EXHIBITION: ARTISTIC ISLANDS
2025-09-29 10:00 - 2026-03-22 17:00 (Europe/Dublin) | The Coach House Gallery, Dublin Castle, Dulbin 2, D02 X822
The Office of Public Works (OPW) announces Artistic Islands, running at Dublin Castle’s Coach House Gallery from 29th September 2025 – 22nd March 2026. The exhibition explores the creative legacies of Ireland and its diaspora through the work of Irish artist Maria Simonds-Gooding and Antiguan polymath Frank Walter.
Simonds-Gooding, long inspired by the Blasket Islands, captures Ireland’s ancient heritage across diverse media. Walter, deeply rooted in Antigua’s cultural history, created an expansive body of work spanning painting, sculpture, music and writing. His practice draws on traditions such as seed work, an art form preserved today by Antiguan women, featured here alongside his paintings.
Together, their work reflects how island landscapes inspire enduring artistic expression across cultures.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience the Artistic Islands exhibition at Dublin Castle!
Location: The Coach House Gallery, Dublin Castle.
Duration: 29th September, 2025 – 22nd March, 2026.
Opening hours: 10am – 5pm (closed for lunch 1.15pm – 1.45pm)
Free admission

EXHIBITION: IRREVERENT IRELAND
2025-10-29 09:45 - 2026-04-26 17:15
The Office of Public Works at Dublin Castle presents Irreverent Ireland, a new exhibition that runs from 29th October 2025 until 26th April 2026.
Irreverent Ireland marks the long-awaited return of the Van der Hagen Painted Hangings – spectacular 18th century party decorations that have finally come home to Dublin Castle after almost 300 years.
First created for a grand celebration in 1731, these vast theatrical paintings by Dutch artist Willem Van der Hagen once transformed the Castle into an Italian-style fantasy of gardens, palaces, and dreamlike landscapes. Working alongside architect Edward Lovett Pearce, Van der Hagen brought together a lively mix of artists, performers, and craftsmen from across Europe – proof that creativity knows no borders.
Far more than simple decoration, the hangings reveal Van der Hagen’s flair for illusion and drama. His clever use of perspective and “angled scenery” drew party guests right into the scene, turning them into part of the spectacle itself. The result was a night so memorable it was immortalised in paint.
Through Irreverent Ireland, these remarkable works take their place once again in the Castle’s State Apartments – where imagination, innovation, and Irish wit meet in a glorious celebration of art and history.
Location: The State Apartment Galleries, Dublin Castle.
Duration: 24th October, 2025 – 26th April, 2026.
Admission: €3 (OR included as part of one’s self-guided ticket).
Ticket Desk Opening hours: 9.45 am – 5.15 pm.
