Kenmare Arts Festival

The annual Kenmare Arts Festival sponsored by Mill Cove Gallery includes the Kenmare Windows Exhibition, Poets Meet Painters and literary and poetry workshops.

The Kenmare Windows Exhibition celebrates artistic talent from across the island of Ireland. This unique event provides a wonderful opportunity for both emerging and established artists to showcase their work in a public setting. Throughout the town of Kenmare, the business windows are transformed into temporary galleries, for paintings, prints and photographs. The exhibition promises to offer something to delight every artistic taste and pocket. Submissions open in May. The Kenmare Windows Exhibition launches at the Mill Cove Gallery on 4 August with the presentation of the Awards. Enquiries to millcovegallery@gmail.com.

Poets Meet Painters

Combining poetry and visual art Poets Meet Painters is a competition, established by Mill Cove Gallery in 2010, for original unpublished poems in English up to 30 lines long, inspired by the paintings of local and national artists. The competition is open to everyone and is judged anonymously by four established poets. All placed poems receive their first publication in the anthology Poets meet Painters and are selected for reading at the Carnegie Arts Centre. The competition has attracted poets from all over Ireland, Europe, the USA and Australia. Submissions close 8 July 2024. All enquiries to poetsmeetpainters@gmail.com.

Art Venues

Celebrating its 25th year, Mill Cove Gallery is one of the longest established galleries in Southwest Ireland, boasting a rich history of showcasing exceptional talent. Helmed by John Brennan and John Goode, the gallery has garnered renown for its representation of a select number of Irish artists, with respected national and international reputations. Specializing in Irish ceramics, Mill Cove Gallery is distinguished for commissioning exclusive, unique ceramic artworks crafted by highly acclaimed artists from across Ireland.

John Goode has authored three books on Irish Ceramics, solidifying the gallery’s status as a leading authority in the medium. He established Mill Cove Galleries and Sculpture Gardens in 1999 with John Brennan. He has curated ceramic/sculpture/art exhibitions nationally and internationally for over 20 years. He is coordinator of the Kenmare Arts Festival.

John Brennan’s career as a painter spans over two decades, characterized by his profound connection to the distinctive and unspoiled landscapes of Southwest Ireland, which serve as a continual source of inspiration for his work. His extensive exhibition history includes prestigious showcases such as the Hallward Gallery, Eigse and the Royal Hibernian Academy, with his pieces finding homes in private collections across Ireland, the U.K., America, Europe, and Australia, as well as numerous significant public collections.

Kenmare Courtyard Gallery is an exciting arts and crafts co-operative gallery located off Henry Street. It offers a unique opportunity to interact with member artists and craftspeople and the chance to purchase original artworks and gifts, all designed and crafted in County Kerry.

Cleo Gallery on Shelbourne Street is a haven of knitwear, local crafts, ceramics, handmade soaps, candles, and unique soft toys. Featuring a collection of colourful art depicting local scenes, the gallery invites you to browse, chat, and immerse yourself in its charming ambiance.

Fiachra Crowley is a Kenmare based artist focusing primarily on stoneware ceramic whose work is available exclusively through him and at Adare Manor. In his shop on Henry Street, alongside his own pieces, you can find the work of other creatives, including original artwork, prints, ceramic, glassware, and more.

Annabel Langrish Gallery is a wonderful space showcasing mainly her own wildlife, landscape and imaginary paintings, prints, and homewares as well as her unique raku fired ceramics. This year she has taken an exciting new different direction – wall art made from hand painted laser cut plywood. She also displays a selection of products and paintings from artisans that she likes herself.

Built in the mid 1800s, the former Kenmare Butter Market was converted to a dance hall in the 1960s. Steeped in history and located in the centre of Kenmare town. The Butter Market is an excellent art gallery and a great music venue which has the capacity to host a wide range of musical events from classical, folk, jazz to rock.

The Carnegie Arts Centre, established in 2008, is a multi-purpose arts centre with a 140-seat theatre, a full-size cinema screen, a performance area and a gallery space for art exhibitions. Technical features include high-quality stage lighting and sound system fully equipped for concerts, lectures, drama, and exhibitions.

Skyline was set up by photographer Eoghan Kavanagh in 2009 to showcase his work to a wider audience, his work is traditional and beautiful, however he is interested in pushing the boundaries of accepted landscape photography and you can expect to see his unique view and style on show in this intimate space. Eoghan is often in the gallery, and you are welcome to call in to get a better understanding of his work.

Norman McCloskey Gallery showcases the natural beauty of the surrounding Irish landscape through the work of Norman McCloskey who has been photographing the landscape of Kerry and beyond for over 30 years. Limited edition and open edition prints are on display alongside published books.

The Purcell Gallery on Main Street is run by the artist Rosemary Purcell. In addition to her own work the gallery exhibits work by other well known landscape artists reflecting the beauty of the surrounding area. The Purcell Gallery also shows an eclectic range of affordable Print Work and accessories.

Situated on Main Street in Kenmare, Maria Hernandez Art Studio and Creative Kubs serve as a hub for artistic exploration. Offering tailored art classes for adults, children, and teens, they create a welcoming space for creativity. The art studio goes beyond regular classes, hosting birthday parties, workshops, and camps, making art accessible to all. See her website and social media for a full list of classes and events.