Galway is famous for many things with theatrical and visual arts being a prominent draw for tourists to the 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 our guide below to where in Galway you’ll discover Galway’s best art galleries…
Outset Gallery
Putting a focus on showcasing exciting contemporary art and providing a platform for artists to display their work in the cultural capital of the West. This gallery hosts curated visual arts programs with a new exhibition taking place each month which runs alongside an after-hours education and an event program.
Unit 14 + 15, The Cornstore, Middle St, Galway City / find them here
above: Outset Gallery
The Whitethorn Gallery
See Connemara 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 & Design
This is Galway’s newest artist-run gallery and design shop. Owner and artist Sadie Cramer has filled the small space with stunning artwork that is inspired by the moon and the bog. Its monochrome design style is carried across all of the paintings, prints and greeting cards that are available to purchase.
No. 1 Middle St, Galway City / find them here
above: Sadie Cramer Art & Design
The Kenny Gallery
Specialising in contemporary Irish art, The Kenny Gallery exhibits the works of 19th-21st century artists and regularly hosts exhibitions by visiting artists from Europe and the United States. Organising both solo and group exhibitions throughout the year, including retrospectives, they are always actively promoting new emerging talent.
Liosban Retail Park, Tuam Rd, Liosban / find them here
above: The Kenny Gallery
126 Artist-Run 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: 126 Artist-Run Gallery, 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: Áras Éanna, 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: Galway Arts Centre, photo by Tom Flanagan
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: KAVA, courtesy of KAVA
Honourable mentions:
Gallery Café
It’s not just the deliciousness of the food and speciality coffee that makes this café so special. Adorning its walls are amazing artwork by talented artists around Ireland. They have a new exhibition every 4-6 weeks and all the artwork displayed can be purchased from the café.
The Square, Gort / find them here
above: Gallery Café Gort, courtesy of Gallery Café Gort
Brazco Coffee Academy
In each of their 5 café/coffee house locations across Galway, Brazco Coffee Academy exhibits the work of both established artists and is where many artists have held their first exhibition. The exhibitions change every month so there’s always something new to look forward to.
Five locations across Galway County / find them here
above: Brazco Coffee Academy, courtesy of Brazco Coffee Acendemy
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: Plámás, courtesy of Daróg Wine Bar
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.
56 Dominick St Lower, Galway's Westend / find them here
above: Daróg Wine Bar, photo by Gs Attila
Feature photo courtesy of KAVA - Kinvara Area Visual Arts
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