EXHIBITION: CASIMIR MARKIEVICZ: A POLISH ARTIST IN BOHEMIAN DUBLIN (1903 - 1913)
2025-04-22 09:45 - 2025-09-15 17:15 (Europe/Dublin) | State Apartments, Dublin Castle, Dublin 2, D02 XN27
Casimir Markievicz: A Polish Artist in Bohemian Dublin (1903-1913) explores the life, art, and theatre of Casimir Markievicz, husband of Irish revolutionary Constance Markievicz, who was a central figure in the Dublin avant-garde of the early 20th century. The exhibition includes more than 80 paintings, photographs, and archival objects from national and international public collections as well as private lenders, including numerous works from Polish family collections returning to Ireland for the first time. The exhibition also features many paintings and photographs of Ukraine, where Casimir’s family lived, including works created by both Constance and Casimir. An 80-page publication will accompany the exhibition.
Curated by Prof. Emily Mark-FitzGerald (UCD) and Dr Kathryn Milligan (NCAD), the exhibition will be on show in the State Apartments Galleries of Dublin Castle from 22nd April until 15th September 2025.
The exhibition is a joint initiative of the Office of Public Works, Dublin Castle and the Embassy of Poland in Dublin, and is part of the Embassy’s cultural programme celebrating Poland’s presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2025.
Location: The State Apartment Galleries, Dublin Castle
Duration: 22nd April – 15th September, 2025
Admission: €3 (OR included as part of one’s self-guided ticket)
Ticket Desk Opening hours: 9.45 am – 5.15 pm

EXHIBITION: ARTISTIC ISLANDS
2025-09-29 10:00 - 2026-03-22 17:00 | 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.

EXHIBITION: The Story of Us: Census 1926
2027-01-10 10:00 - 2027-08-15 17:00
The Story of Us: Census 1926 is a landmark exhibition marking this historic release of census records. It explores the world reflected in the census and reveals what life was like in 1926: in towns and cities, across rural communities and islands, from crowded urban tenements to the mansions of the aristocracy.
Using contemporary documents and photographs, audio‑visual displays, and — at its heart — the census returns themselves, the exhibition presents a vivid portrait of Ireland a century ago. Visitors will encounter stories of work and daily life, language and culture, sport and entertainment, religion, gender, and the social realities of a newly independent state.
The exhibition forms part of a major public programme presented by the National Archives, with events in Ireland, the UK and the United States.
The Coach House Gallery, Dublin Castle – 19 April – 14th June 2026 & Mid – January – 15 August 2027 Please note: Dublin Castle will be closed to the public for the EU Presidency from 15 June to 31 December 2026.
Opening hours:

Monday – Sunday 10:00–17:00
Free entry
No booking required
Guided tours: available on Wednesdays at 13:15 and Saturdays at 11:15
