2 July, 2026
Pictured (L-R): Sarah Gee (Staff Nurse), Sam Sutton (Artist Assistant), Kate Allen (staff Nurse), Mary Day, (CEO, St James’s Hospital), DECOY (Artist)
On Wednesday, 1 July, St James’s Hospital staff came together to officially unveil a new mural, Bánóg. Created by Dublin-based artist DECOY, the mural brings a vibrant new visual element to one of the hospital’s garden areas, providing an important place of rest and respite for staff and patients, within the hospital environment.
The title Bánóg is inspired by the Irish word for a safe, level clearing, a place where communities traditionally gathered to rest, talk and reconnect. This meaning closely reflects the purpose of the garden: a hidden green sanctuary within a busy healthcare setting, where hospital staff can step away from the intensity of their working day, take a moment to pause and recharge.
The concept of Bánóg as a “vital clearing” or “vital glade” reflects the role that restorative spaces can play in supporting wellbeing. The mural transforms the garden into a place of colour, calm and reflection, a shared environment where staff, patients and visitors can experience a moment of connection and renewal.
DECOY is an Irish muralist known for large-scale, colourful abstract compositions that introduce energy and movement into public spaces. His work has featured in major mural festivals across Ireland and internationally, with murals in cities including Melbourne, Paris and Lisbon.
Speaking about Bánóg at St James’s Hospital, DECOY said:
“Creating this mural has been a meaningful experience. The idea behind Bánóg really resonated with me, a place of gathering, rest and renewal. In a hospital environment, having a space that feels like a vital clearing or glade can offer staff, patients and visitors a moment away from the intensity of the day. I hope the mural brings colour, calm and positivity to the space, creating somewhere people can pause, reflect and recharge.”
St James’s Hospital CEO, Mary Day added “We were delighted to work with DECOY on this mural. Art is a central component to the health and wellbeing of patients and staff, and this piece captures this wonderfully."
The mural forms part of an ongoing initiative to enhance outdoor spaces at St James’s Hospital, recognising the positive role that art, nature and thoughtful environments can play in supporting the wellbeing of patients, staff and visitors.
Pictured: An aerial view of the Bánóg.
Pictured (L-R): Aidan Turley (Director Facilities Management), Lorraine Fox (Business Manager, Facilities Management), Sam Sutteon (Artist Assistant), Mary Day, (CEO, St James’s Hospital), DECOY (Artist) and Barry McKenna (Sustainability Manager).
