From Cork to Belfast, there’s plenty of visual inspiration and scope for day trips to see these inspiring exhibitions …
RHA’s 195th Annual Exhibition, RHA Gallery, Dublin 2
A high point of Ireland’s cultural calendar, this exhibition has proven to be a great opportunity for both first-time and experienced buyers alike to invest in works by invited artists and Academy members. There is a very competitive open submission process. This year saw a total of 4,565 works of art submitted, from which 422 works were accepted. Some of the artists exhibiting this year include Robert Ballagh, Aideen Barry ARHA, Dorothy Cross RHA, Martin Gale RHA, Mick O’Dea PPRHA, Una Sealy RHA, Armelle Skatulski, Donald Teskey RHA, Charles Tyrrell ARHA and Danny Osbourne. www.rhagallery.ie
Glimmering Arc, Taylor Galleries, Dublin 2
Curated by Eamonn Maxwell and named from The Return, a poem by Geraldine Mitchell in her 2024 poetry collection Naming Love (Arlen House), this group exhibition brings together works by 14 Irish artists spanning over seven decades. Artists include Brian Bourke, Serena Caulfield, Elizabeth Cope, Evie Hone, Bernadette Kiely, Louis le Brocquy, Banbha McCann and Louise Wallace. It explores the enduring presence of the human figure in Irish painting through portraiture, myth, autobiography and abstraction; opening on June 27 until July 19. www.taylorgalleries.ie
Out of Lines, Olivier Cornet Gallery, Dublin 1
This group exhibition is part of Bloomsday’s programme of events, inspired by the centenary of the 1925 Paris Art Deco Expo. The artists showcase exterior signs of Art Deco in Dublin, from architectural features in government buildings and libraries to hotels, cinemas and bathing shelters. For example, Yanny Petter’s “Daisy” (pictured) is based on the Language of Flowers mentioned in The Lotus Eaters chapter in James Joyce’s Ulysses. She chose the daisy and forget-me-not, with colours in keeping with combinations from that period. The exhibition runs until August 24. www.oliviercornetgallery.com
Lee Welch, Oedipus, The Complex, Dublin
There’s still time to see this exhibition that reimagines the Greek myth. Limited edition prints of these works are available, as is an exhibition book including an essay by Martin Herbert, offering critical insights into Welch’s artistic evolution and the myth’s contemporary resonance. www.leewelch.com
The Fine Art of Textile, Coach House Gallery, Dublin Castle
Curated by Irish artist Nuala Goodman and Italian journalist Maria Luisa Caffarelli, this exhibition is inspired by the growing popularity of textile art; incorporating elements of painting, sculpture, drawing and sewing. The core of the exhibition features the Milan-based collective Fringe, founded in 2022 by four female artists from different countries, who explore the expressive potential of textiles. Look out too for the Wild Donegal Tweed project, a collaboration between five textile mills in Donegal with fashion and textile students in Rome, which is on the verge of gaining PGI (protected geographic indicator) status in Europe. www.heritageireland.ie
Museum of Curiosities, Dublin 2
Dublin’s newest and most unusual cultural space is curated by Paul Mangan, also known as Monsieur Pompier of the Travelling Freakshow band, straight from his own collection, gathered over years of travelling and performing. Paul greets each visitor personally and guides them into his multi-room world of eerie wonders. Expect to see haunted objects, Victorian relics such as this bone doll, 19th-century medical devices, antique puppets, forgotten household items, natural history and even a two-headed cow. Not for the faint-hearted! www.museumofcuriosities.ie
NCAD MFA Fine Art Graduate Show, Rua Red, Dublin 8
As the culmination of two years’ hard work, this exhibition features the work of seven artists including Monika Crowley, Szymon Minias, Aoife Nolan, Melissa O’Donnell, Eileen O’Sullivan, Guia Rossi and Lana Zubovic. Pictured is Crowley’s “Cycle, spin, end” inspired by the mundane ritual of doing laundry which she transforms into a metaphysical experience. www.ruared.ie
Princess Diana’s Style & Royal Collection, Museum of Style Icons, Co Kildare
The largest collection of the Princess of Wales’ fashion ever to appear at auction is making its only public exhibition stop in Europe at The Museum of Style Icons in Newbridge, before heading to the posh Peninsula hotel in Beverly Hills for a live and online auction by Julien’s. For royalists and fashion lovers, this exhibition is a chance to see over 200 pieces, including Diana’s most celebrated and iconic gowns, suits, shoes, handbags and accessories. There are other regal couture garments worn by the Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Queen Elizabeth II and the Queen Mother, as well as royal treasures dating as far back as the 19th century. www.juliensauctions.com www.visitnewbridgesilverware.com
Art in the Gardens, Mount Congreve, Co Waterford
Father’s Day is the perfect time to enjoy the second edition of Art in the Gardens, a celebration of visual art set against the backdrop of Mount Congreve Gardens. The event will feature an inclusive paint-out – an opportunity to paint alongside celebrated artists Dave West, Steve Browning, Róisín Curé, Nina Ruminska and Sebastian Thommen. Participants will then display their creations in an open-air exhibition, with prizes awarded to standout works, followed by a specially prepared picnic courtesy of The Stables Café. www.mountcongreve.com
Lignis by Emer Whelan, Daróg Wine Bar, Co Galway
Influenced by the Irish landscape, minimalist architecture and Scandinavian design, this solo exhibition by Emer Whelan reimagines the tradition of woodcraft with a laser cutter transforming wood into finely detailed geometric compositions. It’s a lovely complement to the delights of Daróg Wine Bar, which holds a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide, and its ongoing partnership with local artists. www.darogwinebar.com
Art + Soul Exhibition, Castlemartyr Resort, Cork
Last year, over 10,000 guests attended this now annual exhibition curated by Oliver and James Gormley of Gormleys Dublin, with more expected this year. Visitors can see 350 works by acclaimed artists such as Andy Warhol, Damien Hirst, Banksy, Julian Opie and Salvador Dali. The free event will also feature 90 large sculptures by Patrick O’Reilly, Ian Pollock, Eamonn Ceannt, Giacinto Bosco, Bob Quinn, Paddy Campbell, Sandra Bell and John Fitzgerald, among many more, in addition to artists’ talks and daily guided tours. There’s also a special visit and stay package or champagne afternoon tea. www.gormleys.ie www.castlemartyrresort.ie
First Impressions, Jane Hayes, Fitzgerald’s Park, Co Cork
Created for families, this show in The Lord Mayor’s Pavilion includes a giant kaleidoscope sculpture, atmospheric digital animation, tactile textile works and playful photography. Jane is a Wexford-born, Cork-based mother of three, who explains: “This exhibition creates space for families to experience visual art together in a way that’s thoughtful, accessible and shaped by children’s perspectives. It’s part of my ongoing mission to make galleries more inclusive for young audiences.” www.sample-studios.com
Lucien Freud’s Etchings, Titanic Belfast
This free exhibition is the first stop on its global tour (Titanic Belfast is the only location in Ireland to display the artwork) showcasing the work of Lucian Freud, one of the 20th century’s most renowned British artists. Highlights include a selection of etchings, some of which have never been seen publicly. The trial proofs reveal Freud’s long collaboration with master printer Marc Balakjian, including one of his most contemplative works, “Donegal Man” (2007). Notably, the sitter for Donegal Man was Pat Doherty, Chairman of Titanic Belfast, which adds a unique connection to the stunning venue. www.titanicbelfast.com
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