Strabane man creates new international tattoo convention

A Strabane tattoo artist is set to leave a permanent mark on Ireland’s body art scene with the launch of a brand-new international tattoo convention in Bundoran.

Danny McCay, owner of Anchor and Rose tattoo studio in Strabane, has worked with some of the industry’s leading artists across the US and Europe. Now, he’s bringing the world of tattoos to Donegal with the first-ever Bundoran Tattoo Convention, taking place this weekend (May 24 to 25) at the Great Northern Hotel.

The event will showcase top tattoo artists from across Ireland and abroad, offering two days of live tattooing, music, entertainment, and creativity in one of the country’s most scenic seaside towns.

While Bundoran might not be the most obvious location for a tattoo convention, for Danny, the choice was deeply personal.

“I practically grew up in Bundoran — summers in the family mobile home are some of my best childhood memories,” he said. “I recently bought a mobile home there myself, and I want to pass on those memories to my kids. But beyond that, Bundoran is beautiful, has a cool vibe, and is somewhere people want to visit.”

The idea for the convention had been in the works for years, originally planned as a collaboration. But after a series of setbacks and the heartbreaking loss of both his father and grandmother, Danny decided to go it alone.

“I just thought, if not now, when? I met with the Great Northern Hotel, paid the deposit, and started building it myself.”

The convention has already created a buzz within the tattooing community, with artists lining up to take part and others expressing interest for a possible 2026 return.

Danny says Ireland’s tattoo scene is thriving, with conventions regularly held in Cork, Derry, Galway, Belfast, and Dublin – and believes Bundoran is ready to join the list.

“There’s a huge appetite for this. Tattoos are no longer niche – around 35 per-cent of Irish people have some ink. These conventions are about more than tattoos – they’re a celebration of art, music, and community.”

Local artists including Gerard I2, Darren Doherty, and John Nelson will represent Strabane, alongside DJs and vendors from across the country.