Cara is a visual artist and printmaker.
Cara’s work stems from an obsession with the landscape of Donegal, ephemera and archives, both digital and physical, with printmaking as a through-line.
About Cara:
Cara graduated with a degree in Fine Art Printmaking and Visual Culture from the National College of Art and Design in 2017. She is a previous member of Black Church Print Studio, Dublin, where she also served on the board of directors. Now based in her hometown of Buncrana, Cara is a professional member of Derry Print Workshop, where she creates all her work. She is part of their education panel, sharing her passion for print by facilitating workshops for adults. She is also a member of Guildhall Taphouse Studios and “the ii” Buncrana. Her contemporary artwork has been funded by the Arts Council of Ireland in 2022, Donegal County Council’s Artist Bursary 2022-2025, and her work as “Súilí” was supported by the Local Enterprise Office Donegal Priming Grant 2024. Her contemporary etching work is part of the OPW’s State Art collection.
About Súilí
Súilí was started by artist Cara Donaghey in late 2023. After returning from living abroad during the pandemic, where she had been craving a tangible connection to home, Cara decided to put her printmaking degree to good use and screen-printed a range of tote bags that she felt would connect people to Donegal. She creates designs that she would have wanted while away from home: something Irish, creative, and with stories and memories driving the concept behind the design. Choosing to work under the name “Súilí” to differentiate this work to her contemporary exhibition work, Cara started with the O’Doherty’s Keep tote bag, and from there her range has grown.
the tote bag collection
Buncrana Cinema
Located on Buncrana’s “West End”, St. Mary’s Hall was built in 1904 and has been a cinema since 1932. The first film shown was “East of Borneo”. It’s a single screen cinema and was reportedly the last to “go digital” in 2014.
For more information on your tote bag, including care instructions, click here.
O’Doherty’s Keep
O Doherty’s Keep is the ruins of a “tower house” built on the mouth of the River Crana where it meets Lough Swilly. It was built in the 14th or 15th Century and was the home of Sir Cahir O’Doherty who was the last Gaelic Lord of Inishowen. Crown forces burned O’Doherty’s Keep and granted the Lordship of Inishowen to Lord Deputy Chichester in 1608, who then leased it to Henry Vaughan. It is thought the Vaughan family resided in the Keep until Sir George Vaughan built the large house next to the keep in the early 18th century.
For more information on your tote bag, including care instructions, click here.
Gateway to Ireland
Gateway to Ireland is an Irish family-run business based in Wicklow. They provide private tours and hiking experiences for people visiting Ireland. Cara met Diana while their businesses were in the start-up phase, and they collaborated on this bag for Diana’s clients. The bag features a drawing of Glendalough Monastery with the Wicklow Mountains seen through the archway. Like all of the Súilí bags, Cara drew and screen-printed this by hand and printed it in Derry Print Workshop.
Rodden’s Bar
Rodden’s Bar is located on Buncrana’s Main Street. Known for its alternative live music and good Guinness. For more information on your tote bag, including care instructions, click here.
An Grianán of Aileach
An Grianán of Aileach is a stone fort in Burt, Co. Donegal. It is linked to the Tuatha de Danann who invaded Ireland before the Celts and built stone forts on top of strategic hills. From An Grianán you can see both Lough Swilly and Lough Foyle, along with the outline of the Inishowen Peninsula.
For more information on your tote bag, including care instructions, click here.
O’Flaherty’s Bar
O’Flaherty’s Bar is a family-run bar on the Main Street of Buncrana. Popular with locals and tourists alike for its live trad music on a Wednesday night. For more information on your tote bag, including care instructions, click here.