Festival schedule

10:00 am	The Festival starts at 10:00am. Tent will be set up in front of Hope Castle.
10:30 am - 1:00 pm	Kieran Guckian workshop. Location TBA
4:30 pm	Display of work and prize giving. The meeting place for the final exhibition and judging will be held in front of Hope Castle.

Useful information

What to bring

As you get ready for your plein air adventure, here’s a quick checklist to help you make the most of your day:

Painting essentials: Easel (lightweight or box-style), prepped boards/canvases, paints (oils, acrylics or watercolours), brushes, palette knives, mixing surface, mediums/solvents (sealed), rags/tissues, water container (if needed)
Weather gear for unpredictable Monaghan weather: Sun hat, waterproof jacket, warm layers, comfortable shoes, umbrella or easel cover
Comfort items: Folding chair/stool, snacks, water, wet painting carrier or drying rack, sunscreen, bug spray
Extras: Sketchbook and pencils for studies

Carpark

TBA

Food and drink

TBA

FAQ

Plein air painting is the practice of creating artwork outdoors, directly from life, capturing the light, atmosphere, and beauty of a scene in real time.

Not at all! The festival welcomes everyone—artists, art lovers, families, and anyone curious about the creative process.

About us

Monaghan Plein Air is an annual painting festival held every August, attracting artists from all corners of the country. Our mission is to showcase the breathtaking beauty of County Monaghan and foster a love for plein air painting. We welcome everyone, from seasoned professionals to those eager to try painting outdoors for the first time.

This is our third year running the Monaghan plein air and it has been a pleasure showcasing some of our most beautiful spot in Monaghan Inniskeen in 2024, Hilton Park in 2025 and Lough Muckno in 2026.