Galway is famous for many things with theatrical and visual arts being a prominent draw for tourists to the city and county. At the core of its buzzing art scene lies a variety of small galleries and art exhibition spaces where local and international, new and established artists all come to showcase their work to the public. Discover where in Galway you’ll discover Galway’s best art galleries right here…
Outset Gallery
With a focus on showcasing exciting contemporary art and providing a platform for artists to display their work in the cultural capital of the West. Outset Gallery hosts curated visual arts programs with a new exhibition taking place each month in their central Galway city location, which runs alongside an after-hours education and an event program.
Unit 14 + 15, The Cornstore, Middle St, Galway City / find them here
above: photo courtesy of Outset Gallery
Obsidian Arts
Galway's newest tattoo and piercing studio, Obsidian Arts is also home to an art gallery which shows the versatile styles of the artists that work there. You can find artworks by residents tattooists Caz, Ollie and Anna and piercers Debbie and Sinead on display here as well as work by visiting artists and other artists from Galway and beyond.
3 Fagan Court, Cross Street Lower / find them here
above: photo of Obsidian Arts
The Kenny Gallery
Specialising in contemporary Irish art, The Kenny Gallery on the outskirts of Galway city exhibits the works of 19th-21st century artists and regularly hosts exhibitions by visiting artists from Europe and the United States. Hosting both solo and group exhibitions throughout the year, including retrospectives, they are always actively promoting new emerging talent to Galway audiences.
Liosban Retail Park, Tuam Rd, Liosban / find them here
above: photo courtesy of The Kenny Gallery
The Whitethorn Gallery
See Connemara and West Galway through an artist’s eye at The Whitethorn Gallery. It showcases the artistic talents of local, national and international creators and makers. Featuring a combination of both paintings and sculptures, there is plenty for you to see and admire. Some of the artwork on display is also available to buy if you want to bring a bit of Connemara home with you.
Main St, Clifden / find them here
above: The Whitethorn Gallery, courtesy of The Whitethorn Gallery
Sadie Cramer Art & Healing
One of Galway’s newest artist-run gallery and design shops. Owner and artist Sadie Cramer has filled the small space with stunning artwork that is inspired by the moon and the bog. Situated in the heart of Galway city, Sadie Cramer Art & Healing is primarily a creative space where Sadie both paints and displays her artworks and occasionally hosts musical events.
No. 1 Middle St, Galway City / find them here
above: Sadie Cramer Art & Healing
126 Gallery
This is an artist-led, not for profit organisation integral to Galway’s visual arts scene that is a supporter of emerging, risk-taking, contemporary visual art. Run voluntarily by a Board of Directors, professional artists and curators with support from Galway City Council, The Arts Council of Ireland and Creative Ireland.
15 St. Bridget’s Place, Woodquay, Galway City / find them here
above: photo courtesy 126 Artist-Run Gallery
Áras Éanna Ionad Ealaíne Inis Oírr
Europe’s most westerly arts centre, Áras Éanna is a multi-functioning arts space that includes an artists studio space, a 75 seat theatre, two galleries, a café and various rooms and spaces for workshops and classes. They host a mix of national and international visual and conceptual artists, continuously running exhibitions all year round.
Inis Oírr, Aran Islands / find them here
above: photo courtesy of Áras Éanna
Galway Arts Centre
An arts centre that is dedicated to providing access to the arts in an inclusive welcoming space. Galway Arts Centre works with artists to create, challenge and connect audiences to exceptional local, national and international art that inspires new ideas and ways of thinking about the world.
47 Dominick St Lower, Galway’s Westend & Nun’s Island Theatre / find them here
above: photo courtesy of Galway Arts Centre
KAVA - Kinvara Area Visual Arts
A community based arts group in and around the Kinvara area, KAVA works to promote the visual arts and artists by embracing creativity in the local community. Art exhibitions hosted by KAVA take place in the Courthouse with additional pop-up exhibitions in locations around the village.
Courthouse Rd, Kinvara / find them here
above: photo courtesy of KAVA
Honourable mentions:
Plámás
Proudly Galwegian, Plámás is an independent coffee shop promoting the work of local artists and craftspeople. The prints on display are all available for purchase and make for the perfect gift for the art lover in your life.
6 Dominick St Upper, Galway’s Westend / find them here
above: photo courtesy of Plámás
Daróg Wine Bar
Supporters of all small independent creators, at Daróg Wine Bar it's not just the wine and food that is exquisite. Their new gallery wall features the gorgeous creations of local artists. The artwork on display will rotate every 6-8 weeks and will also be available to purchase in the wine bar. They also host creative talks with the displaying artists, these events 'Le Chéile' are free and provide fun opportunities to engage in vibrant conversation.
56 Dominick St Lower, Galway's Westend / find them here
above: photo courtesy of Daróg Wine Bar
The Dean Hotel
If you are paying a visit to any of the eateries at The Dean, from Sophie’s Rooftop Restaurant to Elephant & Castle, be sure to take your time as you wander the halls of this stylish boutique hotel. The walls here are decorated with more than 450 pieces of art from both emerging and established artists across Ireland, so there are loads of eye candy to admire en route for your dining experience.
Bohermore, Galway City / find them here
above: photo courtesy of The Dean
Feature photo courtesy of Outset Gallery
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