The Must-Visit Art Galleries On Ireland's Wild Atlantic Way
At just over 2,400 km in length, Ireland’s newest travel trail, the Wild Atlantic Way, is longer than California’s Pacific Coast Highway and South Africa’s Garden Route, and has a range of amazing art galleries to visit when travelling from Donegal’s Malin Head down to Cork’s Mizen Head, or vice versa. Here are the must-visit galleries on the journey.
1. Doswell Gallery
Art Gallery
Housed in a renovated Georgian building, the Doswell Gallery is situated in the heart of historic Rosscarbery in west Cork. The gallery occupies three separate spaces, displaying contemporary Irish art in a variety of media, from painting to ceramics to sculpture. Hailing from Limerick, Chris Doswell founded the gallery in 2007 and the gallery has hosted to a number of solo exhibitions by both Irish and international artists. From abstract landscape painters to innovative ceramic artists, the Doswell gallery provides a taste of the rich artistic culture the south-west of Ireland has to offer.
2. Catherine Hammond Gallery
Art Gallery
Located just outside the picturesque village of Glengarriff near the Kerry border, the Catherine Hammond Gallery provides an oasis for both established and emerging contemporary Irish artists. The gallery was founded by Catherine Hammond in 2002 and has since become the artistic jewel in the crown of west Cork, attracting visitors from all corners of the globe.
3. The Purcell Gallery
Art Gallery
5. The Russell Gallery
Art Gallery
Opened in 2001, the Russell Gallery regularly hosts exhibitions and works by over 20 Irish artists. The building which houses the gallery had been previously restored in 1997 from the ruins of an old 18th-century house which consisted of a mere four walls. Today, it is now a three-storey premises with not only a gallery but a shop, café and wine bar also. Exhibitions are frequently held both in the gallery and in an innovative online format. The gallery is owned by Andy and Stefania Russell and features the Raku ceramic works of Andy himself. The process, design and style of Andy’s ceramics reflect the beauty and wildness of the adjacent Atlantic and the natural landmark, the Burren.
6. The Kenny Gallery
Art Gallery, Bookstore, Park, Shop
7. The Whitethorn Gallery
Art Gallery
8. The Linenhall Arts Centre
Art Gallery
In the westerly coastal town of Castlebar is the Linenhall Arts Centre. The centre occupies the landmark old Linen Hall that was built in 1790 by Lord Lucan for the busy linen trade of Mayo. In 1986, the building was reincarnated as an arts centre when the already established Linenhall Arts Centre moved its location from the old Methodist Church in the Mall to the Linenhall. Since then the arts centre has grown, with support from the Arts Council of Ireland, and has now become one of the most prominent and important centres for the arts, not only in the West of Ireland but throughout the country. In addition to supporting local artists in their work by providing workshops, talks and exhibitions, the Linenhall is also a venue for national and international music, theatre, cinema and opera.
9. The Model
Art Gallery
Found in the town of Sligo, The Model has become the centre for contemporary Irish art in the west of Ireland. Built in 1862 as Model School, the building has since been transformed into the progressive centre for the arts that it is today. More importantly, The Model houses the impressive Niland Collection of Art, which includes works from some of the most famous Irish artists such as Jack B. Yeats, Louis le Brocquy and Paul Henry, to name but a few. The Model has also made a name as an experimental and progressive art programmes that have been met with critical acclaim. The building boasts a restaurant and coffee dock, a bookshop, a wonderful gallery circuit, a purpose built performance space and a suite of impressive artist studios on the top floor with enviable views of Sligo town and County. With the centres hosting a number of educational workshops and lecture series, The Model is accessible to any member of the public.
10. Ross Fine Art Gallery
Art Gallery
Tucked away from the Lough Swilly inlet in the northerly town of Ramelton, the Ross Fine Art Gallery is the Donegal specialist in contemporary art from both Irish and international roots. Opening in 2007, works by the notable Jack B. Yeats and Norah McGuinness have graced its walls. The gallery also promotes the works of local Donegal artists, creating a diverse mix of artistic creations. The gallery is the brainchild of fine artist Janet Ross, whose own work is a regular fixture here. Janet has been featured in a BBC Radio Four documentary about landscape and art, for her serene reproductions of the sublime Atlantic.
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