When I first discovered Ireland’s native dog breeds, I knew almost nothing about them. What began as curiosity soon became a much bigger project.
Madra is the Irish word for dog. It became the name of my studio and reflects both my love of dogs and my connection to Ireland.
As I travelled around the country, met breeders and owners, photographed dogs and learned about their history, I gradually fell in love with these remarkable breeds. The more I discovered, the more I realised they are not just beautiful dogs—they are part of Ireland’s cultural heritage.
Learning that several native breeds are now considered vulnerable gave the project an even deeper meaning. I wanted to preserve their presence in the way I know best—by painting their portraits.
Over the next two years, that journey became Irish Dog Portraiture — a collection of twelve paintings celebrating Ireland’s nine native dog breeds and the remarkable dogs behind them.
