MARIA CREAN
The Mystery of AcidStarzArt - Tracking Down Ireland's Mythological Muralist
If you have walked through Dublin recently, you have likely stopped to stare at a traffic box transformed into a vibrant explosion of neon colour and Celtic mythology. The artist behind these striking urban canvases is AcidStarzArt, also known as Maria Crean.
But for eagle-eyed street art fans, a puzzle remains: Maria lists herself as a Belfast-based artist, yet her public masterpieces are found almost exclusively on the streets of Dublin. So, where is she actually based? We’ve done the detective work to uncover the truth behind this cross-border creative.
The Belfast–Dublin Connection
The confusion is entirely justified. AcidStarzArt operates with a unique dual-city presence that bridges the gap between North and South.
While her business is registered in the UK and she ships her online orders from Belfast, Maria Crean explicitly states that she lives between the two cities. Belfast serves as her studio base—the engine room where she creates her smaller prints, merchandise, and digital designs. Dublin, however, serves as her public gallery.
This explains why you won't find her signature neon murals on the streets of the Cathedral Quarter in Belfast, but you will spot them dotting the quays and neighbourhoods of Dublin.
Mythology Meets Modernity
What makes AcidStarzArt’s work so distinct is her ability to drag ancient Irish legends kicking and screaming into the 21st century. She doesn’t just paint mythological figures; she reimagines them for the modern urban landscape.
Her work for the Dublin Canvas project—an initiative that turns grey utility boxes into public art—is particularly notable. She blends the "urban grey" of the city with a fluorescent palette, giving figures from the Ulster Cycle piercing eyes, tattoos, and modern accessories.
Where to Spot Her Work
If you are looking to create your own walking tour of her work, here are the key locations to check off your list:
Manannán MacLir (2024): A fresh addition at Custom House Quay, depicting the trickster sea god watching over the Liffey.
St. Brigid (2023): Located on the Howth Road in Killester, paying homage to the patroness of Ireland.
Tristan & Iseult (2021–2022): Perhaps her most famous partner pieces, located on Chapelizod Road. These murals beautifully reference local folklore, as Chapelizod is said to be named after Iseult (Séipéal Iosóid).
Cú Chulainn (2025): A gritty, modern take on the hound of Ulster, located near the Five Lamps in Dublin 1.
The Verdict
Is AcidStarzArt a Belfast artist or a Dublin artist? The answer is firmly both. She brings Belfast's graphic, bold energy to Dublin's public spaces, proving that art—much like mythology—doesn't care much for borders.
If you have walked through Dublin recently, you have likely stopped to stare at a traffic box transformed into a vibrant explosion of neon colour and Celtic mythology. The artist behind these striking urban canvases is AcidStarzArt, also known as Maria Crean.
But for eagle-eyed street art fans, a puzzle remains: Maria lists herself as a Belfast-based artist, yet her public masterpieces are found almost exclusively on the streets of Dublin. So, where is she actually based? We’ve done the detective work to uncover the truth behind this cross-border creative.
The Belfast–Dublin Connection
The confusion is entirely justified. AcidStarzArt operates with a unique dual-city presence that bridges the gap between North and South.
While her business is registered in the UK and she ships her online orders from Belfast, Maria Crean explicitly states that she lives between the two cities. Belfast serves as her studio base—the engine room where she creates her smaller prints, merchandise, and digital designs. Dublin, however, serves as her public gallery.
This explains why you won't find her signature neon murals on the streets of the Cathedral Quarter in Belfast, but you will spot them dotting the quays and neighbourhoods of Dublin.
Mythology Meets Modernity
What makes AcidStarzArt’s work so distinct is her ability to drag ancient Irish legends kicking and screaming into the 21st century. She doesn’t just paint mythological figures; she reimagines them for the modern urban landscape.
Her work for the Dublin Canvas project—an initiative that turns grey utility boxes into public art—is particularly notable. She blends the "urban grey" of the city with a fluorescent palette, giving figures from the Ulster Cycle piercing eyes, tattoos, and modern accessories.
Where to Spot Her Work
If you are looking to create your own walking tour of her work, here are the key locations to check off your list:
Manannán MacLir (2024): A fresh addition at Custom House Quay, depicting the trickster sea god watching over the Liffey.
St. Brigid (2023): Located on the Howth Road in Killester, paying homage to the patroness of Ireland.
Tristan & Iseult (2021–2022): Perhaps her most famous partner pieces, located on Chapelizod Road. These murals beautifully reference local folklore, as Chapelizod is said to be named after Iseult (Séipéal Iosóid).
Cú Chulainn (2025): A gritty, modern take on the hound of Ulster, located near the Five Lamps in Dublin 1.
The Verdict
Is AcidStarzArt a Belfast artist or a Dublin artist? The answer is firmly both. She brings Belfast's graphic, bold energy to Dublin's public spaces, proving that art—much like mythology—doesn't care much for borders.