Eakin Gallery

📍 Belfast, Antrim

🏛️ Attraction

Last updated: 28 April 2026

Overview

Eakin Gallery is one of Northern Ireland’s longest‑standing commercial art galleries, operating as a family‑run business since 1979. Nestled in a charming red‑brick townhouse on Lisburn Road, Belfast, the space spans two floors and offers a curated selection of Irish landscape, figurative and abstract works. While the gallery now runs primarily online, a physical viewing room just outside Moira remains open for private appointments, allowing collectors and curious visitors to experience the art in person.

History

The story of Eakin Gallery begins in the High Street of Portadown, where the founders opened their first premises in 1979. After a period of travelling exhibitions across Northern Ireland, the gallery settled on its iconic Lisburn Road location in 1989, where it remained for more than three decades. In 2022, responding to a dramatic shift toward online sales, the owners moved the commercial side of the business to a digital platform. Nevertheless, they retained a tangible presence through a dedicated viewing room that can be visited by appointment, preserving the personal touch that has defined the gallery for over 45 years.

What to See & Do

The gallery’s collection is a celebration of 20th‑ and 21st‑century Irish art, ranging from traditional rural landscapes to bold contemporary abstractions. Highlights include works by:

  • George Callaghan – known for his vibrant colour palettes.
  • Brian Ballard – celebrated for expressive portraiture.
  • Neil Shawcross – a Belfast‑born artist whose figurative pieces capture the city’s spirit.
  • Dean McDowell – whose modernist compositions push the boundaries of form.
  • Markey Robinson, William Conor, Basil Blackshaw, Louis le Brocquy, J B Vallely, Tom Carr, Sean Scully, William Crozier, Donald Teskey, Maurice Wilks, Percy French, Charles McAuley, Frank McKelvey, Stef Callaghan, Paul Walls, Paul Bell, Tom Kerr, Dan Dowling, Terry Bradley, Louise Mansfield, William Cunningham, Hamilton Sloan, Rosemary Gifford, Emma Spence, Gillian Lonsdale and many more.

Beyond paintings, the gallery also houses a modest but striking collection of bronze sculptures by local Irish artists. The two‑storey layout allows visitors to wander through thematic rooms – from traditional Irish countryside scenes to semi‑abstract works that challenge perception. The space is intimate, encouraging close inspection of brushwork, texture and colour.

Bespoke Services

  • ‘Try before you buy’ – private viewings of selected pieces in the client’s home or corporate setting.
  • Art valuations – professional assessments for existing collections.
  • Consultations and commissions – tailored advice for interior designers, businesses, or private collectors seeking a specific aesthetic.
  • Picture framing – on‑site framing services for purchased works.
  • Gift cards – available for those who wish to give the gift of Irish art.
  • Off‑street parking – convenient parking spaces adjacent to the viewing room.

Location & Access

Address: 237 Lisburn Road, BT9 7EN, Belfast (the viewing room is situated just outside Moira, a short drive from the city centre). The red‑brick townhouse is easily spotted and benefits from off‑street parking for visitors.

Public transport: Several bus routes stop on Lisburn Road; the nearest train station is Belfast Central, a 15‑minute walk away. Taxis and rides‑hare services also serve the area.

Accessibility: The ground‑floor viewing room is accessed via a ramp and is wheelchair‑friendly. Visitors requiring additional assistance should mention this when booking.

Exhibitions & Events

Eakin Gallery hosts regular solo exhibitions and group shows throughout the year, often coinciding with regional art fairs in the spring and autumn. The website’s news section lists upcoming events, and a seasonal “Art under €500” collection highlights affordable original works for first‑time buyers.

Practical Information

  • Opening hours: Mon‑Fri 09:30‑17:30, Sat 10:00‑17:30 (by appointment only). Appointments are arranged by calling 028 9066 8522 or via the online enquiry form.
  • Admission: Free – there is no entry charge, though purchases are payable.
  • Contact:
  • What to bring: Reference images or design plans if you are considering a “try before you buy” arrangement. The staff are happy to discuss placement, lighting and framing options.
  • Nearby viewing room: A second showroom operates in Armagh (Woodview Garden Centre, 3 Cloughan Road, Portadown Road, BT61 8RF). Appointments can be made for that location as well.

Nearby Attractions

Eakin Gallery sits within easy reach of several Belfast highlights:

Whether you are a seasoned collector, an interior designer seeking a statement piece, or simply a visitor eager to explore Ireland’s artistic legacy, a private appointment at this family‑run gallery promises an intimate and inspiring encounter with some of the island’s finest visual art.