03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Tattoo artist bringing talent from all the world to Bundoran for first ever tattoo convention
Danny McKay from Strabane has been a tattoo artist for 15 years.
His love of art and tattoos has continued to grow over the years and has prompted him to host the first ever Bundoran Tattoo Convention at The Great Northern Hotel on Saturday, May 24 and Sunday May 25 from 10am to 9pm.
The convention will host up to 100 talented artists, some of whom are travelling from all over Ireland and other parts of the world.
Danny said he is looking forward to bringing likeminded people to Bundoran later this month.
'There is some people travelling great distances to be there from different parts of America, Italy, France, Spain and all over Ireland.
'It is very cool that people are making such an effort to come to the convention.
'There will also be live music, live entertainers, face painting and temporary tattoos for the kids and each night there will be an after party.
'There will also be competitions for different categories of tattoos too with prizes for first, second and third place,' said Danny.
Danny said his love of art and being creative began at a young age.
He went to university in Liverpool and had a number of tattoos himself when he suddenly had a 'light bulb moment' that being a tattoo artist could be his passion.
'I absolutely fell in love with the industry.
'Back then it was like one big family and everyone was so welcoming and cool.
'I was just mesmerised.
'I really just love everything about being a tattoo artist.
'No matter what else is going on, as soon as that needle hits the skin for the first time, that's me in the zone.
'I am in my happy place,' said Danny.
Danny explained the Bundoran Tattoo Convention has been in the pipeline for a very long time, but the death of two important people spurred him on to finally host it.
'The idea started off with me and some other artists who were going to come together to put it on but it kept getting put off.
'Two very important people in my life passed away. They were responsible for a lot of great memories in Bundoran. So after my granny Sheila passed away, I went straight the Great Northern Hotel and set up a meeting.
'Since then I have just been organising it all myself,' said Danny.
Danny has been travelling to tattoo conventions for years in places all over the world and has met many fantastic artists along the way.
He said it is an honour to have these artists travel to Ireland to help him with his event.
With less than a month to go to the convention, Danny is putting the finishing touches to the weekend.
He said since its launch, there has been a good buzz surrounding the convention.
'People are very excited about it.
'I have other artists come to me and said everyone is looking forward to it which is great.
'I really hope it all goes well and it is a good weekend for the artists and those coming along to the convention,' said Danny.
For more information and tickets, visit Bundoran Tattoo Convention on Facebook or Instagram.
