New art exhibition ‘Donegal Sands’ to open in Lifford Old Courthouse

“I wanted each painting to carry something real from the landscape - not just its image, but its texture, its presence,” says Veronica. “By using sand and metal leaf, I hope viewers don’t just see these places, but feel a connection to them.”

placeholder image — “I wanted each painting to carry something real from the landscape - not just its image, but its texture, its presence,” says Veronica. “By using sand and metal leaf, I hope viewers don’t just see these places, but feel a connection to them.”

Donegal Sands will run until August 5, and admission is free

A new solo exhibition by Ballybofey-based artist Veronica Maguire is set to open at the Old Courthouse in Lifford.

Titled Donegal Sands, the exhibition will open on Thursday, July 4 at 7pm. It will run until August 5, and admission is free.

This remarkable collection features 20 original oil paintings, each inspired by a specific beach along the Donegal coast. Drawing from the untamed beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way, Veronica blends fine art with the raw textures of nature. What sets this body of work apart is her distinctive technique: sand collected from each beach is physically incorporated into the artwork, either mixed with the oil paint or applied directly to the canvas. Gold and copper leaf add a reflective shimmer, evoking the coastal light and atmosphere.

Veronica Maguire

The idea for the exhibition emerged from a private commission in which the artist was asked to paint a beach of personal significance. The emotional impact of incorporating sand from that specific location inspired Veronica to expand the concept into a full series - celebrating Donegal’s extraordinary coastline and connecting viewers to place in a tactile, immersive way.

Veronica Maguire is a self-taught artist with over 25 years of experience. Her work spans a variety of mediums, including oil, watercolour, alcohol ink, and acrylics. She has exhibited widely across the Northwest and was selected for the 140th Royal Ulster Academy of Art exhibition in Belfast in 2021. Her painting Homes of Donegal now forms part of the Stormont Castle Civil Service Collection.

Donegal Sands is Maguire’s sixth solo exhibition and promises to be her most innovative to date.

Admission is free and all are welcome to attend the official opening on Thursday, July 4, at 7pm. The exhibition will remain open to the public during gallery hours until August 5.