Landscape of Tory Island, Tírdhreach Thoraigh
Just 14.5 kilometres off the northwest coast of Donegal lies the captivating island of Tory —
Or Toraigh in Irish — a remote gem home to around 150 residents. With its rugged cliffs,
sweeping Atlantic views, and dramatic landscapes, Tory feels like a scene straight out of a
Tolkien film. Beyond its natural beauty, the island is a proud Gaeltacht community where
Irish is spoken daily, and the local dialect carries a musical lilt that delights any Irish speaker.
Rich in folklore, artistry, and tradition, Tory offers visitors a rare glimpse into one of Ireland’s most authentic island cultures.
In the 1950s, Tory Island became a creative haven for the celebrated English landscape and portrait painter Derek Hill. Drawn by the island’s wild beauty and distinctive light, Hill spent long periods here capturing its dramatic scenery and vibrant community. His humble hut, located on the northwestern edge of the island, can still be visited today – and visitors can even sign the guest register inside, adding their own mark to the history of this unique artistic retreat. Carefully preserved by the islanders, it offers not only breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean but also a fascinating glimpse into the life of an artist inspired by this remote and magical place.
Derek Hill’s Hut, Tory Island
Signing the guest register
The islanders at the time were inspired by Derek Hill to pick up a brush themselves, which
resulted in a very unique record of life on Tory. They developed a distinctive, almost AA
primitive style of painting that depicted island life, capturing the rhythms and scenes of daily island life. Among the most celebrated of these local artists was James Dixon, a fisherman and farmer who began painting at the age of 72 after Hill provided him with oils and other materials. Dixon is said to have refused Hill’s offer of paintbrushes and decided to make his own using the hairs of his donkey’s tail. His colourful, often described as naïve, works depict local events, places, and people. Hill introduced his works to the wider art world, where they were enthusiastically received. Dixon went on to exhibit in cities such as Dublin, London, and Vienna, and his works are now part of prestigious collections, including the Hugh Lane Gallery in Dublin, the Arts Council Collection, and the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art in Edinburgh.
West End Village, Tory Island. James Dixon
This distinctive, primitive style of folk art continues to thrive on Tory today. Visitors to the
island can witness the creativity in the homes and studios of local artists, explore the place
that continue to inspire them and gain a deeper understanding of how art remains woven
into the rhythms of daily life. Every corner of the island – from the rugged cliffs overlooking
the Atlantic to the cosy corners of island life – seems infused with this enduring creative spirit.
For anyone seeking a unique cultural experience combined with breathtaking natural
beauty, a visit to Tory offers a rare opportunity to connect with both Ireland’s artistic heritage and the warmth of a close-knit island community.
Some additional information
https://heritageireland.ie/articles/8-the-tory-island-painters/
https://www.toryferry.com/
West End Village Tory Island painting sourced from
https://www.adams.ie/3114-lot-46-James-Dixon-1887-1970-West-End-Village-Tory-Island-
Oil-on-board
