Artists from near and far heading to Kinvara for Plein Air Festival

The Kinvara Plein Air event is well-established and is the third largest festival on the Irish calendar of plein air gatherings.

Next weekend, more than 150 artists will descend on South Galway and the Burren for four days of outdoor painting in some of the most beautiful spots on the Wild Atlantic Way: Kinvara itself, Coole Park, Ballyvaughan, Lough Cutra Castle and Eagle's Rock in the Burren.

Read next: Cathy's Galway roots run deep as she gives voice to those who are gone

There's a full programme of workshops, daily paint-outs and social events, while participants will have an opportunity to exhibit their work and win prizes. The weekend tutors, in addition to being skilled professional artists, are great teachers.

This festival attracts artists from all over Ireland, with an increasing number coming from the UK, Europe and the USA. Previous participants have praised the event's organisation, the community involvement and the support from local businesses, as well as the relaxed atmosphere.

The highlight of the weekend for the public is the Charity Paint-Out. It will take place on Monday June 1, in Kinvara's Green between 2pm and 3pm, allowing people to buy original art straight off the easel. Visitors can also vote for the Public Choice prize. Proceeds go to the local mental health charity Kinvara Alive and Médecins Sans Frontières.

Read next: Friendship, rivalry and adventure as Eva's play premieres at Galway International Arts Festival

The Wet Paint exhibition will open at the KAVA Courthouse at 3.30pm on June 1 and run daily until Sunday, June 7. Admission is free and work is for sale.

For more information on getting involved in daily paint-outs or workshops, go to www.kinvarapleinair.ie