Ballyrogan Workshops: Where Artists from Around the World Came Together

Recently, I received a wonderful email from artist Greg, who attended the Ballyrogan workshops many years ago. Along with his message came this photograph — a gathering of artists standing outside Ballyrogan, captured during a remarkable period in its history.

Looking at the image today, it is difficult to imagine just how international these workshops were. Artists travelled from across the globe to spend a week living, working, learning and creating together in rural County Wicklow.

As Greg recalled:

"I'd quite forgotten how massive the workshops were – people came from all over the world. In the picture below I recall people from the USA, Holland, Denmark and Sweden, not to forget a lunatic (every workshop had one) from Canada. He put his hire car in a ditch somewhere close by! I won't tell you which one he is."

The workshops were organised and hosted by Andrew and Attracta Manson at Ballyrogan, creating an environment unlike anything many participants had experienced before. Artists often arrived alone, sometimes travelling great distances, only to find themselves immersed in a week of creativity, friendship, hard work and no shortage of adventure.

Greg remembers:

"People would just turn up, having booked, alone. Then we'd all be thrust together for a week of absolute madness and fun. Andrew and Attracta seemed to take it all in their stride. I'd never seen anything like it."

For many artists, the experience left a lasting impression. In Greg's case, it helped shape the direction of his life and career.

"My career as an artist began at Ballyrogan. I thought, 'this is the life'."

What is perhaps most touching is the continuity. Decades later, Ballyrogan remains a place where creativity continues to flourish. While the workshops may have evolved, the spirit of artistic exchange, community and curiosity remains woven into the landscape.

Greg finished his email with a sentiment that perfectly captures the importance of preserving these memories:

"I'm so glad to see it's still there, still going."

As Ballyrogan Expression continues to grow and new generations of artists become part of its story, these photographs and recollections offer a valuable glimpse into the people, friendships and experiences that helped shape its legacy.

We would love to hear from anyone who attended the Ballyrogan workshops. If you have photographs, memories or stories from your time here, please get in touch. Together, we can continue documenting this unique chapter in Irish artistic life.

Do you recognise anyone in the photograph? Were you part of the workshops? We'd love to hear your memories.
📧 saraheva@manson.ie
🌿 www.ballyrogan.com

Photo courtesy of Greg, former Ballyrogan workshop participant.