FAQs

We welcome artists at all stages of their careers.

Standard BCA Artist Residencies last one to three months. Applications are accepted throughout the year, subject to availability. Shorter summer residencies may be advertised separately.

The standard BCA Artist Residency is self-directed. For faculty feedback or course access, explore our Residency + and Burren Immersion programmes.

There is no requirement to produce an exhibition. You are welcome to attend public college events, and an optional open studio can be an opportunity to share your work.

See the BCA Artist Residencies page for current fees, available dates and the application form. Accommodation is charged separately unless an advertised package includes it.

College housing is available subject to availability. Options include the Lodge, the Bungalow and Newtown House. Please ask about accommodation when arranging your residency. We can also provide a list of local accommodation.

Newtown House is on the college campus beside Newtown Castle, close to the studios. It has six twin or double bedrooms, a shared kitchen and communal spaces, Wi-Fi, and nearby laundry facilities.

Bathroom arrangements depend on your accommodation. The Lodge has en-suite bedrooms; the Bungalow and Newtown House have a mixture of en-suite rooms and rooms with shared bathrooms. Please confirm your room arrangements before booking.

College housing provides bedding and equipped kitchens, with laundry facilities available. Heat and utilities are included in the housing fee. Residents prepare their own meals and are asked to use energy responsibly.

Only residents allocated to the house may stay in college housing. If you would like to travel with someone, contact us before booking to discuss suitable arrangements. Pets are not permitted in college housing.

Please keep your bedroom and shared spaces clean, wash and put away kitchenware, and sort rubbish and recycling. Parties are not permitted, and outdoor noise should be kept down after 10pm. Rooms must be cleaned before departure, and keys returned. Damage or additional cleaning may incur charges under the housing agreement.

You have 24-hour access to your allocated studio. Workshops and specialist facilities have separate access arrangements. Sleeping in studios is not permitted; all residents must arrange accommodation.

Facilities include the 3D workshop, digital print lab, photography darkroom, lighting studio and library. Equipment use requires staff authorisation and any relevant training or induction. The 3D workshop is available only when authorised personnel are present, and power tools must not be used outside staff hours. Discuss your project and equipment needs before arrival.

Bring the materials you need for your practice and, if you use one, your own laptop. A small campus art shop stocks basic supplies, and materials can also be ordered from Irish suppliers. Large-format printing has additional costs. Please check specialist material requirements with us in advance.

Yes. Wi-Fi is available on campus and in college housing.

Meals are not included as part of the standard residency. College housing has cooking facilities, and there is a café on campus. Please check café opening hours for the dates of your stay.

Burren College of Art is at Newtown Castle, approximately 2.4km south of Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare, H91 H299. See our How to Find Us page for travel options and directions. Please check current transport timetables before travelling.

A car can be useful for exploring the Burren and travelling independently. The college and village are connected by narrow country roads, which may not suit everyone walking or cycling. Please ask about the college minibus service between the village, college housing and campus, and confirm its availability for your dates.

Bring waterproof clothing, warm layers, sturdy walking footwear and a torch or headlamp. Reflective clothing is recommended for travelling on local roads after dark. If bringing electrical equipment, check that it is compatible with the local mains supply and bring a suitable plug adapter; an adapter does not convert voltage.

Email contact@burrencollege.ie with questions about your residency, accommodation or access requirements. Please let us know your expected arrival time so we can arrange to welcome you.