Following the success of its inaugural artist-in-residency programme with UK-based artist Andrew Gifford, Ballyfin Demesne is delighted to announce details of its Autumn-Winter 2025 programme.
Developed in collaboration with two distinguished galleries – Oliver Sears Gallery in Dublin and John Martin Gallery in London – the residency will welcome a curated selection of accomplished artists to stay and work at Ballyfin Demesne, further enriching the estate’s artistic and cultural credentials.
Celebrated as one of Ireland’s most exceptional five-star experiences, Ballyfin Demesne is set within 614 acres of rolling parkland, formal gardens, and heritage architecture, which will provide a truly inspirational environment for artistic exploration.
The Autumn/Winter 2025 residencies will feature five distinguished artists:
 Francis Hamel – 17th to 19th August
Born in 1963 and trained at The Ruskin School, Oxford, Francis Hamel has lived and worked since 1997 in a studio beside the renowned William Kent gardens at Rousham, Oxfordshire.
The gardens and surrounding parkland have been a constant source of inspiration, reflected
not only in his depictions of the landscape and monumental tree portraits, but also in his
exploration of the deep connections between gardens and the wider landscape in which they exist.
 Martin Finnin – 7th to 10th September
Born in Limerick in 1968, Martin Finnin studied at the Limerick School of Art and briefly at the National College of Art and Design in Dublin, before moving to London. There, he worked on building sites while dedicating his spare time to drawing and studying at the National Gallery, where he developed a fascination with early Renaissance painting.
 Donald Teskey – 5th to 9th October
Born in Co. Limerick, Donald Teskey graduated from Limerick College of Art and Design
with a Diploma in Fine Art in 1978. Since 1992, he has built a substantial body of work as a painter of land and seascapes, with the rugged beauty of Ireland’s western seaboard a central focus in recent years.
 Hughie O’Donoghue – 14th to 16th November
Born in Manchester in 1953 to an Irish mother, Hughie O’Donoghue spent much of his
childhood in Co. Mayo. The stark landscapes and the enduring legacy of the Great Famine
have profoundly influenced his work.
 Sasha Sykes – 1st to 4th December
Working between Dublin and Carlow, Sasha Sykes has a background in architecture and is
renowned for her distinctive artworks and furniture pieces. Her work has been exhibited
extensively in Ireland and abroad and is represented in many notable private and public
collections.
Guests of Ballyfin Demesne will enjoy a rare opportunity to witness the creative process first-hand,
with the chance to observe each artist at work and engage in informal conversations throughout their stay.
The Ballyfin Demesne Experience
Be immersed in the splendour of Ballyfin Demesne with this exclusive twenty-four-hour escape – the most luxurious way to experience everything this remarkable estate has to offer. Priced from €1,570 for two people sharing a classic room.
ï‚· Five-star accommodation in the elegance and comfort of Ballyfin Demesne, with a full Irish breakfast the following morning.
ï‚· A warm welcome with a glass of champagne or freshly pressed juice, followed by a delicious three-course lunch.
ï‚· Complimentary in-room indulgences, including tea, coffee, homemade cake, and cookies.
ï‚· A daily guided history tour, revealing the captivating stories and heritage of the estate.
ï‚· An unforgettable evening beginning with a pre-dinner drink, then a Michelin-star candlelit dinner to delight the senses.
