Galway has some wonderful up and coming artists, and with their scenic landscapes all but guaranteed to inspire, Connemara, the Aran Islands and the city itself all offer plenty of food for visual thought. There are many of arty types who make the county their home, but where can you check out their work? Here are our favourite spots to get a taste of what Galway’s vibrant art scene is all about.
Galway City Museum
Museum
The Whitethorn Gallery
Art Gallery
Spiddal Crafts
Cafe, Market, Restaurant
Not an art gallery as such, but certainly one of Ireland‘s best creative communities, and a corner of Connemara that any arts-loving visitor will want to see. Spiddal Crafts is home to both the production and sale of anything from hand-blown glass to ceramics, coin-based jewellery, and the work of Brazilian resident artist Andrea Rossi, who makes vibrant folk art. Seeing the art in progress is the best part.
Bohoona East, Co. Galway, Ireland.
Artist Run Gallery
A far cry from the city’s plusher galleries, 126 is the rawest of the artistic offerings on this list, and for some that will make it the best. Associated with street art and bold exhibitions, they run on a shoestring, with regular calls out to the community and lots of bold, imaginative projects. Exhibitions tend to be short-lived and dramatic, with plenty of colour, and the residents are extremely passionate about what they do.
Vanda Luddy Art Gallery
Art Gallery
Galway Arts Centre
Galway’s contemporary arts hub, the Galway Arts Centre is another revolving exhibition space that takes in an incredible array of local art and entertainment, including theatre and visual arts. The gallery is equally fluid, with a penchant for cartoony modern art and statement sculpture. There are classes, too, if you feel like getting your hands dirty.
47 Lower Dominick Street, Galway, Ireland. +353 91565886
The Kenny Gallery
Art Gallery, Museum, Bookstore
Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
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I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!
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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
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