Choose Ireland » Art Galleries

Athlone Castle and Visitors Centre

Brian — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 11:45:46 +0000

Built in 1210 by the Bishop of Norwich, John de Gray, the castle was commissioned by King John of England. For a period of time in the 16th century, Athlone Castle accommodated the Presidents of Connacht. The complex was attacked and severely damaged during the first Siege of Athlone (1690) and also the second siege in 1691.
The Castle at Athlone was extensively fortified during the Napoleonic years. It is now a national monument, after serving for centuries as a renowned military barracks.
The modern visitor centre is located in the guardhouse, offering tourist information and a wide variety of souvenirs in its charming shop. The walls of the castle that survive from medieval times are enclosed in glass to preserve their integrity.
A tour of the exhibitions might include an introduction to Athlone and the Castle itself, as well as a dramatic audiovisual presentation that recounts the story of the Siege of Athlone.
Exhibits focus on John McCormack, also known as Count McCormack, who lived from 1184 to 1945. He was a famous tenor from Athlone, and his life and performances are presented in short film. Various personal items, including his gramophone, sit on display at the museum.
Military history is explained from the viewpoint of the Irish Army as a peacekeeping force for a period of nearly 300 years. One display includes models of soldiers dressed in authentic uniforms that once walked the streets of Athlone, which was long regarded as a prominent military town.
A local history section, located in the polygon-shaped keep, houses extensive natural history exhibits of animal and plant life along the River Shannon. Other exhibits include information about archaeological finds in the Shannon Basin and a short history of transportation and hydroelectric power production along the river.
A tearoom containing an art gallery is a relaxing and esthetically pleasing place for visitors to relax and take a break from their travels. Views from points all around the castle are noteworthy, as well as guns from the 18th century that still outfit the fortress.

Portlaoise

Brian — Fri, 13 Oct 2006 09:48:07 +0000

The largest town and county seat of County Laois, Portlaoise was formerly called Fort of Maryborough, and founded in 1556 by Queen Mary. The town’s name was officially changed to Portlaoise, which in Gaelic means “Fort of Laois,” in 1922.
The name is derived from the town’s historical reputation as the fortress or protector of the surrounding area. Portlaoise is widely known as home to a huge maximum-security prison that housed several very high profile members of the IRA in the 1970’s and 1980’s.
The Laois Heritage Trail begins here, featuring 13 popular heritage sites that can be visited by driving the scenic rural roads that crisscross the county.
Portlaoise often serves as a centre for vacationers who have come to enjoy the peace and quiet of the Irish Midlands. The area offers much in the way of outdoor activity, including spectacular fishing, horseback riding, hiking trails and golf venues.
The main street is under extensive development, and has become a gathering place filled with pubs and restaurants. The Dunamaise Arts Centre is housed within an old jail, and features ongoing exhibits of the visual arts, as well as theatrical productions and concerts.
The defensive nature of historic Portlaoise can still be seen in the remains of old walls scattered around the area, as well as a surviving round tower.

Kinsale

lisa — Fri, 15 Sep 2006 13:48:30 +0000

Situated on the South West Coast of Cork, is the picturesque Harbour town of Kinsale. It is commonly known as the gourmet capital of Ireland, famous for it’s fresh fish and seafood. It has a wide variety of Restaurants to suit all taste buds, at least 30 pubs and an excellent selection of accommodation to suit all budgets.
Kinsale is also a popular place for activities such as golf, sea angling, yachting and Dolphin and Whale Watching trips. There are also a number of art galleries and craft shops scattered around the town. During the summer months Kinsale is host to a number of Regattas and Festivals. The town lies between the hills and the seafront, and is a maze of colourful buildings and narrow winding streets. The perfect place for exploring, it has barely changed in a 100 years.
A garrison town for over 300 years, the Battle of Kinsale was fought in 1601 and was a turning point in Irish History. The harbour is guarded by two fortresses built in the 17th century. A guided tour of Charles Fort is a must see, as are trips to Desmond Castle (now a wine Museum), the museum at the old Courthouse, St Multoise Church (which is still in use) and The Almshouses. The Lusitania was sunk off the Head of Kinsale in 1915, and a visit here is recommended for the outsanding cliff top views.

Glens Centre

Brian — Fri, 08 Sep 2006 14:51:38 +0000

This performing arts centre in Manorhamilton is located in a former Methodist Church built in the 1820s. It houses facilities for theatre productions, recording studios, offices and rehearsal spaces. It offers classes and lessons in music, youth theatre, and arts and crafts.
Musical performers come here from all around Europe and the United States, and Glens Centre maintains a complete programme of musical, theatre and film performances, as well as readings by local authors, for residents and visitors.

Strangford Lough

Brian — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 09:23:00 +0000

Extending along much of the eastern coast of County Down, Strangford Lough is long and shallow. Much of the waterway is greatly affected by the tidal cycles, with large exposed sand flats that can be seen in low tide and then flood with water when the high tide comes in.
The southern entrance to the sea is called the Narrows, and the strong tidal currents are concentrated there. Two low and two high tides in every 24 hour period flow over the large rock pinnacles on its floor, creating turbulence and whirlpools.
The rest of Strangford Lough represents a diverse collection of seaside environments, from salt marshes to sandy and rocky coastlines and many islands that dot the region of the western shore. The water is generally salt, except for the areas where the Comber and Quoile Rivers enter the Lough. The high populations of algae, insects and plants in the salt marshes make the lough an ideal winter and breeding habitat for a wide variety of birds.
The changeable waters ensure a constant supply of food and mild environment for fish and marine animals as well. Many environmental studies have confirmed the importance of Lough Strangford as a centre for conservation efforts and research.
Its original name was Loch Cuan, meaning harbour lough or haven. Mesolithic settlers migrated here 9000 years ago, drawn to the mild climate and plentiful food supply. The Vikings arrived and named the lough Strang-fijord, which evolved into the current name. Other early occupants lived at Nendrum, an important monastery on Strangford Lough in the early Christian period.
Archaeological finds in the area include wooden and stone fish traps from the northern coast. In the 18th and 19th century, the area was known for its seaweed harvesting. Stone structures used in this pursuit are still visible on the shores, which are also dotted with the ruins of abbeys and tower houses.
Strangford Lough is famous today for its complex and balanced web of wildlife and the ecological conditions that support it. Over 2000 species of plant and animal live undersea alone, including kelp, seaweed, sea anemones, corals, curled octopus, mussels, scallops, plankton, and a variety of fish such as herring, mackerel and cod, as well as porpoises and occasional small whales.
The diverse shoreline, made up from sand, mud, gravel and boulders provides ideal habitats for plants, birds, seals and otters. Beds of dead seaweed that accumulate along the shorelines breed sandhoppers and flies that serve as food for the native birds, badgers and rats.
A popular winter haven for geese and other birds, about 70,000 birds come to Strangford Lough each season. Some use it as a resting point on their migratory journey, others spend their entire winter season here. Turnstones, dunlins and godwits come from the arctic, and Brent Geese come from Canada to feed on the native eel grass along with the flocks of curlew, redshank, and oystercatcher that occupy the salt marshes and islands.
In spring, the islands become a breeding ground, with several types of terns frequenting the area.
Castle Espie Wildfowl and Wetlands Centre on Strangford Lough near Comber provides an opportunity for visitors to experience the natural beauty of the region through bird watching and other educational activities. There are woodland walks and waterfowl gardens filled with ducks, swans and geese. There is also a nature centre and art gallery located on the property.

Armagh County Museum

Brian — Wed, 05 Jul 2006 11:13:49 +0000

Armagh County Museum is a treasury of history and art that uniquely reflects the character of the region known as the “Orchard County”. Built in 1834, the building was first used as a school. Some years later, it was occupied by the Armagh Natural History and Philosophical Society. Many of the items included in the museum’s current exhibits were passed down from the Society when the museum opened its doors in 1937.
The Armagh County Museum sits adjacent to the Mall, which houses the Armagh Cricket Club. The museum features many permanent as well as traveling exhibits. Its collections include:
•Prehistoric pottery, tools, metal works and burial materials, as well as artifacts from the early Christian period.
•Relics of local history such as the metal skull that was once used to publicize the hanging of prisoners at the nearby courthouse and gaol.
•Paintings – including portraiture and local landscape, by artists such as George William Russell, John Luke, and J.B. Vallely.
•Other art exhibits featuring exquisite sculptures, pieces of furniture and ceramics.
•Historical clothing from the 18th century to current styles fashioned for men, women and children.
•Crafts, including local items created using the time-honored technique of straw weaving, such as an interesting mummer’s mask. Mummers wore it as they sang and danced in costume.
•Armagh Volunteers military displays from the 1790′s including glass, weapons, uniforms as well as militia accessories from Louth and hotels, and items from the Royal Irish Fusiliers.
•Exhibits of Natural History, including the taxidermy of several local species of badger, fox, rabbit, squirrels, and birds, and local fossils in limestone.
•Wooden utensils, such as drinking containers and bowls, some of which date back to the Bronze Age.
•Viking artifacts of clothing and jewelry commemorating the many raids, which took place in the region.
An interesting railway display tells the story of a local tragedy from 1889. A Sunday school class was taking the train on a trip to the seashore when it met misfortune. The train stalled near Armagh, and in an effort to clear the track, the cars were disconnected. Part of the train lost braking ability and crashed into another train head on, resulting in 89 deaths and over 400 injured passengers.
The Armagh County Museum also has an extensive reference library filled with local archives and collections of photos and maps of area historical topics.
Temporary exhibits at Armagh County Museum include The George Russell exhibit, honoring the local painter, poet and economist, and the Armagh Art Club Annual Exhibition.

St. Patrick’s Trian, Armagh City

Brian — Wed, 05 Jul 2006 11:09:40 +0000

The word ‘trian’ (pronounced tree-an) means ‘layer’ in Gaelic. During the Middle Ages, the city of Armagh was divided into three trians. They were represented by three districts – Trian Mor, Masain, and Sassenach. Today, the boundaries of these trians are marked by English Street, Irish Street, and Scotch Street.
The Armagh heritage experience called St. Patrick’s Trian features a comprehensive collection of exhibits related to the history of Armagh, divided, of course into three major portions:
The Armagh Story
This exhibition uses audiovisual techniques to guide visitors on a journey through significant historical events such as the life of St. Patrick, the Celtic Christians, and the invasions of the Vikings. The funeral of Brian Boru is dramatized. Emphasis is placed on the importance of faith worldwide and the significant role of Armagh in the development of the organized religions of Ireland.
Patrick’s Testament – the Book of Armagh
This new display features interactive exhibits explaining and detailing the contents of the Book of Armagh, which was written by Ferdomnach in 807. The book is valued for its detailed information about the life of St. Patrick, as well as his connections to the Armagh region. Learning activities delve deeply into the process of creating manuscripts during this early period.
The Land of Lilliput
Armagh was one of the favorite places of Jonathan Swift, author of the classic Gulliver’s Travels. In this exhibit, a model of a giant tells the story in the midst of a display filled with stunning, amazingly lifelike audiovisual and special effects.

Gartan Lough

Brian — Wed, 10 May 2006 14:10:51 +0000

Widely considered the birthplace of St. Columba, the area around Gartan Lough encompasses some of the most beautiful mountain country in Ireland/donegal/. Just south of Glenveagh National Park, it is technically within the park but also connected to Church Hill Village.
A large cross alongside the footpath that leads to Glenveagh National Park commemorates St. Columba’s birth in 521 A.D. Other powerful relics of the Saint include the Stone of Loneliness, where St.Columba is believed to have slept, and the Natal Stone, where he supposedly first opened his eyes and gazed upon the world. Some believed in the protective powers of these relics so much so that soil from the Gartan Lough shores was sent off to the trenches with area soldiers in World War I.
The Village nearby also hosts the Columcille Heritage Center, where interpretive exhibits featuring stained glass, manuscripts from the Middle Ages, and other items chronicling the Celtic and Irish Christian religious history take visitors on a journey through St Columba’s life and beyond.
Nearby Glebe House and Gallery sits on the shore of Gartan Lough, along with its 25 acres of beautifully tended grounds and gardens. Formerly the residence of artist Derek Hill, it contains a notable art collection, including pieces by Picasso, as well as paintings by Jack B. Yeats, such as Whippet Racing and The Ferry, Early Morning. The gallery also features the distinctive Irish folk art creations of Tory Island inhabitants of the Donegal area. The house is also furnished with some exquisite pieces. The entire Glebe House property, including collections, was given to the nation by Derek Hill in 1981.

Tory Island

Brian — Wed, 10 May 2006 14:01:37 +0000

Tory Island, also known as Toraigh Island, has been populated for nearly four thousand years, since the time of the Neolithic farmers. This tiny, barren land mass is situated nine miles off the shore of Ireland’s northern peninsulas. It is about three miles wide and one mile long.
The ‘Tor Mor’ Ferry carries passengers to and from Tory Island on a rough sea ride that is more than an hour long. Before the invention of the helicopter, the island was extremely isolated, receiving only rare visitors.
Recently, new enterprises have been added in an effort to stimulate the island’s economy, including a successful school of painting. The islanders are uniquely artistic, creating paintings that depict island life and its landscapes while using only ordinary house paints. Their work is well known across Ireland, and has been exhibited at various venues, including Glebe House and Gallery. James Dixon, a native islander and artist, runs Dixon’s Gallery to showcase and sell Tory Island paintings.
The main attraction is the island’s round tower, which has been partially destroyed. It has a unique conical cap, made from granite with a slight pinkish hue. It is said to be cemented with the lime from seashells. Over 13 m high, the tower has endured more than one thousand years of wind and salt water.
Of the five original churches on Tory Island, only the ruins of one remain – the foundation of the Church of the Morsheisear (Seven People). There is a t-shaped cross 2m high, carved from one single stone block.
On the eastern part of Tory Island sit the remains of a walled fort known as “Dun Bhaloir” or Balor’s Fort. Balor was the one-eyed Celtic god of night and darkness.
The northeastern tip of Tory Island is the location of the Wishing Stone, thought by islanders to have the power to destroy enemies. Local folklore tells the following story: in 1884, a group of policemen on a “Wasp” British gunboat arrived and attempted to collect taxes, a foreign and unwelcome concept to the islanders at the time. They called upon the power of the stone, which sunk the boat, leaving only six of the crewmembers alive.
The inhabitants of Tory Island today are friendly, and most make their living from fishing. They speak in their own dialect, and many refer to the mainland as ‘Ireland’.
Although rather isolated, they have a pleasant and contented lifestyle.

Linen Hall Library, Belfast

Brian — Tue, 11 Apr 2006 14:39:56 +0000

On the northwest corner of Donegal Square sits the Linen Hall Library, a private collection founded in 1788 and housed in a building designed by Charles Lanyon. This is the last subscribing library in Ireland as well as the oldest library in the city of Belfast.
The interior is beautifully decorated by a variety of Belfast artworks, including paintings and prints, many of which are available for purchase.
Many of the documents in the library’s Irish and Local Studies collection chronicle the events of the Troubles, in fact, at more than 80,000 documents, the Linen Hall Library holds perhaps the most extensive collection of information on the subject.
The history of the library chronicles the story of one of its first librarians, a man named Thomas Russell, who was connected with an uprising in 1803 and ultimately hanged for his involvement.
The Linen Hall Library offers a variety of services, and prides itself on being a centre for culture and learning. A schedule of events and exhibits is available.