by Róise Collins
A TRILINGUAL exhibition inspired by the poetry of Irish animal place names dotted across west Donegal is currently on display at Croithlí Distillery.
The exhibition explores the deep human connection with the land and the stories passed down through oral tradition.
Presented in three languages -Irish, Polish, and English- it highlights the shared cultural practice of place name storytelling across the world, drawing connections with Poland and honouring this rich heritage.
Two artists are behind the project, local artist Kim Sharkey and recent Donegal resident, Polish writer Agnieszka Tecław. Each created new work inspired by ten Irish animal place names from the local landscape.
Some of these names found throughout the Rosses and Gaoth Dobhair can be seen on maps, while others live only in memory and conversation, passed down through generations.
Agnieszka also contributes parallel animal place names from her native region of Holy Cross in Poland, further deepening the cultural exchange.
Together their work celebrates the unity of these traditions and helps preserve the name lore of our landscapes.
“The work is separate, we’re both coming from our own creative spheres, but we both drew from the same ten place names,” Kim told Donegal News after the exhibition’s launch.
Kim shared her passion for local place names and the rich stories woven into the landscape, which have long inspired her artwork. She referenced recognisable names like Mín an Iolair in Derrybeg.
“This is a name we use so naturally because it’s local, it just rolls off our tongues, but it actually translates to Plain of the Eagle.”
Min an Iolar which can be translated to Plain of the Eagle.
CREATIVE INTERPRETATION
Other names explored in the exhibition include Leac na Rón (Stone of the Seal) and Glaise Chú (Small Stream of the Otter).
Kim’s paintings reflect not just the place names, but also her own creative interpretation and personal experiences, with each piece telling its own unique story.
One especially poignant work is titled Poll an Chat (Hollow of the Cat), which features a willow tree with a ghostly cat peeking out.
The inspiration came from a stray cat she and Agnieszka discovered after their first meeting at the distillery. Kim hoped to care for the cat but due to its poor health it had to be put to sleep. In tribute she painted the little cat into her vision of the place name.
“It felt special, like he was part of the journey,” she said.
Kim also expressed gratitude for the support they received leading up to the exhibition. Aodh Mac Ruairí translated the stories into Irish and local historian Donnchadh Ó Baoill launched the event.
In his speech, Donnchadh spoke passionately about the ecological and cultural significance of place names, describing them as both protective and important in raising awareness.
The exhibition, titled Deep Roots and New Shoots, is part of the Earagail Arts Festival and will remain on display at Croithlí Distillery until the end of this weekend.
Next, Kim will bring her work to Lorient, where she will represent Ireland at their upcoming Celtic Festival.
Kim Sharkey’s artwork explores local place names and the rich stories woven into the landscape.
