The Oilean Project is an ongoing artistic exploration of the abandoned islands around the coast of Ireland.

Conceived in 2002 by Cyril O'Flaherty and Lol Hardiman. We spend time living and working on a particular island and after periods working in our respective studios the resulting exhibition is seen as a subjective portrait of a unique environment.

These near-forgotten places are often haunted by the impressions left by man. The islands are bastions of nature, both besieged and protected by the sea. They are home to the curious seal and the chattering skylark and stand as monuments to the tenacity of life.

This web site offers a selection of retrospective work, information on the islands and details of forthcoming shows. We are indebted to the many wonderful people who have helped us through the years and hope our work reflects the respect we feel towards this precious heritage.