MillyTattoo in Birr: Meet the artist behind the studio
Meet Milly, the artist behind MillyTattoo in Birr, Co. Offaly. Read about her return to art in Ireland and her one-to-one approach to tattooing.
At MillyTattoo on Main Street in Birr, Co. Offaly, Milly creates custom tattoos and helps clients cover or rework older pieces.
She runs the studio herself and sees clients from across the Midlands.
She began tattooing full time in 2011, having previously trained in jewellery and studied drawing and painting.
One client at a time
Clients deal with Milly throughout.
She handles the consultation, draws the design, does the tattoo and explains the aftercare.
She works with one client at a time during each appointment.
“Tattoos have an emotional meaning for clients, and their permanence makes the trust they place in me even more important,” Milly explains.
“I give every client my full attention and commitment to achieve the best possible result.”
Clients do not need to arrive with a finished design.
A few reference images or an idea are enough to start the conversation.
Milly discusses the size and placement with them and develops the drawing before
tattooing begins.
Cover-ups and reworking older tattoos
Milly specialises in cover-ups and reworking existing tattoos.
Some clients want an existing tattoo improved; others want it covered with a new design.
She examines the old tattoo before suggesting what can be done.
Many of her cover-ups have not needed laser treatment, but this depends on the existing ink and the new design.
The MillyTattoo portfolio includes finished tattoos and before-and-after photographs of cover-ups.
Portraits and nature-inspired tattoos
She works in realism, fine line, black and grey, and colour.
Her tattoos include portraits of people and animals, as well as designs featuring birds and flowers.
Moving to Ireland
Milly had spent twelve years tattooing in Odesa, where she had her own business.
She left Ukraine because of the war and arrived in Ireland in 2023.
She first stayed in Ashbourne and expected the move to be temporary.
She had little conversational English when she arrived and used films and animation to help her learn.
While settling in Ireland, she worked in sales and hospitality.
In 2026, she opened MillyTattoo in Birr and returned to working as an artist.
“It is the best job in the world,” Milly says.
“I love art, and I dreamed of being able to work as an artist again.”
She also paints in oils, using grisaille and dry-brush techniques.
Her subjects include people, animals and scenes from films.
Milly is grateful for the help she and her family received while settling in Ireland, including safe accommodation and practical support.
“Ireland is my second home; it has protected us,” she says.
“I feel at peace here. I feel I can do meaningful work here.”
She also thanks the clients who have supported her studio.
“I am grateful to every one of my clients for being with me on this journey. Sharing my art through tattooing makes me happy, and I am thankful for their trust.”
A portfolio of Milly’s work is available here.
Appointments at MillyTattoo
MillyTattoo is at Unit 4, The Heritage, Main Street, Townparks, Birr, Co. Offaly, R42 EK20.
Visits are by appointment.
To discuss a tattoo idea or an existing piece, visit millytattoo.com, call 085 188 4211 or email [email protected].
Phone: 085 188 4211 or Email: [email protected]
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