The warmth, care, and expertise of the staff and faculty are wonderful. Our daughter's experience was deeply meaningful, full of joy & fun, grew her artistic skill set (and portfolio!, which we had underestimated and it resulted in a significant scholarship to a design school), as well as her independence and cultural exposure. The team holds space for the students to find their own way & to get out of it what they put into it -- that's an invaluable lesson at this life stage.

The space and surroundings are comfortable, cozy, and safe -- it feels like staying with close family friends. The fresh baked bread, thoughtfully home cooked meals (prepared by the lovely & hilarious Dee who felt like a true Auntie), and morning exercise option (led with encouragement & care by Frank) all helped to keep our daughter's health in balance.
The program folds its participants into the community, from the grandparents that reside next door, to the local children that come in for occasional workshops & events), to dinner at Rosie & Frank's house just down the way.

The weekend trips all over Ireland are a huge plus, and every stop is thoughtfully curated, and even adjusted as needed in response to weather or other factors. Stops covered countless galleries & museums, as well as a lighthouse, cultural landmarks, local small businesses & community venues, and hostel stay experiences, all of which combine for a super well rounded semester.

All supplies are included, which is significant, and our daughter was thrilled at the range of materials & equipment on hand (especially the unlimited film!). The guidance & critique are gentle while fostering confidence and encouraging growth. There's nicely done accountability in terms of rotating weekly chores and attending studio, done in a way that requires self-direction & building adulting skills.

Her experience felt like being with extended family, which gave us major peace of mind and left her with life-long treasured memories. Each cohort has a unique experience, based on the alchemy of that year's group – so it's truly a one of a kind community each time, which is just one more special aspect of this immersive, robust, and beautiful program!

A gem in the countryside of Ireland for young creatives~
My daughter recently returned from a autumn Gap year program at Cow House, and I can not recommend it highly enough.

Frank and Rosie's program of art instruction, weekend field trips and studio free time was the perfect combination for my young artist. She learned a ton, an artistic freedom, and got to know Ireland! An extremely well-run program, and I felt like my young adult was in excellent hands for all parts of the experience.

Parents should feel lucky to have their young adults here.

My decision to take a gap year came later in my high school career, and while my time spent at Cow House Studios was one semester, it has encompassed everything I wanted and needed within that decision. The culmination of new material, incredibly expansive resources, and self guided practices truly nurtured my soul as an artist. I felt so safe and my practice was uplifted and encouraged by everyone there. Some of my most treasured memories come from simply talking about what it means to be an artist with friends and especially all of my mentors: Rosie, Frank, Roísín, Dee, Sinead, and even Michael (Rosie's dad) whenever he would pop into the studio! :) This community is so connected, and truly feels like family. The depth of history and transformation the space has gone through is so inspiring, and there is so much care within every inch. The library, my room with my roommate who is now like my sister, and the kitchen having long chats with Dee, all feel like a home that will never leave my heart. Every moment I spent in Teach Muc (the clay studio), the darkroom, my studio, and even writing and reading by the fire, nourished my creativity and absolutely taught me how to take care of myself as an artist, and have patience with my practice. Above all else, the connection with the land and environment I was able to foster changed my life. I learned how to explore and play again, and the long walks I took exploring the fields, creeks, forests, and mountains solitary and with others absolutely reawakened my inner child. Additionally, the visits to other spaces for artists such as the Red Barn Residency, Workhouse Union, and Blackbird Culture Lab enriched my perspective of correlations between regenerative agriculture, environmental activism, and the arts. The interactions with curators and a wide range of exhibitions were eye opening and have absolutely provided me with a network of artists, activists, and community organizers in which I am so grateful to Rosie and Frank for.

It was a very big deal and investment for my family to send me to Cow House Studios, and words cannot express the gratitude I feel for my time spent there. To say it was life changing would be an understatement; my connection with that space and all of the other communities I was introduced to feel lifelong. I am also incredibly grateful that Cow House offers several scholarships given that it is a fairly small family run business. (Which is another reason why you should support them!) I believe everyone should get the opportunity to experience the freedom, support, and eye opening experiences my time spent there provided me.

This program is hands-down incredible. Rosie and Frank have created a space where art is explored in multiple ways, where the young artists skills are nurtured, and where the students are both supported and encouraged to create outside of their comfort zone. Our daughter did her gap year here before applying to colleges. She loved every part of the program. The readings, the assignments, the critiques, the listing artists, the explorations around Ireland, and last, but not least, the Cow House facilities, food and most importantly, the other students. After this program she applied to art schools and was accepted into every one she applied to. I can't thank Rosie and Frank enough.

I spent three weeks in the summer when I was 13, six years later I attended the gap year programme, and it changed the trajectory of my studies. Rosie and Frank are wonderful, empathetic, and caring hosts. The whole family creates an ecosystem supported by passion. Not only do they accommodate everyones needs, but they also really care about each student to have a beneficial experience, that contributes to their wellbeing and artistic development. The stay, food, art, and people facilitate the ideal atmosphere to learn and be creative. There is nothing one needs to worry about besides the thought of having to leave again.

Not only does the gap year programme immerse you into your own creativity, but you learn about Irish culture, get to meet amazing established artists, and you will see the most beautiful places. We travelled to Dublin, Wexford, Waterford, Galway, Kilkenny, and the Aran Islands. During those trips we would meet the most wonderful people and it wouldn't be even always art related. What they all had in common was the passion and care they were putting into their daily life. This was one of the most formative aspects of the experience: learning how people managed a life driven by passion, care, and communal support.

I am very grateful for the CowHouse family for letting me into their life, be part of a beautiful community, and gently stirring me onto my artistic path.

After 3 incredible months, I can say that intentionality and thoughtfulness are at every corner and inch of this program - the space it's in, the nature I became a part of, the way we 12 students and then friends all shared rooms, lived and ate together routinely, starting our everyday filling our sketchbooks in the absence of our phones, enrichening trips all over Ireland and the emphasis on Irish culture and history.

After a busy summer back home, having the dedicated time and space to create art while being with the most different of personalities, artists and teachers helped me slow down, be introspective and be present in a way I hadn’t before (and I’ve been trying to embrace even after leaving).

Not only did I get the space to explore different mediums for the first time, having never worked with oils, collage or in the darkroom before which I absolutely adored, but I also discovered through our video making workshops my connection to Film and Video and that those are what I want to more seriously explore and pursue in the future. But what I think I most treasure within my art practice, is that Cow House through the workshops, feedback sessions, critiques and care of Frank, Rosie and Róisín and my other dear 11 is that I discovered what made my art distinctly mine: honesty.

Even though this is an art program, I came to Cow House as someone interested in the arts as well as history and the social sciences, something I have also chosen to continuously pursue. I think I really got the space to weave in all my interests and the things I care about, and felt encouraged by my teachers to explore both. Art doesn’t exist apart from the world, and I think the holistic approach of Cowhouse, for example, addressing environmental issues, nature conservation and how this intersects with the arts, makes this program so distinctly powerful and eye-opening.

I'm so incredibly grateful for the opportunity I was given and carry it with me as I move through life, now as a college student.

The three months I spent at Cow House were absolutely unforgettable!! I had always known I wanted to take a gap year after finishing high school, and when I found out about Cow House Studios I had a hard time believing it was real. The community there is unlike any other, and one I have missed dearly ever since returning home! Getting to spend every day making art with people so dedicated, talented, and knowledgeable was a dream come true! It was beyond inspiring and I learned so so much from everyone there! I know going abroad can be a big step and at times an overwhelming and nerve-racking prospect, but if you are worried, don't be! Everyone is so open and welcoming and you will feel right at home in no time. It was the longest I had ever been away from home, and the first time I had traveled internationally by myself, but my worries evaporated as soon as I got there. Cow House really is one big family and you can feel it! I was only able to attend because of the scholarships they offer so if you are in that same boat don't be afraid apply! I know it sounds overwhelming and like a lot of work, but it is absolutely worth it. It is truly and one of a kind experience! I made so many life long friends and memories that I will never forget, and I cannot express how lucky I feel to be a part of the Cow House family :)

Honestly, I don’t think there is another program like Cowhouse Studios. The art program is detailed and extensive, and it feels like learning everything you would in an entire year at an art school, all while being in one of the most beautiful and magical places in the world, and having dedicated time and space to work. It’s such a special place full of dedicated people who will make your experience there unforgettable. If you’re scared, or if you’ve never done anything like it before, no need to worry! Frank and Rosie are very accommodating and very helpful, I’m a pretty anxious person but not once did I ever feel like I had anything to worry about! And if you’re worried about costs, apply for the scholarships, I know it seems stressful or unattainable, but it isn’t! Nothing is impossible, and this program is worth the effort it takes. I personally wouldn’t have been able to attend if it weren’t for the scholarships, but I really felt like I was wanted there. Getting to go on such an amazing program with the help of any of Cowhouse Studio’s generous scholarships is an opportunity no one should pass up at the very least trying on!

I learned so much, had the most fun I’ve ever had, and did so many things I had never done, I made friends I will never forget, and created memories I will miss! I don’t think there is another art program like this one, it’s truly a special place, and if you’re thinking about it, do it! Because, In my opinion, the hardest part about this program is leaving.