Emigration and de-population have seriously affected the Ballinskelligs area. This project’s aim is to regenerate this region by bringing in international artists and writers. Accommodation in the restored village of Cill Rialaig is free with the artists donating a piece of work created during their stay. Donated artworks are then sold in one of the project’s galleries, either in Dublin or nearby Dun Geagan. Development of the project has preserved an important historical site. A cottage studio dedicated to The Ireland Funds, offers a residency to artists specifically from Northern Ireland and other areas of political turmoil.

cill rialaig project
A restored prefamine village that serves as an international artists’ retreat. Funding helps pay for a cottage studio that will offer free-of-charge residencies to artists specifically from Northern Ireland and other areas of political turmoil.

“The American Ireland Fund’s grant helped kick start our whole project and gave us the confidence to believe our dream could come true. We have had over 17,000 applications for free-of-charge residencies. Here is where young artists meet the world!”

Noelle Campbell-Sharp
Founder