Portfolio Preparation Course
We offer individual and group portfolio preparation workshops for students looking to apply to Art & Design courses. In order to prepare a portfolio for third level education, applicants must be able to demonstrate Research & Observation, Idea Development and Completed Creative Work within their portfolio. The Dublin Castle Portfolio Preparation Course focuses on object making (origami ‘sculptures’), still-life drawing from origami pieces made during the course and figure drawing from plaster cast sculptures. These creative processes will equip applicants with the confidence, skills and finished work to present as part of their portfolio.
This 3 day course takes place from 12 pm – 4 pm over 3 days and is carried out by our Education Officer. Materials are provided (origami paper and notebooks) but we encourage participants to bring in existing notebooks or specific materials / mediums they prefer working with. No wet materials like paint are permitted in the Education Room or in the State Apartments.
Day 1 : Origami object making.
Day 2 : Still life drawing from participants’ origami sculptures.
Day 3 : Drawing from plaster cast sculptures in the State Apartments.
The next submission date for entry into third level art courses in Ireland will be in February 2026. We suggest that applicants build their portfolios between September 2025 and January 2026. The Dublin Castle Portfolio course is a perfect introduction for those looking to build on their existing portfolio or establish some initial explorative work for a new portfolio.
These Portfolio Preparation Courses are offered free of charge as part of our Education Programme and are scheduled throughout the year. We advertise these through our monthly e-newsletter and our social media channels.
- Subscribe to e-newsletter: copy and paste http://eepurl.com/dwvt3z
- Follow us on Instagram: @dublincastleopw
- Follow us on Meta: @opwdublincastle
If you have further questions, or wish to book on behalf of a small group of students (5 max) please email dublincastleeducation@opw.ie
Online Portfolio Preparation Course
We also offer an Online Portfolio Preparation Course (below) to assist students in preparing to enter third level art colleges and universities.
