Slieve Moyle cottages are set in the hills surrounding the village of Strangford and provide the backdrop for short painting breaks for beginners and experienced artists alike. Old friends Neil and Terry from Belfast recently decided to brush up on their skills by booking in for a weekend break with one day’s art tuition. Having chosen one of three well-decorated, fully equipped cottages, Neil and Terry were immediately impressed with their accommodation, as it’s old on the outside and new on the inside.

On their first day, having struck it lucky with the weather, Neil and Terry headed out to visit one of the area’s most popular attractions, Castle Espie Wetland Centre. Set on the banks of Strangford Lough, Castle Espie was merely a half hour drive from the cottages. The centre is home to a wide variety of native wildfowl and other winged visitors from all over the world. Keen to find out more, Neil and Terry enjoyed the guided tour of the centre, and after getting up close and personal whilst studying the birds, soon discovered that the dynamic between the creatures is not unlike some sort of avian soap opera. In the duckery Neil and Terry also discovered that ducks are actually champion high jumpers. Who knew?

Neil was keen to note that for the views of Strangford Lough alone, the centre is worth a visit, especially for families.

A new day brought a new challenge – Neil and Terry’s first watercolour painting lesson. Terry had had some previous experience doing Tanka painting, however, Neil’s colourblindness had stopped him from honing his skills further. Teacher Maureen was pleased to point out that previous experience was not a necessity when taking this course, and that the simplest watercolour techniques rely on a sensitivity to tone, light and shade, and not necessarily colour.

Maureen and her husband Greer are the proud owners of these cottages, and aim to create a community atmosphere. As well as the lessons in painting, visitors can xpect the wholesome treat of home made soda bread for lunch. Neil and Terry certainly appreciated it.

After a delightful few days rusticating in the countryside Neil and Terry conceded that for years, it had been to easy to miss this gem, right on the doorstep of Belfast. Both resolved to return to Slieve Moyle for another trip, and of course, another painting lesson.

A weekend stay at Slieve Moyle costs from £190 per cottage, a 1-day painting course costs an additional £60 per person.

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