Exploring the area

Art Galleries & Courses

The Glebe Gallery

A collection of 20th-century art, & the Derek Hill collection.

  • Address: Glebe, Church Hill, Co. Donegal, Ireland

    * Directions: Travel on the R251 from Seoidin toward Letterkenny. The drive is approximately 40 mins.

    T: +353749137071

    Art enthusiasts will love a visit to Glebe House and Gallery. Located 18km from Letterkenny, County Donegal. Visitors to can view the Derek Hill collection which includes more than 300 works by Picasso and Kokoshka, as well as Irish and Italian artists.

    The house itself was built in 1828 and is a Regency House set in woodland gardens. It is decorated with William Morris textiles, as well as Islamic and Japanese art.

    Access to the house is by guided tour only. Tours are limited to 15 people and last 45 minutes. The Derek Hill Collection is also housed on site and features 300 works by leading 20th century artists like Picasso, Kokoshka as well as Irish and Italian artists. A variety of exhibitions take place in the gallery adjoining the house. People with disabilities can access the ground floor of the gallery.

    When you’ve viewed the works of art, tearooms await to revive your energy.

    Guided tours available: Maximum number 15 and duration is 45 minutes.

Balor Arts Centre

A venue for visual arts, music, theater, and exhibitions.

  • Main Street,

    Ballybofey.

    Co Donegal.

    Ireland.

    T: +353 74 91 31840

    E: info@balortheatre.com

    The Balor Arts Centre is made up of two sister companies – The Butt Drama Circle Company Ltd and Balor Developmental Community Arts Group Ltd (Balor DCA).

    The Butt Drama Circle Company Ltd looks after the Balor Theatre venue which hosts circa 120 local, national and international performances details of which can be found on their website.

Artworks Studio & Gallery

A studio and gallery displaying a variety of local art.

  • * Location: Downings, Carrigart.

    * Directions: Drive along the N56 from Seoidin toward Carrigart. The distance is around 45 minutes

Mary Crowley's Artist Studio and Gallery

A working studio located on the picturesque Wild Atlantic Way

  • Address: The Anchorage,Tiernasligo,Clonmany,Co Donegal,Republic of Ireland

    (1 hour 40 mins drive)

    T: +353862664554

    Mary Crowley’s Artist Studio and Gallery is a working studio located on the picturesque Wild Atlantic Way between Mamore Gap and Clonmany, on the Inishowen Peninsula, County Donegal. The gallery houses both original watercolours and limited edition prints.

    Mary Crowley’s Artist Studio and Gallery is a working studio located in the Urris Valley, Clonmany, County Donegal. With Dunaff Head, Leenan Beach and Tullagh Beach all minutes away, inspiration abounds.

    Mary's current work will be on her easel where she has developed her own unique style through the medium of watercolour. You may see her putting her jewel like colours and rich earth tones to work. Mary paints traditional Donegal watercolour landscapes, seascapes, street scenes and wildlife. Mary's original paintings are very much influenced by the scenic Inishowen Peninsula, often reflecting the season's colours. Both original works of art and limited edition prints are on view.

Abbey Arts Centre Gallery

Hosts exhibitions and showcases local and visiting artists.

  • * Location: Ballyshannon.

    * Directions: Travel on the N56 from Seoidin toward Ballyshannon. It's approximately a 1-hour drive

An Gailearaí

A professional gallery situated in Gweedore.

  • Address: An Gailearaí: Ionad Áislann,

    Páirc Ghnó Ghaoth Dobhair,

    Na Doirí Beaga, Co Dhún na nGall,

    F92 PT38

    EMAIL: angailearaidonegal@gmail.com

    T: +353 87 488 3771

    An Gailearaí is a professional gallery situated in Gweedore, Donegal. This project, based in the Donegal Gaeltacht, showcases world-class contemporary visual art to the public. As part of our annual exhibition program, we provide opportunities and support to help artists complete and exhibit their work.

    An Gailearaí is particularly interested in the development and commissioning of works that use traditional cultural sources and / or reflect Gaeltacht senses. An Gailearaí promotes the expression of a contemporary gaeltacht sensibility and aims to promote this experience in other venues and places through touring.

Regional Cultural Centre

Contemporary arts space hosting exhibitions & performances.

  • * Location: Port Road, Letterkenny.

    * Directions: Take the R251 from Seoidin toward Letterkenny. The distance is approximately 1 hour

Donegal Designer Makers

Showcases unique handmade crafts and art by local artisans.

  • * Location: County Donegal Craft Village, Donegal Town.

    * Directions: Take the N56 from Seoidin toward Donegal Town. The journey typically takes around 45 minutes

The Gallery at Dunfanaghy Workhouse

Showcases various art forms by local and visiting artists.

  • * Location: Dunfanaghy.

    * Directions: Drive along the N56 from Seoidin toward Dunfanaghy. The journey is around 1 hour and 20 minutes

Hamilton Gallery

Art Gallery in Sligo Town.

  • Address: 4 Castle Street

    Sligo

    Republic of Ireland.

    T: 00353 7191 43377

    Email: info@hamiltongallery.ie

    Hamilton Gallery was founded by Martina Hamilton. It is located at Number 4 Castle Street in the heart of Sligo town, a listed Victorian era building.

    Hamilton Gallery hosts a year round programme of month long solo exhibitions. An annual programme of specifically themed group shows is also presented in Sligo, in Irish venues and showcased abroad.

    Since 2010 Hamilton Gallery has become a significant fixture in visual arts programming in Ireland and a crucial one in the Northwest region. A thriving showcase for new works from many of the country’s leading visual artists, it also pioneers the work of many emerging artists.

    In addition to their programme of solo and group exhibitions the gallery carries representative selections of work from many of the artists who have exhibited with them or who have pending exhibitions with the gallery.

An Clachán Gallery

An Clachán Gallery is the largest Art & Craft Gallery in Donegal.

  • An Clachán Gallery, Gweedore

    T: 00353 74 95 60091

    An Clachán Gallery is the largest Art & Craft Gallery in Donegal.  It is situated in the grounds of the An Chúirt Hotel, Gweedore and overlooks one of the most spectacular landscapes in the country. Along with the Donegal Craft Village and Letterkenny Craft and Design Studio it is one of the main showcases for contemporary arts and crafts in County Donegal

    An Clachan began as an artist led initiative that aimed to promote visual art and craft by providing exhibition opportunities and also by providing studio spaces to artists and makers. The initiative has led to a wonderfully spacious art & craft gallery and four working artist studios.

Alternative Visions Photography

Photo courses and tours based in Dunfanaghy

  • Dunfanaghy, Co. Donegal, Ireland

    +353872825851

    Alternative Visions offer photo courses and tours and are based in Dunfanaghy, County Donegal. Taking individuals and small groups up to 10 to the best local locations to take photographs and, where needed, provide workshops on photographic skills.

    Ireland is a photographer’s paradise. Landscape, seascape, mountains and ancient monuments, coupled with the softness of the Irish light, the vistas are always changing with time of day and season. Alternative Visions offer affordable photo tour exclusives, planned from half days to 10 days, or customised to cater for aspirations and needs. Based in Dunfanaghy, County Donegal, they will show you the best locations, regardless of the weather and take you to places where the attractions reflect the very best of Ireland.

    Alternative Visions is owned and managed by Trevor Cole and Ashley Kydd. Their tours offer photographers the opportunity to broaden their scope and horizons, to acquire an ‘alternative vision’. Trevor has published images in magazines, calendars and cards and presented to the Royal Geographical Society and is a member of the Royal Photographic Society. He was the Monochrome awards photographer of the year in 2019, All About Photo Portrait category winner 2020, and has been a finalist in Travel Photographer of the Year 6 times, achieving a special mention in 2017 and in 2019. He has also been commended in the ‘Art of Travel’ and winner of the ‘People and Cultures’ portfolio. He is a major contributor to the Atlas of Humanity project and has had exhibitions throughout Europe and the Middle East, including ‘Scarred’ (African tribal traits and traditions in London in November 2019), and the Travel Photographer of the Year exhibition in London in 2020.

Donegal Craft Village

A showcase for contemporary arts and crafts in the county.

  • Address: Lurganboy, Donegal, F94 W9NY, Ireland

    (1 hour 20 minute drive)

    T: +353749725928

    Donegal Craft Village is situated 2km from the historic town of Donegal on the Ballyshannon and Sligo Road, in County Donegal.

    Established in 1985, Donegal Craft Village, near Donegal Town, County Donegal, has become a showcase for contemporary arts and crafts in the county.

    The Donegal Craft Village is a creative collective of six craft and art studios and shops all clustered around a central courtyard. They invite you into their studios and shops to view the glass, pottery, paintings, jewellery, printmaking and handmade felt art. Visitors can enjoy browsing in the artist’s shops while, at the same time, watching them at work. They can treat themselves to some of the many handmade gifts available.

    Situated on the Wild Atlantic Way, Donegal Craft Village is also home to the Aroma Coffee Shop and Mini Bakery renowned for its cakes, homemade brown bread and lunches.

    There is a picnic area in the landscaped Craft Village grounds. The car and coach parking is spacious and free.

Stephen Bennet Studio Gallery

The studio gallery of professional artist Stephen Bennett.

  • Address: Stephen Bennett Studio Gallery, Carn, Derryness, Ardara, Co. Donegal, F94 Y184, Ireland

    (55 minutes drive)

    T: +353877923205

    Take the opportunity to visit the studio gallery of professional artist Stephen Bennett on the Wild Atlantic Way outside Ardara, County Donegal. The art gallery houses Stephen’s original work including figurative paintings and landscapes.

    Professional Donegal artist Stephen Bennett welcomes visitors to his studio gallery just outside Ardara, County Donegal. In 1992, after a very successful career as a commercial artist for leading London advertising agencies, Stephen came back to his roots in Ardara.

    Stephen works in a variety of media and the visiting art lover is treated to two rooms full of colourful, vibrant paintings and drawings, depicting this artist’s view of his beloved Donegal. Drawing his inspiration from the landscape and people around him he has developed his own unmistakable expressive style. See paintings of people at work, and at play, musicians in full flight, as well as many paintings of the rugged coastline and bog lands of Donegal.

    Stephen loves to experiment and has previously been chosen to represent Ireland at the prestigious Florence Biennale, and was one of forty international artists shortlisted for the Royal Arts Prize, in London’s La Galleria, Pall Mall in 2019.

    working artist studios.

Ross fine art Gallery and Boutique

Work by emerging and established artists and sculptors.

  • The Mall, Ballyboe, Ramelton, Co. Donegal, Ireland

    (40 minutes drive)

    T: +353749151926

    Ross Fine Art Gallery and Craft Boutique in Ramelton, County Donegal, is renowned for its collection of work by emerging and established artists and sculptors.

    Ross Fine Art Gallery and Craft Boutique has built a reputation for carrying important paintings and sculpture by some of the most established and emerging artists in Ireland and overseas. Artists such as Stephen McKenna, Melita Denaro and Heidi Nguyen hang beside sculpture from Bettina Seitz and Deborah Brown.

    Ross Fine Art Gallery and Craft Boutique, in Ramelton, County Donegal, stocks pieces from craft artists both here in Ireland, and further afield. They host the work of leading ceramicists, jewellers and textile artists. The owner carefully curate pieces that cater for the collector, and also for those searching for a beautiful piece to own or to give as a special gift. They are pleased to represent some of the top craft artists in the UK and also show work by Ireland’s leading ceramicists. The work of these talented artists is finding its way into international private and public collections in Europe, India and China. New ceramic artists join the gallery continually.

    By adding jewellery to their portfolio, Ross Fine Art Gallery and Craft Boutique offer pieces by prominent designers who want to showcase their talents. Pieces available include items that are fashioned out of gold and silver, as well as beaded and leather statement pieces. The owner stocks bespoke jewellery at affordable prices.

Learn to Paint with Dermot Cavanagh

Tuition from a TV art tutor. All materials provided.

  • Address: 43 Rossguill Park, Melmore Road, Downings, Letterkenny,Co Donegal

    (50 minute drive)

    T: +442887784166

    Learn to paint with Dermot Cavanagh along the Wild Atlantic Way in Donegal. Packages include tuition from a TV art tutor, accommodation and all painting materials and equipment. Courses are held at the Beach Hotel in Downings.

    Learn to paint with TV artist Dermot Cavanagh at locations along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. Packages include tuition, accommodation and all painting materials.

    Your tutor is Dermot Cavanagh, the artist and broadcaster behind the BBC TV series ‘Awash with Colour’. During 74 programmes he informed and inspired viewers and taught a host of well known people to paint the Irish landscape including Charlie Dimmock, Gloria Hunniford, Mary Black, Barry McGuigan, and Brian Kennedy to name a few.

    Now you can join him for a three day watercolour course and paint the days away at locations that simply ooze inspiration. Dermot’s courses will inform, encourage, and inspire you to create paintings step by step. They are geared to help all levels of artistic ability, including absolute beginners. Learn how to paint your own Donegal masterpieces while picking up many helpful tips and techniques about drawing, perspective, and colour mixing. Let Dermot guide you as you discover Ireland through painting it.

    At this painting course, places are limited to allow for Dermot’s individual attention and hands on instruction.

Stephen Diggin's Studio Gallery

Artist studio of Stephen Diggin.

  • Address: 45 Keelogs, Aghilly, Buncrana, Co. Donegal, F93 EW44, Ireland

    (1 hour 15 minute drive)

    T: +353862144965

    Take thE opportunity to visit the artist studio of Stephen Diggin in County Donegal. This is the artist's own gallery where you can browse and purchase the paintings on display at your leisure in a friendly atmosphere.

    Stephen Diggin's Studio Gallery is in Buncrana, County Donegal. You can browse and purchase the paintings on display at your leisure in a friendly atmosphere.

    This artwork blends the boundaries between imagination and reality, aiming to shape the true beauty of a timeless Ireland and beyond.

    Please ring in advance or your visit.

Ireland Writing Retreat

A week-long, creative writing school.

  • Address: Gweedore,Co Donegal

    (10 minute drive)

    T: +353833356243

    A week-long, creative writing school with a difference – scenic walks, fascinating talks and daily practical writing and editing workshops – all in a land that time forgot, in the most scenic part of Ireland, along the Wild Atlantic Way.

    Crime writing, historical fiction, fantasy and travel writing - the annual 'Ireland Writing Retreat' that takes place amid the beautiful necklace of islands, mountains and lakes on the inspiring 'Wild Atlantic Way' in west Donegal has attracted successful authors from such diverse genres as these to teach those wishing to learn the challenging craft of good writing. All this takes place over several, fun-packed days in what is probably the most gorgeous part of Ireland's rugged coastline of the Wild Atlantic Way, where ancient islands such as Gola and Tory and majestic mountains such as Errigal and Muckish sweep down to the ever-changing Atlantic Ocean.

    Participants also enjoy boat trips to the islands, leisurely walks in the mountains with guides expert in Celtic mythology and anthropology, Irish language and dance classes and heart-warming, traditional music concerts in the evenings.

Studio Donegal Hand Weaving

View the traditional craft of hand weaving in a working mill.

  • Studio Donegal

    Kilcar

    Co. Donegal

    F94 EYF4 Ireland

    T: +353 (0)74 97 38194

    info@studiodonegal.ie

    Studio Donegal began it’s life as an idealistic project to preserve the tradition of hand weaving, when machine weaving was introduced across the tweed industry in Ireland in the 1960s, hand weaving went into rapid decline. Initially engaged as manager, Kevin Donaghy later bought out the operation from parent company Connemara Fabrics. It has been passed on to a second generation of the Donaghy family, Tristan and his wife Anne now run the business, adhering to the original dream of protecting a traditional heritage craft.

    Visitors to the mill are welcome to take a self-guided tour of the mill, where you can see the process in progress! They don’t do demonstrations, as they are a genuine working mill. The team are always happy to meet visitors, have a chat and answer any questions you may have.

The Gallery, Dunfanaghy

A wide range of hand woven rugs and throws, jewellery, books, aromatics, kid's wear, wood and pottery.

  • Figart

    Dunfanaghy

    Co. Donegal

    Ireland

    T: +353 (0)74 913

    e: thegallerydunfanaghy@yahoo.ie

    This attractive two story stone building was built in the 1840's as the Fever Hospital for Dunfanaghy Workhouse. It closed in 1922. Between the 1930's and the 1960's it was a national school. Its opening in 1968 as "The Gallery" was the inspiration of Frank Egginton, the well known landscape artist.

    Since then it has been run by his daughter and son-in-law, Moira and Alan Harley. Situated beside the Workhouse outside Dunfanaghy, The Gallery is a great place to visit for arts, crafts, and antiques.

    They also stock the work of acclaimed Irish artists such as :

    Nicholas Mosse Pottery

    Jerpoint Glass

    Michael Kennedy Ceramics

    Avoca

    Kerry Woollen Mills

    Hanna Hats

    Bunbury Boards

    Studio Donegal

    Alan Ardiff

    They also sell Winson & Newton artist's materials.