Homeland Art

 Donegal, situated in the beautiful rugged mountain landscape of Ireland’s North West is one of the most popular holiday destinations in the country. This huge county’s supreme appeal lies in the natural beauty of its coast, with windswept peninsulas, precipitous cliffs and a host of golden beaches that rival any in Europe.
With 9,000 years of history behind it any trek through the furrowed countryside will bring the traveller on the sites of monastic settlements, traces of the Vikings in Raphoe and Donegal town and ancient pre-Christian forts of the High Kings of Ulster. And along your way you are bound to come across some of what makes Donegal so unique.
Irish culture has survived and thrived here in a way it has failed to do elsewhere. Language and culture are still vibrant throughout the Gaeltacht areas of the county and foremost among these traditions is the one of welcoming strangers.
The Slieve League (Grey Mountain) cliffs, situated on the West coast of Donegal, are said to be the highest and one of the finest marine cliffs in Europe with a three hundred metre drop straight down into the wild, Atlantic waves below. This creates a breathtaking but extremely scary view.
The more active might want to consider one of Donegal’s famous links courses or any of the watersports popular around the coast of the county like surfing and water-skiing. For the younger visitor there’s Waterworld at Bundoran and Leisureland in Moville, one of Ireland’s leading activity centres offering a range of activities and rides.
One of Donegal’s most famous historical landmarks is Grianan Aileach on the Derry Road. The fort is 5,000 years old and the award winning Interpretative Centre located there can take you back in time to a day when the lords of Ulster watched their kingdom from Grianan. A more modern fortress is Fort Dunree in Inishowen; built to defend Ireland during the Napoleonic wars it was used until a decade ago and was a link in Ireland’s defences from Nazi Germany.
For those with a passion for wildlife the Buncrana Wildlife Sanctuary is one of many places where animals can be observed in their native habitat. Much of Donegal’s unspoilt wilderness is a haven for migratory fowl and birds and its people are ever vigilant in their protection.
And it is the people that will keep brining you back to Donegal. It may be the beauty of the landscape or a love for outdoor sports that brings you to Donegal but it will be the charm and openness of its inhabitants that you will remember for years to come and that will eventually, bring you back.

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Dublin has a number of large and small art galleries including modern art galleries and photo galleries. The main gallery is the National Gallery of Ireland. The National Gallery is situated on Merrion Square West in the city centre, beside the National History museum and Leinster House (the centre of government in Ireland). This is Ireland’s main art gallery, consisting of a huge collection. There is also a large new section which is primarily there to facilitate visiting exhibitions.
The main modern art gallery is the Irish Museum of Modern Art. This is situated in Kilmainham, about one mile from the city centre. It is walkable from the city centre, but you can also get a bus from anywhere on the North Quays down as far as Heuston Station and walk the rest. Another modern art gallery is the Hugh Lane Municipal Gallery of Modern Art, which is located on Parnell Square North, in the city centre.

Main Dublin Art Galleries
The National Gallery - The National Gallery of Ireland houses the national collection of Irish art and European master paintings. Admission to the Gallery is free.
The Irish Museum of Modern Art - The Irish Museum of Modern Arts is Ireland’s leading national institution for the collection and presentation of modern and contemporary art. It is located in Kilmainham, Dublin 8 and admission is free.
Hugh Lane Gallery - The Hugh Lane Gallery houses one of Ireland’s foremost collections of modern and contemporary art, including Monet, Renoir and Degas. It is located on Parnell Sq, Dublin 1 and admission is free.

Other Dublin Art Galleries
The Chester Beatty Library - Clock tower building, Dublin Castle.
The Green Gallery - Top floor, St Stephens Green Shopping centre.
Graphic Studio Dublin Gallery - Beside the Arch, Temple Bar.
Gallery of Photography - Meeting House Square, Temple Bar.
Oisín Gallery - 44 Westland Row, Dublin 2
Temple Bar Gallery and Studios - 5-9 Temple Bar, Dublin 2
Boulevard Gallery - This is an open air gallery in which local artists sell their work during the summer weekends. Located on Merrion Sq in the City Centre.

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Up to 1816, the year the Ha’penny Bridge was erected, no other bridge existed between Essex (Grattan or Capel Street) Bridge and Carlisle (O’Connell) Bridge.
There was a ferry from the Bagnio Slip (at the bottom of Fownes Street) operated by William Walsh. He owned seven old ferries and was under pressure from Dublin Corporation to repair them or replace them. He did not act on that idea, preferring instead to build a bridge. His proposal to Dublin Corporation was adopted and he was allowed to charge a halfpenny toll over a hundred year lease..

Designed by John Windsor and costing £3,894.7s.11½d., the bridge was manufactured in Coalbrookdale in Shropshire, the first centre of iron casting in Britain. Now one of the oldest cast-iron bridges in the world it was originally named Wellington Bridge, after the Dublin born Duke who had trounced Napoleon. Offically called the Liffey Bridge, it is more commonly known as the Halfpenny or Ha’penny Bridge.

The bridge was the only pedestrian bridge on the Liffey until the new Millenium bridge opened in 2000. The Ha’penny bridge was closed in 2001 for major repair. It was reopened 2003 with its original paint colour restored and changes made at the ends to allow standing room for pedestrians before crossing the road.

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Leaving Killarney, take the Killorglin road (N70). Here on the left you will see the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks mountain range and Ireland’s highest mountain, Carrantoohil.
Killorglin is the home of Puck Fair, a pagan festival for over 3000 years. (10/11/12 August). Continue on to Glenbeigh a popular beach and seaside resort. You will also pass the Red Fox Inn andTraditional Bog Village.

Next stop is Glenbeigh, it has a beautiful beach at Rossbeigh, 3 miles of sandy beach, head back to the N70 to Kells or go over the mountain at Cahill’s pub ( cars only ) to join the N70.From the mountain stage there is a great view of Dingle Bay, this is a good spot to stretch your legs and enjoy the view.

Cahersiveen is next, at the new bridge on the left can be seen the birth place of Daniel O’Connell ” The Liberator ”and hero to the Irish people in the 1800’s. It is also home of two stone forts dating back to the 9th.Century. There is also an Train Engine here that was used here on the old Railway.
You can also find Ballycabbery Castle (ruin) once a fortress to The McCarthy Mór ( as that at Castlelough beside the Lake Hotel ). Leaving Caherciveen on your right hand side you can see Valentia Island which can be accessed from Caherciveen by a car ferry and exit at Portmagee.
Valentia was where the first Transatlantic Cable was laid all the way to America in 1857, you can also visit the Slate Quarry and the Light House, there are many remains of old structures including Stone (Ring) Forts and Churches. Out to Sea you can see The Skellig Rocks 700 feet out of the Atlantic Ocean was used by monks as a monastery from the 5th. Century, you can visit the rocks by boat and is highly recommenced so bring a packed lunch from the Lake Hotel.
Heading on to Waterville turn right at the church and right again and head to the golf course. There are some very good restaurants here for lunch, the Smuggler’s Inn, Huntsman and the Fisherman’s Bar. After lunch you can walk the beach to stretch your legs, as Charlie Chaplin, Shirley McClaine, Walt Disney, Tiger Woods, Pane Stuart and Michael Jordan have in days gone by.

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There are many places to visit (other than Pubs!…..but we will get to that!) in Temple Bar.

The Bank of Ireland Arts Centre, at Foster Place is an interesting place. This is an interactive museum which reflects both Irish History and Banking in Ireland over the last 200 years.

The Graphic Studio Gallery (off Cope Street) is a modern and skylit gallery. It concentrates soley on Ireland’s Graphic Arts.

The National Photographic Archive (Meeting House Square), opened in October 1998 and houses the National Library of Ireland’s photographic collection, which comprises approximately 300,000 photographs. While most of the collections are historical there are some contemporary collections. Subject matter ranges from topographical views to studio portraits. There are also substantial numbers of loose prints and various smaller collections, which include particularly good coverage of events during 1916, the War of Independence and the Civil War. The new building incorporates a substantial storage area, which is controlled by an air plant system, together with a Reading room, an Exhibition area and a small shop. The National Photographic Archive runs a regular series of exhibitions based on the collections

The Original Print Gallery is a nice spot to visit. They are very proud of their exhibitions which celebrate the mastery and richness of printmaking both in Ireland and internationally. It is open 7 days a week, all year round.

Temple Bar Gallery and Studios. Founded in 1983 in the heart of Dublin’s “Left Bank,” this is one of the largest studio/gallery complexes in Europe. More than 30 Irish artists work here at a variety of contemporary visual arts, from sculpture and painting to printing and photography.

The Ark.

The Ark is a cultural centre for children situated in the heart of Temple Bar. The Ark is Europe’s first custom-designed arts centre for children and opened in September 1995. Every year some 20,000 children and 5,000 adults visit The Ark and participate in their programmes.

Dedicated to cultural work for, by and with children, The Ark contains a 150 seat theatre, a gallery, and a large workshop studio. In the Ark children are makers and doers, as well as lookers and listeners.

The Gallery of Photography.

This is Dublin’s only photographic gallery with exhibitions of international and Irish contemporary photographs, posters, and books on photography.

Location: Meeting House Square, Sycamore Street, Temple Bar, Dublin 2

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If you are thinking of visiting the wonderful city of Dublin there are plenty of things to do. I would highly recommend visiting the Guinness factory complex. You will be given a tour through the brewery and top it off you are given a complimentary pint of guinness at the end of the tour in the sky bar which gives you a fantastic view across Dublin City.

Trinity College is another great place to visit while you are in Dublin. Once the educator of the elite of Irish society, Trinity is now open to all. The old library and the Book of Kells are a must see. The Book of Kells is an ornately illustrated manuscript by Celtic monks around A.D. 800 in a style known as Insular art. The Book of Kells is on permanent display in the Trinity Library, Dublin, Ireland. Trinity has a History of Art Department and the Douglas Hyde Art Gallery is located at Trinity College.

For those interested in Irish History, I would highly recommend visiting Dublinia, located in Christchurch. From the early days of History of Ireland, Dublinia traces the story of medieval Dublin from the English Invasion through the Black Death to the closure of the monasteries in the 1540’s.

Kilmainham Gaol is one of my favourites. The leaders if the Easter Rising of 1916 were executed here by the English. This building gives a good insight into the history of Irish Republicanism.

Temple Bar is the ideal place to unwind after a day of activity in Dublin. Some of Dublin’s best night spots, restaurants, and unusual shops line the narrow cobbled streets. Organisations based here include the Irish Film Centre (IFC), the experimental Project Arts Centre and around a dozen galleries. There are also centres for music, multi-media and photography, as well as a Children’s Cultural Centre - an arts centre offering theatre, workshops, and other entertainment for children.

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Ireland is a land of rich art and culture. English is the main language spoken in Ireland although Irish language is also prevalent in some parts of Ireland. Art has flourished well in Ireland and the artists are highly respected here. Most of the art works of various artists can be found in museums and art galleries. These galleries are opened to all.

The art galleries usually conduct exhibitions of many artists every year and some special exhibitions will be held on festival seasons. These exhibitions are preserving the art works and are offering for sale also.

Ireland is famous for its fairy tales. They have a wide range of beliefs and practices relating to death and burial. The waking of dead was an important social ritual which involved praying and singing. There are lots of folklores about Irish saints. These saints were renowned for their sacred powers and they helped people in curing illness. The most celebrated saint is St. Patrick and St. Patrick’s Day is one of the important festivals in Ireland.

Irish art normally consists of carvings and they used bright primary colors. Decorative arts such as goldsmithery plaster work and glass works established well in Ireland in the 17th century. Contemporary Irish paintings and sculptures started to flourish from 18th century.

Later the Irish artists began to work on abstract expressionism mode. Contemporary sculptures are more abstract and clever and most of thee contemporary artists are greatly respected by the art lovers all over the world. Ireland art and culture is famous in whole world.

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The various art forms of the celts can be enumerated as below:

Cross art:  The celtic cross was believed to be the most powerful cross and there were interpretations and legends attached to it. It became an emblem which gave identity to the Irish and the Scottish people. This cross is also used in celtic designs, clip arts, jewellery etc.       

Knot art: In celtic art celtic knots are the main pattern. Since early Medieval times, ringed cross has been celtic symbol in Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the parts of Britain under influence of earlyCelticChurch. 

Clip art: The celtic clip art consisted of various information providing images. It is a collection of crosses, knots, weapons, rings, birds, buttons, shapes, shield devices, borders, lines, letters, symbols and much more.  

Tattoo art: The celts surely knew how to dye and paint their bodies and from there evolved the ideas of tattooing. They tattooed various celtic symbols, animal figures, celtic cross and knot tattoos which came to know as celtic body art.  

Irish celtic art: It is mainly a combination of celtic knots, crosses and tattoos. Various pictures had different meanings and are beautifully made. For example, the hound of Cuchulainn was supposed to protect people and the celtic territory. 

Thus the celtic art is a massive and a beautiful historical collection which greatly contributed to European history.

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The most famous Irish castle is situated in Blarney Village. The castle is the world famous Blarney Castle and is probably the most well known of all of Ireland’s ancient catles. 

Blarney Castle is the third to have been erected on this site. The first building, in the 10th century, was a wooden structure. In 1210 this was replaced with a stone structure. In 1446, the third castle was built by Dermot McCarthy, a Munster king. In the battle of the Boyne, McCarthy had to surrender his powers on the castle. Later on, the castle was sold to governor of Cork Sir James Jefferyes in 1703. Still standing peacefully, revealing all the history, the castle is taken care by trustees of theIreland castle Estate. 

The islands surrounding Ireland are magnificient. Walking along the quiet shores, lanes and trails will offer you a wonderful experience. Before planning the walking trip to Ireland, understand the routes for the locations you want to visit. 

Achill Island in County Mayo is an excellent place renowned for its stunning beauty. Summer or spring is the best time to visit Achill, particularly at a festival time to enjoy traditional music, food and culture. You could plan to visit the craft shops and art galleries here. Hill walking in Achill Island is another wonderful experience. It is perfect for nature lovers.

The Aran Islands are beautiful islands situated in Galway Bay. The narrow winding roads, grassy lanes and rocky shores are predominant features of these islands. The Aran Island is peaceful and free from the hurry of modern life. You will enjoy walking down the narrow grassy lanes and relish the serenity.

Clare Island is often referred to as Walker’s paradise. Clare’s scenic beauty, rare species of trees and plants and less explored beaches are ideal destinations for walkers. You will enjoy the calm peak of Knockmore and sea cliffs. The mild weather and clear water beaches will really fascinate you, when you are lucky enough to see it. The wild and powerful weather will invigorate you too!

Heir Island, off the west coast of Cork, is one of Carbery’s Hundred Isles that lie scattered throughout Roaringwater Bay. The island is beautifully located, surrounded by a panorama of Sherkin Island, Cape Clear, the Calf Islands, the East and West Skeams, and Mount Gabriel to the North.

The island is easily walked and cycled and there are lots of safe sandy beaches ideal for sailing, windsurfing, swimming and diving. The centre of the island has an extensive marsh with a vibrant reed bed where you’ll find many unusual birds as well as over 200 varieties of wild flowers.

Heir is also home to many well known artists, who were drawn to the island because of its breathtaking landscape and peaceful atmosphere.

Inshort one should definitely plan a walking trip during the stay in Ireland.

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