FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
NOTE!! PAINTS -CANVAS BOARDS - BRUSHES -EASEL ARE SUPPLIED (see note)
WHERE ARE WE STAYING AND WHAT ARE THE ACCOMODATION OPTIONS
The town of NEWCASTLE is base camp and all accommodations will all be based in this seaside town. There are several options to fit your needs and budget. From inexpensive B and Bs, small hotels to a luxury spa resort hotel- Call us for detailed guidance- Here are a few we recommend
http://www.harbourhousenewcastle.com/accommodation/
WHAT IF I'M NOT EXPERIENCED ARTIST OR HAVE NO TALENT IN ART, IS THIS STILL FOR ME?
Yes, all of our Art workshops in Northern Ireland are designed for beginners or an intermediate painter looking to improve .We also work with more experienced painters who simply need Hugh O’Neill’s knowledge of painting and the local area. Mr. O’Neill varies the content and locations each day to keep it lively and fun, whilst ensuring that you go home with work you’re proud of
CAN I BRING A FRIEND/PARTNER WHO DOESN'T WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ART CLASSES?
Yes, non-artists are very welcome. Most non painters love to come with the painters as we combine short visits and tours to historic places and scenic beauty. Where we paint isSome non painters prefer to golf, shop walk, or simply do nothing at all but relax. Nearby is the “world famous golf” at ROYAL ROYAL COUNTY DOWN voted one of the best courses in the WORLD!! Yes in the world!
DO YOU VISIT CASTLES AND MUSEUMS.LOCAL PUBS ETC
We visit these type of places , you also get a very special guide with you who is Hugh O’Neill, a noted expert in IRISH HISTORY.AND A GIFTED IRISH MUSICIAN
WHAT IF I’M TRAVELING ALONE?
Some guests come alone but quickly make friends
HOW MANY GUESTS ARE ON EACH COURSE?
We aim to keep our numbers limited to ensure QUALITY one-to-one teaching, the average number is around 7-10 the maximum number being 15
HOW DO I GET TO THE LOCATION
We provide transfers from Dublin Airport. Private car transports are available as well and we can give you the information you'd need to hire one. WE PICK YOU UP AT DUBLIN on the 18TH of August 2024 at an additional $40 per person .Usually any private service would charge you $80-150 one way. WE DO NOT offer the return to Dublin however it could be arranged with us if we have the time and sufficient numbers all going back at the same time
HOW DO I SIGN UP?
You must leave your full name and telephone number first. Or write or call all us and we will help with this process. We are currently setting up a new pay “online” with your credit card soon but we accept PayPal-Zelle -Venmo. We accept checks or money orders made out to the director HUGH O’NEILL
Sign up by using the "sign-up" link . We will send you an official confirmation and welcome email with a disclosure and contact form to fill out and sign, as well as any pertinent travel information you may need. There is no fee required to first sign up
WHAT IF THE WEATHER IS BAD
We always have a plan B and C and even D to ensure you get the maximum enjoyment for every minute you are in our care. Rather than get into all details here, we simply adjust the itinerary to suit ,that may include an indoor element or going to a beautiful location that is under cover from the rain, but still outdoors
IRISH FOOD
IS EXCELLENT The Hotels and local restaurants serve great breakfasts. You will usually have lunch in a restaurant or Pub near the painting locations .Dinner is best enjoyed together at a local restaurant serving fresh and local food. The Seafood dishes are particularly tasty in this very special coastal region
HOW LONG IS EACH DAY
The official time is 6 hours with Hugh O’Neill teaching and your guide per day. However travel time to locations and returning from visiting historic landmarks could add time. Lunch is one hour at around 12PM.We do not charge extra for anything other than ask should driving time extend beyond a certain range beyond 5:00pm we all simply chip in a bit with a small donation towards the fuel costs. This may happen when as a group we want to visit a local pub with early evening Irish music or a festival event. The local taxi service is superb so in many occasions the group will simply use this service if needed
HOW DO I GET TO THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE WHERE THE WORKSHOP IS BASED?
TO AVAIL OF OUR TRANSPORT FROM DUBLIN AIRPORT TO THE WORKSHOP LOCATION YOU MUST ARRIVE AT DUBLIN AIRPOIRT BY THE MORNING OF THE 18TH -AUGUST 2024 -Unless you have your own means to get to Newcastle
What happens if my flight does not arrive at the airport before the scheduled transfer to my workshop hotel? Only one transfer is scheduled to transfer workshop guests to their hotels. If your flight does not arrive in time for the transfer( by 11:00 am) We will help you, don’t worry ,we will take care of you and order a private taxi service or UBER. This can be expensive so please communicate with us should you need help with this
What is there for non-painters to do? There is so much for non-painters to do on our tours and many of the workshops include other non-painters. Non-painters can go sightseeing and visit local towns and museums. However most will travel with the painters
I am a Photographer can I join? Yes, in fact the artists are always taking pictures to use back home
Can I go on the trip and pay for my own hotels or Air B&B somewhere else? Yes as long as you are in same town and we approve of it’s location and set up
Where can I find out more about the Hugh O’Neill recent art works? available on this website
How can I be sure that you received my booking and deposit? On receipt of your booking form and deposit we will send you a confirmation email letter and you can call us any time to check up on your status. Hugh will call you first before you make any deposits
I’m going with my partner what is the rate and why? Even if your not painting we all are using our private coach and driver with all the insurance to cover .You will also be with the painters on tours on the same sightseeing trips. We designed the tour to suit NON PAINTERS each day. We discount $100 from the $1600 so it’s $1500
We also have a prorated pricing for some who cannot stay entire week but we still must charge a minimum fee no matter how long you stay with us.