*Boland’s Corner, Doonbeg, Co Clare
A NEW hand-painted mural celebrating the heritage, landscape and community life of Doonbeg has been proposed for a prominent gable wall at Boland’s Corner on Main Street.
Doonbeg Tidy Towns has lodged a planning application with Clare County Council for the artwork, which is intended to create an attractive gateway feature at one of the principal entrances to the village.
Called Pieces of Doonbeg, the mural has been designed by internationally recognised mural artist Marcus Vallboehmer, who has lived in the Doonbeg area since 2023.
Vallboehmer has worked as a freelance artist for 15 years, creating indoor and outdoor murals, stage sets and paintings in a range of formats.
His work has also included more unusual commissions, including painted fire helmets and hoses.
He most recently completed a mural celebrating author Charlotte Brontë at White Strand in Kilkee, commissioned by Kilkee Civic Trust and supported by Creative Ireland Clare.
For Pieces of Doonbeg, the design will showcase the village’s landscape, agricultural life, music and festivals, heritage and community life, reflecting what makes Doonbeg what it is today.
The proposed mural will be painted directly onto the prepared external wall using high-quality exterior masonry and acrylic paints designed for long-term outdoor use.
The gable wall will receive fungicidal treatment and a weather-protective undercoat before the mural is applied.
No alterations are proposed to the existing building.
According to the application, the artwork is intended to enhance the appearance of the streetscape, celebrate the identity of Doonbeg and create a landmark for both residents and visitors.
Doonbeg Tidy Towns, the applicants, also hope the mural will encourage tourism and local economic activity, while providing a permanent piece of community artwork.
The colour palette will reflect the natural tones of West Clare, incorporating coastal blues, greens, sandy tones and warm earth colours.
The project forms part of a wider village enhancement programme being undertaken by Doonbeg Tidy Towns.
Extensive community engagement was carried out to inform the design, including a Community Connect event held in February 2026.
The group said it engaged with more than 44 local groups and approximately 400 people as part of the process.
The applicants state that the proposal will not involve an extension to the building, any increase in floor area or a change of use.
There will also be no alteration to access or additional traffic generation, while the application states that the mural will not impact the residential amenities of neighbouring properties.
Mr Vallboehmer is proposed to inspect the mural annually and carry out any necessary maintenance during the first five years following its completion.
After that period, Doonbeg Tidy Towns will be responsible for commissioning and funding any ongoing maintenance required.
The application is accompanied by a letter of permission from the owner of the building on which the mural is proposed.
The applicants said the project represents a high-quality piece of public art which reflects Doonbeg’s identity, promotes tourism and strengthens community pride.
They also state that the proposal is in keeping with the objectives of the Clare County Development Plan regarding placemaking, public realm enhancement and the promotion of cultural heritage.
No third-party submissions or observations have been received to date.
The planning application was originally submitted on July 9, with Clare County Council due to make a decision by September 2.
–Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme
