From the award-winning Book of Kells to group exhibitions, sculptures and printmakers, there’s something for everyone …
Book of Kells, Trinity College, Dublin 2
Trinity College Dublin has just won “Europe’s Leading Academic Tourist Attraction” at the World Travel Awards 2025; among the finalists were some of the world’s most iconic universities, including the Sorbonne and the university of Cambridge and Oxford. Why not revisit the Book of Kells and the Long Rooms to appreciate one of the world’s most beautiful libraries?
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Choreo, Eamonn Ceannt, Gormleys, Dublin 2
Renowned for his tactile and expressive bronze works, Irish sculptor Eamonn Ceannt draws inspiration from the fluidity of dancers and performers in this exhibition. It includes characters from the world of ballet and opera including Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, Puccini’s Madame Butterfly and Marius Petipa’s La Bayadère. The exhibition runs until November 15.
The Last Wolf, Ann Quinn, Taylor Galleries, Dublin 2
“This exhibition is an amalgam of places and experiences, as well as an homage to wolves and all wild creatures”, says Ann Quinn who grew up in East Donegal and spent time at the Ucross Foundation in Wyoming. This artists’ residency is situated on a cattle ranch at the foothills of the Bighorn Mountains, close to the border of Montana, where native wolves were eradicated in 1943. “Animals both wild and domesticated have become an important presence in my life,” she says.
Out of Light, High Tide Collective, City Assembly House, Dublin 2
This engaging group exhibition features work by artists Diane Magee (pictured), Karen Ebbs, Myra Sago, Aisling McEntee Walsh, Source O’Farrell and Paula O’Riordan. It’s on display in the City Assembly House on South William Street.
Flicker, Flicker, Geraldine O’Neill, Kevin Kavanagh Gallery, Dublin 1
Geraldine O’Neill’s work is distinctive, with domestic references and items from her studio mingling with art-historical fragments and nature. Her new exhibition responds to the escalating tension between humanity and the natural world.
Manuscripts & the Mind, Chester Beatty, Dublin 1
Director Fionnuala Croke explains that this exhibition invites visitors to look at books in a new way. “It’s a celebration of the creativity, craftsmanship and curiosity that have always defined our engagement with the written word.” On display are ancient manuscripts, revealing how people have interacted with sacred texts over centuries. The exhibition will be accompanied by a Let’s talk about Paratexts lecture series.
Shifting Brilliancies, Killruddery Yard, Killruddery Estate, Co Wicklow
This exhibition’s title comes from Seamus Heaney’s poem, Lightenings, where he describes “Shifting brilliancies” and how winter light is transformsational. Curator Niamh MacGowan captures those moments in nature with pieces by botanical printmakers such as Jean Bardon, Grainne Cuffe and Cliona Doyle. Other artists include Yoko Akino, Leah Beggs, Clare Henderson, Niamh Flanganan, Louise Leonard, Niall Naessens, Caroline Patten and master printer Robert Russell. Pop in for a pizza after perusing the art in the nearby Grain Store.
LINKED III, Mary O’Connor, Green Acres Gallery, Co Wexford
Known for her geometric designs, Mary O’Connor‘s work is inspired by the flux and flow of her life. She uses painting, print, wall murals and sculptural installation to translate the traces of history embedded in Ireland. Her works are part of a group exhibition in The Green Room, where she will launch a new print series called Ripple, dedicated to the late Manchán Magan whose death has rippled through Irish culture. If in Wexford for the Festival Opera, pop in to the gallery to have a look at the vibrant works.
Echoes/Macallaí, Eithne O’Riordan, Ionad Cultúrtha, Co Cork
This exhibition gathers work by Eithne O’Riordan from the past two years, ranging from figurative pieces to semi-abstract imagined landscapes. Many of the works are inspired by the history of Ballyvourney and its surroundings – from the woods near St Gobnait’s to quiet places where nature reclaims traces of the past.
RUA’s 144th Annual Exhibition, Ulster Museum, Belfast
Royal Ulster Academy of Arts’ annual exhibition forms part of Belfast International Arts Festival and comprises over 360 works. As one of the most ambitious shows to date, highlights include Andrew Cranston’s acclaimed painting House of the Famous Poet alongside works by Joy Gerrard, Paul Seawright, Jennifer Trouton, Colin Davidson, Catherine McWilliams, and guest artists Donovan Wylie, Julie Light and John Rainey. Expect a packed programme of talks, workshops and artist meet-and-greets for visitors of all ages to engage directly with the art.
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