Art auction at Ballynahinch Castle, Connemara

HOLIDAYMAKERS IN Connemara this weekend, seeking to escape the unseasonal weather, might enjoy an art auction at Ballynahinch Castle. Organised by auctioneers Dolan’s of Galway, the paintings and sculpture are on view today and tomorrow and will go under the hammer from noon on Monday, Aug 6th. There’s a wide selection of Irish art by, among others, Cecil Maguire, Maurice Wilks, Evie Hone, Gerard Dillon, Kenneth Webb, Mark O’Neill, Norah McGuinness and Markey Robinson.

For collectors feeling flush, a drawing titled Connemara Mare and Foal by Jack B Yeats has an estimate of €8,000-€12,000.

As well as the art, an unusual curiosity – Lot 52 – is a 17th century mortar (as in pestle and mortar) made of bronze or bell metal. It is dated 1631 and inscribed to commemorate a marriage between members of two important Galway families – the Brownes and Joyces. The auctioneers seem confident that the item will attract west of Ireland interest and said the estimate was “on request”.

Ballynahinch Castle Hotel is on the N59 (Galway to Clifden) road near the village of Recess.