13 September 2026
Spend a day painting outdoors in the landscape of Russborough at this one-day Plein Air Festival with the Schoolhouse for Art.
Open to everyone from complete beginners to experienced artists, the festival is an opportunity to bring your easel, paints or simply a sketchbook and find your own corner of the estate to work from. Across the day, artists can take inspiration from Russborough’s architecture, trees, statuary, gardens and the wider views towards the Wicklow Mountains.
The day is designed to be as much about enjoying the experience of painting outdoors as creating a finished work. Participants can work at their own pace, meet other artists and pick up ideas and advice through live demonstrations and Q&A sessions with experienced plein air artists, covering areas such as composition, technique, colour and working with natural light.
Paint, exhibit and share
Artists taking part can also enter a juried plein air competition, with prizes including art materials, vouchers and Schoolhouse for Art courses.
At the end of the day, there will be an opportunity for participating artists to exhibit and offer for sale work created during the festival as part of an on-site pop-up exhibition. Those wishing to take part should bring labels, business cards and pricing information for their work.
Who is it for?
The festival welcomes artists of all levels and all media, whether you are trying plein air painting for the first time or are already accustomed to working outdoors.
Bring your own materials and equipment, from a full outdoor painting set-up to a sketchbook and pencils. Canvases can be stamped on arrival before you head out to choose your subject for the day.
Festival Details
Date: Sunday 13 September 2026
Time: 10am–5pm
Location: Russborough
Tickets: €25 per artist
Hosted by: Schoolhouse for Art
The festival will go ahead rain or shine, so come prepared for the Irish weather with suitable clothing and whatever you may need for working outdoors. Some sheltered areas will also be available.
Coffee, tea and light bites will be available from the café, or you can bring a picnic to enjoy in the grounds during the day.
Places are limited and advance booking is recommended.