as the “Poor Man’s Cow,” this goat survived on rough ground and provided nutrient-rich milk. Numbers declined with the arrival of continental breeds, but today it plays an important role in conservation grazing.

Native Black Bee
Once common across Ireland, it came under threat from larger, imported bees. Efforts are now underway to encourage beekeepers to focus on our native black bee and reduce the import of European queens.

01/12/2025

September on Clare Island was a masterclass in creative immersion and island life. The studio - warm, bright, and perfectly positioned to frame Croagh Patrick's silhouette - became my daily refuge. Every painting started there, surrounded by that incomparable light and unspoiled landscape.

The cottage, once home to the legendary Tony O'Malley, has been thoughtfully restored with modern comfort without compromising its character. The heat exchange pump and underfloor heating meant I could create in genuine comfort through unpredictable Irish weather.

Here we see the ram show, where local farmers celebrate their Blackface and Cladoir breeds, Donal mending ancient stone walls - the island's backbone, a bee on clover and a resting sheepdog.

28/11/2025

September on Clare Island was transformative. This tiny island off the Mayo coast is home to just 138 people, 2,500+ sheep, and some of the most stunning light I've ever painted in.

I stayed in a beautifully restored stone cottage with its own artist's studio - both with underfloor heating, overlooking rough fields and Croagh Patrick. The lack of light pollution at night and the quality of daylight is completely different from anything I'm used to.

I left with dozens of sheep paintings, a full heart, and a strong recommendation: if you're an artist seeking inspiration and solitude, this is your sign.

More scenes from Clare Island to follow

Address

Newbridge

Website

https://linktr.ee/marymcgrathartist

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