Dublin Gallery Weekend Returns for Citywide Contemporary Art Celebration
Dublin Gallery Weekend returns for its 2025 edition from November 6–9, bringing together contemporary art galleries and major cultural institutions for a packed citywide programme of free events. The initiative showcases the work of over 100 artists across 40 galleries, cultural institutions, and creative spaces throughout the city.
John Daly, director of Hillsboro Fine Art and chair of the Contemporary Art Gallery Association, welcomed the festivities. The event prioritizes accessibility and inclusivity, featuring exhibitions, talks, workshops, practical demonstrations, and film screenings designed for diverse audiences.
Artist Talks and Special Events Across the Capital
A series of discussions and conversations anchors the weekend’s programming across various venues. Solomon Fine Art hosts artist Tom Climent in conversation with critic Cristin Leach, alongside another discussion between Climent and Mary McCarthy, Director of Crawford Art Gallery.
Additional scheduled events include Cecilia Bullo and Kevin Mooney discussing Silt & Sorcery with curator Dr. Sarah Kelleher at Hillsboro Fine Art, John Kindness chats with Patrick T. Murphy at Molesworth Gallery, and Martin Gale and Gemma Tipton explore landscape, memory and imagination at Taylor Galleries. Virginia Teehan, CEO of the Heritage Council, and gallery owner Oliver Sears investigate how 2D and 3D artistic pieces connect at the Irish Architectural Archive.
Dr. Caroline Campbell, Director of the National Gallery of Ireland, leads a live conversation on Saturday, November 7, with acclaimed Irish artist Patrick Graham and John Daly of Hillsboro Fine Art, Chair of the Contemporary Art Gallery Association. The discussion, running from 12.30pm to 1.30pm following doors opening at 12.15pm, explores Graham’s career and his contribution to Irish visual arts.
Château La Coste Establishes the Francis Bacon Awards for Irish Visual Arts
The introduction of the Francis Bacon Awards for Irish Visual Arts, established by Château La Coste, marks a notable addition to this year’s schedule. The initiative features a €25,000 Lifetime Achievement Award—with the inaugural honor presented to Patrick Graham—and a €15,000 Mid-Career Award. Both winners receive invitations to present solo exhibitions at Château La Coste in France.
For the first time, the programme includes a dedicated three-day film curation by AEMI at Light House Cinema. Audiences can enjoy complimentary screenings showcasing creations from international and Irish creators, with a lineup that includes Vivienne Dick, Emma Finn, Susan Hughes, Michael Barwise, Jaki Irvine, Gerard Byrne, and British Jarman Award-winning filmmaker Morgan Quaintance. Advance booking is required through the DGW website.
Dublin Gallery Weekend 2026 is scheduled to run at various venues from November 5–8.
