Ireland for Art Lovers: Museums and Galleries You MUST Visit

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Have you ever traveled to a new place and wished you had a few solid recommendations of inspiring places to visit from actual locals who know about art? Planning a trip to Ireland and wish to make the most of it so you can return to your studio inspired and full of new ideas?


​Traveling can be such an amazing source of inspiration for artists and art-appreciators! When I have the opportunity to visit a new city/country, I strive to make the most of it both in terms of enjoyment/relaxation, as well as taking in inspiration that I will later be using for work. 

As I mentioned in my blog post 3 Proven Hacks to Progress Artistically While Traveling, I love reaching out to actual locals who share my interests and get suggestions from them about places I should visit. 

Today's post was written by Neville from www.​irelandart.com and he's sharing a list of recommended galleries/museums we simply must spend time in when visiting Ireland. There are few things as inspiring than spending time surrounded by all kinds of amazing artwork!

​Enjoy!

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A Guide to Ireland for Art-Lovers: 10 Places You Must Visit

by IrelandArt
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​Whether it's their Guinness, food, music or rugby, the people of Ireland seem to turn everything into art. For artists, art lovers and novices in need of inspiration, Ireland should be at the top of your bucket list as whatever your art fancy may be; you will find it in abundance in the Emerald Isle.  

​Let’s look at some of the most popular art venues the country has to offer.
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​1. Irish Museum of Modern Art

Irish Museum of Modern Art

Located in the centre of Dublin, the building in itself is an architectural piece of art that takes your breath away before you even enter it. Dating back to 1684, it has been restored and revamped and now has huge viewing spaces.

There is an artist-in-residence studio that is extremely popular with local artists and tourists alike.

​The permanent collection includes artists like Chuck Close, Ed Ruscha, and Louise Bourgeois, to name a few and of course Irish Artists also feature prominently in their collections.
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2. Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane

The Hugh Lane Dublin City Gallery

​This gallery was literally moved from London to Dublin; the walls, floors, ceiling and the rest of the building where transported across the Irish Sea.  Today the gallery is the permanent studio of Francis Bacon, as well as an active charity which hosts open nights and events.

​Here you will find international modern and contemporary art. The collection includes works by Joseph Beuys, Berthe Morisot, and Agnes Martin.
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​3. The MAC

The Mac, Belfast

It’s not only the Republic of Ireland that has a nice art history and thriving modern scene, Belfast also hosts some of the finest art galleries in the UK. The MAC is one such gallery which features works from famed local artists such as Nicholas Keogh and Maria McKinney.

This six story building is an impressive architectural structure housing no less than three very different galleries. The good news is it’s free to the public and open seven days a week.

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​4. Kerlin Gallery

​This gallery is located in the heart of Dublin and is known for its impressive collection of contemporary works and well-known artists.

​One of these famous artists is Dorothy Cross. Her sculptures and photos investigate the connection between humans and the natural world.

​5. Gallery of Photography, Ireland

Located in Dublin City’s Meeting House Square, the collection of global and Irish works will have photographers beaming. Their photography workshops and courses will be valuable to anyone interested in the art of photography as it is concerned.

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​6. Eakin Gallery

This small family run gallery in Belfast’s bustling Lisburn Road was established in 1979 and since then has become synonymous with the local art scene in Northern Ireland. They showcase some of Northern Ireland’s leading artists such as Terry Bradley, William Conor and Frank McKelvey.

​If you're looking to take a painting home with you, they do sell some of their collections as well.
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7. RUA RED

This art centre is in the cultural quarter of Tallaght, is just outside Dublin city centre. Aimed at the local community, RUA RED works side-by-side with festivals and is involved in various events and programmes, like visual art exhibitions, theatrical productions, writing workshops, dancing classes and film screenings.

​Visit them for lively, local entertainment.

​8. Trinity College Library ​

Trinity College Library

A visit to the library at the Trinity College is one of those things that you just have to do. This venue is famous for having an illuminated manuscript that contains the Four Gospels of the Bible, known as The Book of Kells.

​It is kept in a dark room. According to that in-the-know, the craftsmanship of this book is simply outstanding, especially the word Christ’ that is written in garnet, gold and umber colors.

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9. SO Fine Art Edition

Nestled in the heart of Dublin’s city centre, SO Fine Art Editions is known as one of the best of Ireland’s contemporary art galleries. Their extensive collection includes sculptures, prints, photography and works in glass and ceramics.

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10. ​Red Barn Gallery

If you are looking for a photographic art gallery with a difference then the Red Barn Gallery in Belfast is the place for you. It’s a non-profit organization which is dedicated to the provision and advancement of the photographic arts for the public.

It’s a relatively young studio having just opened in 2008 but in that time it has become a must see for art lovers in Belfast.


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Neville is the owner of Irelandart.com an online gallery based in Northern Ireland
​that is dedicated to the promotion and celebration of Irish art and artists.
Follow him on social media:
​https://www.facebook.com/irelandartonline/
https://twitter.com/fineirishart
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Sending out a huge thanks to Neville for sharing all of these amazingly inspiring places to visit during our stay in Ireland.

I certainly look forward to visiting and taking in all the amazing art it has to offer! 
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