Cow House Studios

Cow House Studios Reviews

Maria
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Immersive Art Experience at Cow House Studio

Our daughter was a participant in the Art on the Farm Summer, 2023 program. This was her first solo overseas travel, and, understandably, we were anxious about what the experience might hold for her. From the minute she arrived at the Dublin airport and was met by Frank, there was a palpable joy in her voice. The natural beauty of the farm coupled with the warm, welcoming presence of the staff created a space for the participants to grow as artists, as individuals and as a group of like minded creative spirits who celebrated one another as if they had be lifelong friends. Their connection was so evident when we arrived to pick our daughter up at the farm and we saw the participants, now friends, hugging and crying as they had to leave one another. They are still connected via social media and are still celebrating one another's artistic accomplishments, among other things. Our daughter discovered parts of herself as a traveler, an artist, a friend, a thinker, an explorer and a daredevil. She was transformed by her time at Cow House and is now seriously considering returning for the gap program in Fall, 2025. If you are seeking a truly unique and impactful experience for your young artist, Art on the Farm is the program for you.

Karen
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Transformative Experience (parent's perspective)

I couldn't have imagined a better experience for my daughter. She had an incredible experience - from accommodations, to food, to friends, to the people who work at Cow House (and even the animals on the farm!). There were no negatives from her perspective and she came back with some incredible pieces that she had created over the summer.

For me, I felt comfortable the entire time. Everything was clear from the application process, to travel, to the time at Cow House. They were communicative and responsive. It was wonderful that I didn't have to worry about anything (this was her first time away from home and overseas) and it was a smooth, worry-free experience. Recommended without reservation!

Conor
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A wonderful month in Cowhouse

One of the best things in this program, besides the wonderful facilities, staff, and teachers, was the accessibility to nature. My program was photography and Frank supported me even when doubting myself. All of the instructors were available to me during my stay there.
I enjoyed our day trips and exploring the surroundings on the farm.
Everything in this program is geared towards artistic and personal development.
I highly recommend this program to artists who want to expand their knowledge and get to know themselves more artistically.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?
The most nerve-racking moment for me was the deadlines, as I lacked time management. Roisain, my instructor was there to help me better manage my time and she was very encouraging.
Pros
  • Helpful and knowledgeable Instructors
  • Acces to various materials to make art
  • Food and accomodations
Jeanne & Tom
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Wonderful experience for both of our daughters

One of our daughters attended Art on the Farm in 2021 and the second attended in 2024. Rosie, Frank & the rest of the team create just the right balance of structure & free time. Meals together helped the students bond and the day trips to various towns offer the students a great way to explore independently. Students receive instruction on various mediums and also have the freedom to explore on their own. Our daughters found the farm to be a calming place, immersed in nature that connected them with their own creativity. The studio spaces were thoughtfully designed and the Wexford countryside is just beautiful.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Plan to be disconnected from your electronics, immersed in the program and engaged with the Art on the Farm team and fellow participants.
Brighton
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best 3 Months

The Gap Year program gave me so much valuable time & experience finding my voice in the art world. It was also valuable being able to build a community of artists from around the world, while also connecting with local Irish artists. The staff were helpful & compassionate & encouraged us every step of the way. We went on weekly adventures to different towns & learned so much about Irish culture. Everything I learned in Ireland has already propelled my art practice. I am a BFA senior & hope to go back one day for a residency!

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I wouldn't say it was unfamiliar, but Caitriona would hand make the yoghurt & granola which was such a treat to eat every morning! She always made the best meals.
B
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Unforgettable experience

It was the best month of my life, I met a lot of cool and interesting people. We became a community, we got close and we'll sort of forever be tied together, which I find really cool. I got to create so much art and learn a lot of new things. All the members of the staff are really supportive, they are always ready to help. They gave me new perspectives on things. The program changed a lot about how I view the world. It was all really influental. It's hard to find words, this is just something you need to experience in order to know what's it like.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
It will go by so fast, so take the most out of the program, experience all of it. Maybe bring a journal, there will be a lot of things happening and it can be useful to write about the days, because it will go by so fast. in Don't think too much about wether to do something, just do it. Don't be afraid to reach out and chat with the staff, they are all very nice, understanding and supportive.
Averi
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The most memorable 3 months

My 3 months in the Fielddworks program at Cow House were some of the best months of my life. It hosted an atmosphere of creativity that turned into friendship, I met some of my best friends there. The instructors cared so much about us and would always go out of their way to make sure we were getting the attention we needed to grow the most as artists and people. Frank ran workouts every morning and Rosie and I would cold plunge and then meet a half hour later to sip tea and do art. Oh my gosh, and the food... it was phenomenal, there's nothing else I can say. I think my favorite day and the one that meant the most to me was Thanksgiving, fact that Frank and Rosie went out of their way to host us and cook a traditional dinner... It was hard not being with family but by the end of the program, I felt like Cow House was my second family. I think back on those days and I can do nothing but smile. If you get the chance to go, do it, and enjoy every moment, journal, and take videos and pictures because you will look back on it forever.

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?
The whole group swam in the ocean and it was freezing but the sky was incredible and we had just done a beautiful hike.
Pros
  • Learned the history of Ireland
  • Met some of my best friends and we still keep the group chat buzzing
  • Learned that we can move at a slower pace and feel good. Be kind to our neighbors and do what we love
Georgia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life Changing Experience

I attended the 2024 Art on the Farm program, and it was an absolutely unforgettable experience. Every aspect of the program pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. I met people who I consider to have a lifelong bond with, who I made memories with that I would have never been able to experience if not for Cow House. Beyond that, being in an environment where I had hours to work on art, learn new skills, and develop the ones I already had, I fell even more in love with art. Even the grounds of Cow House contribute to the art-inspiring setting.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice is to make the most of the program, it goes by so much faster than you think. Stay up late, explore the cities and towns, make that painting you've always wanted to, and take advantage of the fact that you are surrounded by other artists your age.
Julio
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A whole life experience

There are trips for fun, educational, cultural, and culinary experiences, this one on the Caw House my daughter Carolina made an ensemble of them all, the property is a landscape of Ireland’s countryside, which really breathtaking. A few times in life she has been pleased with almost all!!. The attention to detail from Frank and Rosy has to be mentioned apart, the friendly atmosphere among all the students and the teamwork they achieved made this experience extraordinary. Being in touch with young guys who share the same taste in painting, photography, and outdoor activities it’s priceless. She can’t wait to go back next year.

Patricia
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best experience in Art on the Farm!

Mi hija de 16 años participó en Art on the farm Julio 2024, fue una experiencia maravillosa de cuatro semanas donde practicó y aprendió más sobre su amor al arte en vez de pasarse horas en redes sociales durante el verano, conoció su nuevo pasatiempo favorito, la fotografía, todas las noches me llamaba emocionada de las nuevas técnicas que aprendía y de lo bien que la pasaba rodeada de chicos de su edad que venían de otras partes del mundo. Cómo madre mexicana tenía muchas dudas de enviar sola a mi hija, afortunadamente tomé la mejor decisión al permitirle vivir esta experiencia, en un lugar seguro y muy bien cuidada de principio a fin.

My daughter attended The Art on the Farm 2024, having such a great time there practicing and learning new skills about art. Instead of being connected to social media during summer, she discovered her new passion for photography, every evening she called me, excited to talk about all the new techniques she was learning at the time she was having such a good time with the other teens from different parts of the world.

Art on the Farm was definitely a great experience in her lifetime. She developed skills not only in arts but also in human communication all in a safe and respectful environment, teachers were highly skilled and knowledgeable in how to deal with teens, and food and accommodation were excellent as well. Rosie and Frank are just the best in what they do. I definitely highly recommend Art on the Farm!!!