Suitable for 18+
Spend a focused half-day with artist Sian Costello learning alla prima oil portrait techniques in Athlone. Small groups, personal feedback, and practical studio practice make this an excellent cultural pit stop for creatives visiting County Westmeath.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Light standing and fine-motor control needed—comfortable stamina for four hours of studio work.
Wildlife
History
The workshop runs during a season of contemporary exhibitions in Athlone and is supported by The Arts Council / An Chomhairle Ealaíon.
Conservation
Use responsible solvent disposal and avoid pouring oils down drains; ventilate the studio and bring reusable rags to reduce waste.
Athlone Castle Visitor Centre
Suitable for 18+
Athlone Castle Visitor Centre preserves and interprets the history of Athlone and the River Shannon from a fortified medieval site in Athlone, County Westmeath. The centre offers a combination of guided tours, interactive exhibitions, and immersive displays designed to engage families, history enthusiasts, and school groups.
Visitors can explore the castle battlements, view the 360º cinematic experience, and learn about local battles, settlement, and social history through hands-on exhibits. Guided programming includes seasonal and themed experiences such as the Heritage Week 2025 Guided Tour Of Athlone Castle, which traces the site's development from its earliest days to the present, and special workshops tied to local galleries and community events.
The centre supports creative community initiatives by promoting related workshops like the Up in Arms! pumpkin carving workshop and the Pride and Protest banner-making workshop held at Luan Gallery. Admission to Athlone Castle provides access to the exhibitions, interactive games, and panoramic views from the battlements. Practical visitor information including opening hours, ticketing details, accessibility notes, and guidance for groups is available from the centre to help plan visits and school trips throughout the year.
Location
Athlone, Co. Westmeath
On the River Shannon in central Ireland
Tours Offered
4 experiences
Guided tours, admission, workshops
Seasonal Events
Timed programs
Workshops and Heritage Week activities
Visitor Appeal
Interactive exhibits
360º cinematic and battlements views
Book guided tours, purchase castle admission, or reserve a spot in seasonal workshops — experience medieval Athlone and community-led cultural programs.
Arrive early to set up
Plan to arrive 10 minutes before start to find your easel, set up materials, and get a quick orientation.
Bring a clear reference
A printed photo or a hand-held mirror will speed setup and let you spend more time painting.
Mind solvent safety
Use a small sealed jar for solvents, keep rags in a metal container, and ventilate the studio when using oil mediums.
Wear or bring an apron
Oil paint stains; wearing an apron or old clothes keeps the focus on learning rather than cleanup.
Primed canvas or canvas board (approx. 16 x 20 in)
Your primary surface for the session; the instructor expects a ready-to-paint ground.
Photographic reference or hand mirror
Used for observation-based portrait work and to study changing angles of light.
Selection of brushes (including worn/ragged brushes)
Different brushes let you experiment with mark-making and blended passages in alla prima.
Small jar for solvent, rags, and apron
Solvent safety and clothing protection keep the studio clean and comfortable for everyone.