Donagh began showing his oil sketches and paintings at Skibbereen Farmers Market last year and is now a regular at this unique West Cork Saturday market. Not too far from his home near Schull, the market is a lovely mix of locally grown and produced foods and artisan wares, as well as stalls selling vintage books, china, glass, clothes and vinyl. It's also a great place to get first rate take-away food with a good selection of culinary styles and there are usually buskers to entertain and add another layer of ambience.
Donagh displays his oil sketches depicting rural West Cork, seascapes and towns such as Castletownshend, Ballydehob and Baltimore. He also shows one or two paintings from the Skellig or Three Towers series, which are more abstract in style. The market has proved to be an ideal opportunity to have an informal chat about commissioning a painting, often of a place of personal significance. There are greeting cards available to buy which feature some of Donagh's oil sketches, which are perfect when you want to send someone a little momento of West Cork when you're thinking of them.
Alongside Donagh in his market stall is his partner, Tamsin Blackbourn, who designs and makes sustainable clothing for women. Tamsin uses only quality natural fibre fabrics, including Irish linen, wool and cotton, some of which is organic and GOTS certified and hand makes all her garments with much hand sewn finishing - the way our clothes used to be made. Her clothes take time to make, but are intended to be pieces that stand the test of time in quality and style.
You'll find Donagh and Tamsin at Skibbereen Farmers Market from 9am to 2pm throughout the year on most Saturdays, come rain and shine, but not hurricane - check Facebook, Twitter and Instagram on Friday/ Saturday for their updates.