County Clare: Arts

Situated on the west coast of Ireland south of Galway and north of Limerick in the province of Munster, County Clare is home to The Burren - a unique area of limestone hills and fields popular with landscape artists - the 700 foot high Cliffs of Moher, and Shannon International Airport. It has a population of 101,266 and its capital is Ennis.

Early Visual Arts

The history of Irish visual arts is considered to begin with early carvings found at burial mounds such as Newgrange. Later examples of these Neolithic structures are Wedge Tombs, which can be found in various sites across County Clare. Another artifact from the early history of Irish art in Clare is the Celtic High Cross at Kilfenora. Originally occupied by a monastery started by St Fachtna, it is now the site of a twelfth century Cathedral. Celtic High Crosses were one of the great contributions to Western European free-standing sculpture.

Lying. 1963
by Clare artist Barrie Cooke.

Famous Visual Artists

Famous modern artists born in or associated with County Clare, include: Barrie Cooke, (Abstract Expressionist Painter) and Anne Madden, (Abstract Painter). Other renowned artists include: Fredrick William Burton, (Watercolourist), Catherine Kingcome, (Realistic Oil Painter), William Mulready, (Rural Artist and Genre Painter), Mick O'Dea, (Portrait Artist), James O'Halloran, (Impressionist Landscape and Interior Painter), Samuel Walsh, (Contemporary Artist) and Patrick Walshe, (Watercolourist).

Drawing 415, Babel. By Clare artist
Samuel Walsh.

Arts and Cultural Centres

Here is a small selection of arts, crafts and other cultural venues in County Clare.

Bunratty Castle
Features the stunning fifteenth century Bunratty Castle and nineteenth century Bunratty Folk Park. (Bunratty Village, Co. Clare. Tel: 061-360788)

Cliffs of Moher Interpretive Centre
Atlantic Edge, the new interpretive heritage centre at the Cliffs of Moher, features a huge cave containing fascinating images and exhibits. (Tel: 065 7086141)

Craggaunowen Prehistoric Park
The Living Past Experience is Ireland's award winning Pre-history Park that portrays and interprets Ireland's ancient and early Christian eras. (Craggaunowen, Kilmurray, Co. Clare. Tel: 061-360788)

Ennis Friary
A thirteenth century Franciscan monastery featuring numerous fifteenth/sixteenth century sculptures carved in local stone. (Ennis Friary Visitor Centre, Lower Abbey Street, Ennis, Co. Clare. Tel: 065 6829100)

Glor Ennis Centre
Said to be Clare's premier arts and entertainment venue, offering music, theatre, and art events., food and people. (Friars Walk, Ennis. Tel: 065 6843103)

Art Galleries

Ennis Art Gallery
Located in the centre of Ennis. Presents contemporary art by established and emerging Irish artists. Hosts both solo and group exhibitions throughout the year. For details, phone: (065-689-2760).

The Lahinch Art Gallery
Run by North Clare arts patron Carmel Kenny, the gallery presents Irish Art with an emphasis on Irish subjects. Hosts a diverse range of artworks, from oil paintings and Irish sculpture to mixed media. Lahinch stages both one-person and group shows. For details, phone: (065-708-1400).

Other County Clare galleries include: De Valera Gallery, Ennis (065-6846353); The Russell Gallery, Burren (065-7078185); The West Clare Gallery, Ennistymon (087-2418810).

Evening Light,
by Clare artist James O'Halloran.

Other Arts Resources

Art schools and studios in County Clare include:

Burren College of Art
Newtowncastle, Ballyvaughan
Phone: (065) 7077200

Burren Painting Centre
Lisdoonvarna
Phone: (065) 7074208

Mountain Lodge Pottery and Art School
Knockfune, Newport
Phone: (062) 79126

Tulla Stables Studios
Church Street, Tulla
Phone: (065) 6846267

• For more about Irish culture, see: Visual Arts in Ireland.
• For more about the cultural heritage of Ireland, see: Irish Art: Visual Arts in Cork.

• How to Update This Mini Review of Art in Clare.