West Cork Collective: Irish Art near Kinsale
In a stone courtyard with patches of sunlight, a bright red bench stands out. It captures the spirit of the old Kinsale area. The sharp difference between the old stone and the bright color is a perfect representation of the Collective's mission: to combine the lasting history of the Wild Atlantic Way with the lively energy of modern West Cork artists.
I. Unlocking West Cork’s Creative Power: History, Vision, and Uniqueness
West Cork is famously known as Ireland's most notable "creative hotspot," characterized by rugged beauty and an abundance of artists, craftspeople, and innovators. Historically, this area pioneered the country’s organic food movement and led new frontiers in contemporary craft and design. Hundreds of creative professionals operate studios along rural roads, often working in isolation. The West Cork Collective (WCC) was created to solve this persistent challenge.
The Founder's Vision: Rebecca Powell Created the Collective in 2025
The West Cork Collective was initiated by textile artist Rebecca Powell in March 2025. Recognizing the vast but fragmented pool of artistic talent across the region, Powell issued a "call out" to local creatives. The response was overwhelmingly enthusiastic, rapidly forming a collective that grew to include more than 40 members.
Primary Members Directory: Core Leadership and Administration
Associate Members Directory: Regional Talent Showcase (Categorized by Medium)
I. Fine Art: Oil, Acrylic, and Abstract Painting
Aisling Keating
Multidisciplinary Artist, Painter
Fiona Devlin Artist
Oil and Cold Wax Paintings (Sea/Skyscapes)
Gill Good Artist
Oil on Canvas (Figurative Work)
Jacinta Darragh Artist
Oils (Paints *en plein air*)
Karl Cullen Artist
Oils and Pastels (Self-Taught)
Kelly Berry Artist
Contemporary Abstract Art (Acrylics, Vibrant Colour)
Natasha O’Shea Artist
Acrylics, Textile Design (Illustrative Art)
Norma Mulligan Fine Art
Fine Art
II. Water-Based Media and Drawing
Georgia Hopkins Artist
Watercolour and Gouache (Ethereal Quality)
Helen Williams Artist
Watercolour (Capturing History and Atmosphere)
Jenni White Artist
Watercolour Painter
Liz Price Watercolour Artist
Watercolour Artist
Luka Foley Artist
Watercolour, Pen, Charcoal, Ink (Wildlife and Coastal Focus)
Sue Jacob Artist
Watercolour Painter (Experiments with New Techniques)
III. Textiles, Weaving, and Fiber Art
Ann Collins Textile Artist
Framed Textile Art
Ger Daly Weaver
Hand Weaver
Leonie Lynam Textile Artist
Textiles
IV. Mixed Media, Sculpture, and Printmaking
Amy Ho Artist
Handmade Leaf Paper and Tree Paintings
Beachjuls (Julie Tomlin)
Pebble and Driftwood Art (Sourced from Wild Atlantic Way)
Clodagh Masters Artist
3D Illustration, Resin (Preserved Crab Shells)
Gill Smyth Artist
Mixed Media (Inspired by Nature's Colour and Texture)
Hanna Demel Artist
Acrylics and Lino Prints
Kate French Artist
Sculptor / Mixed Media (Stone, Bronze, and Paper Work)
Katherine Griffiths Artist
Acrylics and Eco Resin Artist
Solas Agus Scath (John Bastow)
Lino Print Artist (Monochrome Focus)
V. Photography and Digital Media
Blue Shed Productions (M. Supple)
Videography, Cinematography, Editor
Liam Barry Photography
Photography (Prints and Framed works)
VI. Horticulture and Natural Products
Tantalus Plant Nursery
Horticulturalist / Cut Flowers
A "Better Together" Ethos: The Unique Advantage of Collective Retail
The WCC's foundational belief is rooted in collaboration and mutual support. Powell's ethos is simple: "We can do things alone, however, it just feels so much better doing it together". This collaboration allows artists to achieve goals they might only dream of individually.
By pooling resources, the WCC provides a professional, unified retail and exhibition platform that dramatically amplifies the members' market reach. This shared administrative and financial structure supports artists, enabling them to focus more intensely on their creative production.
Strategic Location: Positioning the Collective at the Start of the Wild Atlantic Way
Local Color and Community in Kinsale's Historic Core
This high-energy visual aesthetic reflects the deep-rooted creative spirit of the wider West Cork region, which is continued by the diverse artisan community just minutes away at the West Cork Collective in Ballinspittle.
The collective is physically located in the vibrant village of Ballinspittle (P17 FF62), near the historic town of Kinsale. This location is key, as it is "right at the start of the Wild Atlantic Way".
This strategic positioning grants the WCC access to the high volume of tourism traffic that travels the famous coastal route. The location also serves the Ballinspittle community, which is known for its excellent food and interesting retail.
II. The WCC Operational Model: How the Shop Functions Daily
The WCC operates a distinctive hybrid model that combines retail, gallery space, and interactive community engagement. The premises are comfortable and wheelchair friendly, ensuring broad public accessibility.
Dual Spaces: Retail Shopfront Meets Fine Art Gallery
The physical space is divided into a dual-space economy.
The Front Area functions as a dynamic retail gift shop. This area focuses on accessible pieces like hand-woven textiles, natural local creams and soaps, quirky pebble artwork, sterling silver jewelry, and essential oil candles.
The Back Gallery hosts a formal exhibition dedicated to framed, original fine art. This collection includes oils on canvas, watercolours, acrylics, lino prints, and specialized textiles.
Interactive Retail: Visitors Often See an Artist at Work
The collective maintains a strong, dedicated retail presence, operating seven days a week. This demanding schedule is made possible by a cooperative staffing model.
Members "take turns to man the shop". This arrangement transforms the retail experience, as visitors frequently encounter artists "at work in the shop, painting, stitching and tending to their wares". This interaction boosts the perceived value and authenticity of the art for patrons.
Engagement and Visit Details: Hours, Classes, and Contact
Location and Operational Hours
Location Address:Main Street, Ballinspittle, Kinsale, Cork, P17 FF62, Ireland
Comfortable, Wheelchair-Friendly Setting
| Monday to Thursday: | 10:00 am - 5:30 pm |
|---|---|
| Friday: | 10:00 am - 7:00 pm |
| Saturday: | 10:00 am - 5:30 pm |
| Sunday and Bank Holidays: | 11:00 am - 5:30 pm |
Schedule of Growth: Classes, Tutorials, and Wellness Workshops
The WCC utilizes its space as an "art hub" for non-commercial purposes, including classes and support groups, offering skill-sharing opportunities for **adults (18+)**.
Workshops and classes offered include:
- **Oil Painting for Beginners** (6-week courses) and Traditional textile arts like the **Autumn Weaving Series**.
- Seasonal, project-based classes such as **Autumn Wreath Making** and the **Winter Knitting Project**.
- The environment-focused **"Gather and Glow"** workshop, teaching mindful foraging and transforming wild plants into natural skincare products.
- Holistic health sessions, such as **Long White Cloud Qigong** workshops focusing on releasing stress and boosting immunity.
Primary Contact: Getting in Touch with the Collective
For those interested in joining the community, the WCC welcomes inquiries to "become a member and exhibit in our gallery or join our waiting list for the retail area."
+353 83 042 9866
Contact Rebecca Powell (Founder)
III. The Two Pillars of Membership: Core Leadership and Broad Talent
The WCC membership is structured to ensure operational stability while showcasing a diverse range of artistic disciplines.
Primary Members: The Core Administrative and Educational Team
Primary Members likely entail a mandatory number of shop shifts and administrative input. They are the core leaders responsible for the collective's direction and educational offerings.
Associate Members: Showcasing the Full Breadth of West Cork Talent
Associate Members constitute the majority of the collective, contributing their work to the exhibition and retail space. This tier allows for the widest variety of talent to be showcased.
Milk Market Square: Kinsale's Vibrant Artistic Gateway
This stunning, brightly colored street scene, complete with the prominent "The Milk Market" sign, is characteristic of Kinsale, the historic coastal town that serves as the artistic gateway to West Cork. The intense use of vibrant color reflects the rich, independent creative pulse of the region, which is widely recognized as Ireland's original cultural hotspot.
IV. Engagement Pathways: How to Purchase, Visit, and Learn
The WCC is committed to clear and accessible channels for public engagement, whether you are looking to purchase a unique piece, attend a class, or join the collective itself.
Schedule of Growth and Contact Pathways
Creative Workshops and Community Hub
The WCC provides significant community benefit by utilizing its space as an "art hub" for non-commercial purposes, including classes and support groups. Its educational calendar is robust, offering skill-sharing opportunities for **adults (18+)**.
Workshops and classes offered include:
- **Oil Painting for Beginners** (6-week courses), designed to teach fundamentals in a supportive environment.
- Traditional textile arts like the **Autumn Weaving Series** and **Learn to Knit the Log Cabin Technique**.
- Seasonal, project-based classes such as **Autumn Wreath Making**.
- The environmental-focused **"Gather and Glow"** workshop, where participants learn mindful foraging and transform wild plants into natural skincare products.
- Holistic health sessions, such as **Long White Cloud Qigong** workshops focusing on releasing stress and boosting immunity.
Membership and Primary Contact: Getting in Touch
For those interested in joining the community, the WCC welcomes inquiries to "become a member and exhibit in our gallery or join our waiting list for the retail area."
+353 83 042 9866
Contact Rebecca Powell (Founder)
Kinsale's Bold Palette: A Defining Regional Aesthetic
The striking tradition of painting Kinsale's historic buildings in vivid colors, like this intense red facade, is a defining feature of the area's rich artistic character. This visual confidence perfectly sets the stage for the dynamic and diverse contemporary crafts showcased just nearby at the West Cork Collective, which operates as a unified hub for the region's talented artists.
How to Purchase Art or Support the Collective
The easiest way to purchase a piece is by visiting the Ballinspittle shop during operational hours. The work of over 40 artists is available in the retail area and gallery space.
If you are unable to visit, you can browse the comprehensive Members Directory online, which highlights each member. Furthermore, gift vouchers are available for purchase to support the WCC’s mission.
To contact an artist directly regarding a purchase or commission, the WCC’s directory profiles often include direct social media links for that individual artist.
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