Guide to Bundoran’s Murals
We are blessed in Bundoran to have a large creative talent who give back to their town when they can. Many of our local artists have created wonderful murals which are on display at various locations throughout the town. Here’s your guide to Bundoran’s murals!
Welcome to Bundoran
Artist: John Deegan
Location: East End, Bundoran
Artist John Deegan was commissioned by Bundoran Tidy Towns Committee to create a ‘Welcoming’ mural on the wall located at East End Bus Stop. John explained: “This was a difficult commission due to the obstruction of the bus stop shelter in the centre of the wall. Therefore I decided that I had to incorporate the shelter into the art. I ultimately want people to get my art at a glance. I came up with the design of the bus in order to transform the wall into a functioning piece of art. I then had to reassure the committee that my idea, although bold, would work. I was delighted with the finished project and the response of the local community. Indeed, one person even commented that my design literally stopped traffic!”
Angel Wings
Artist: Karl Porter
Location: Salty Shell Cafe, Main Beach
Brand new for 2021 this mural was designed and installed by Karl Porter of UV Arts and sponsored by Irish Gap Year. Karl is also famous for painting the Derry Girls mural in Derry. Bundoran Tourism Officer Shane Smyth adds ‘once I saw the popularity of these Angel Wings in their various forms I knew they would go down well in Bundoran and become particularly “instagrammable”. Thanks to everyone who made this happen.
Bundoran Postcard
Artist: Karl Porter
Location: Main Beach, Bundoran
This mural was commissioned by Donegal County Council for the wall at Main Beach and represents a giant postcard! Due to its location, the mural also has a beach theme.
Big Wave
Artist: Nik Purdy, Blow Designs
Location: Madden’s Bridge Bar, The Bridge, Bundoran
The big wave mural was added to the gable of Madden’s Bridge Bar in 2018. It was commissioned by the bar due to its proximity to Bundoran’s famous “Peak” surf break which it overlooks in Donegal Bay.
Mural Tiles
Artists: Transition year students of Magh Ene College during the school year 1999-2000
Location: Behind the Tourist Office, The Bridge, Bundoran.
These works were commissioned by the former Bundoran Town Council and were completed by Transition year students of Magh Ene College during the school year 1999-2000. 14 tiles with a seaside/marine theme were cemented into the walls around the tourist office. The rest can be viewed here
Connected
Artist: Tara McGuinness
Location: Main Street, Bundoran
Our next mural was another of the murals completed as part of the Tidy Towns project in February of 2018 and painted by local artist Tara McGuinness. It is painted on the site of the old Bundoran Town Council office at the junction of Main Street and Astoria Road. Tara says “The mural is called “connected” my abstract interpretation of Bundoran through Celtic style black and white design – the idea was the connection of the circles represents the connection of the community to the landscapes and scenery of Bundoran.”
Pac Man
Artist: John Deegan
Location: Main Street, Bundoran
Artist John Deegan agreed to volunteer as part of the Bundoran Tidy Towns clean up project. He was tasked with the building formerly known as Pages’ Amusements. John states “Many locals will have fond memories of Ronnie and Molly Page. I wanted the mural to reflect the era and this is why I chose Pacman”
Surf House
Artist: Gavin McCrea
Location: East End, Bundoran
The Surf House located at East End has been updated since it was first completed in 2014. Artist Gavin McCrea puts his unique stamp on the building filling the windows with his surf art. The main window has the mural above. The remainder of the windows in the building are complemented with surfboards, again featuring unique surf art. Gavin says ‘It is referencing the ocean, surfboards manufacture and the toxic materials used in the process. Attempting to draw attention to water pollution around our seas and the need for cleaner seas. The paint drips and smears and the darker colour pallette all referencing polluted water.’
West End Horse
Artist:John Deegan
Location: West End, Bundoran
This is another commissioned piece by Artist John Deegan. John was approached by West End Development Committee in 2013 and asked to produce a mural on the end gable of this house. John describes the background to this piece: “The family that volunteered the wall for the mural are well known for their love of horses. The committee asked me to design a horse themed mural. I wanted to create a mural that would demonstrate the power and majesty of this animal which is deeply embedded in our culture and mythology.
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