Donegal Town’s Simple Simon’s to display new town painting

Simple Simon’s Restaurant in Donegal Town will display a new painting detailing Donegal Town from the skies.

Tyrone artist, Roisin McLaughlin told Donegal Live that painting beautiful places in Donegal was something she had always wanted to do.

She said: “I started painting about a year ago, and I am quite inspired by drone photography”. “A lot of my original paintings have been taken from those.

 “I have done quite a few aerial pictures of Belfast, which have been very popular, and currently I have pictures in the Norn Irish gift shop in the city centre. 

Roisin has taken inspiration from an image captured by Niall Timoney, whose photography name is This Dude Shoots Photography.

“He is an amazing photographer and grew up within the town and lives locally,” said Roisin. “He gave me permission to paint his piece, and I was fascinated by the unique view that it gives across the town and into the Bay. 

“I had to adapt the piece to include the new Diamond and to reflect the beauty of the town as it can be seen today.”

“When you are in Donegal Town, you don’t realise how close you are to the water. When you see his image, you see Donegal Bay and the Quayside, and that is how the image came about.”

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Despite being from Tyrone and mainly doing artwork in Belfast, Roisin said she had very happy memories and links with Donegal. 

She commented: “I have spent many of my childhood summers and weekends in Donegal, and although I live in Belfast, I spend much time in Donegal, having lots of local links to the town itself.

“My dad is a musician and a well-known singer at the Reel Inn, Frankie Devine. I spend many weekends and the summer months in the beautiful surroundings of Rossnowlagh.”

The painting will be displayed at Simple Simon’s Restaurant in Donegal Town, something Roisin said she was delighted about. 

“I have had lots of positive feedback from the people of Donegal,” stated Roisin. “Simple Simon’s is a lovely eatery that does natural foods and a healthy restaurant upstairs, and they exhibit local artists. It is a great opportunity to showcase my work within the local community.”