Overview
Glór Gallery sits within the bustling Glór Arts and Entertainment Centre in Ennis, County Clare. As a purpose‑built visual‑arts space, it presents a constantly changing programme of exhibitions that reflect both contemporary trends and the rich artistic heritage of Ireland. The gallery’s policy is to situate works in context, often drawing thematic links between visual and performance pieces staged elsewhere in the centre. With five to seven exhibitions a year, visitors can expect a fresh, thought‑provoking experience on each visit.
History & Background
Glór Arts Centre opened its doors on 30 November 2001, inaugurated by former Minister for Arts, Heritage, Gaeltacht and the Islands Síle de Valera. Built at a cost of €8.5 million, it was the largest arts investment in County Clare at the time and provided two auditoria (485‑seat and 65‑seat) alongside the gallery space. Over the past two decades more than 900 000 people have attended performances and events at the venue.
The gallery was created as part of the centre’s visual‑arts programme. In 2015 Glór launched an Artists‑in‑Residence scheme, appointing Dr Dave Flynn as its first Associate Artist, followed by theatre makers Catherine Ireton and Jacinta Sheerin (2018) and Curator‑in‑Residence Dr Moran Been‑Noon (2019). These artists have curated both digital and physical exhibitions, strengthening the gallery’s reputation for innovative programming.
In November 2021 the venue celebrated its 20th birthday, marking two decades of cultural activity with a special giveaway of tickets for the 2022 programme. The milestone highlighted the centre’s role as a regional hub for music, theatre, dance and visual art.
Recent & Notable Exhibitions
- CRUX – A Dialogue in Metal (2017) – a large‑scale metal‑work investigation featuring local and international makers.
- Slow Time with a Butterfly (2024) – an immersive installation exploring perception and movement.
- Leftover Laboratory Children’s Exhibition (2025) – a playful, interactive show designed for families.
- Where Nature Reclaims (Oct 2025) – the headline exhibition of the Lasta Young Curators Festival, by Sarah Reynolds, blending painting, photography and digital manipulation.
- Folklore Trilogy – Animation Exhibition (Winter 2025/2026) – a partnership with Cartoon Saloon, showcasing frames and concepts from the studio’s acclaimed films, accompanied by animation workshops.
Works by Mick O’Dea, Lorraine Wall, Walter Verling and Jean Regan have also featured, alongside loaned pieces from the National Gallery of Ireland and the Arts Council.
Events, Workshops & Community Programs
Glór’s calendar extends far beyond the gallery walls:
- Lasta Young Curators Festival 2025 – a national youth‑led festival under the theme SUSTAIN. The festival runs from 7 October to 26 October, combining the Where Nature Reclaims exhibition with music sessions, literary open‑mic, comics workshop and anime screenings.
- Animation Workshops – led by WolfWalkers animator Eimhin McNamara, these sessions (Feb 2026) let participants create their own short animated clips, tying in with the Folklore Trilogy exhibition.
- Creative Circles – a regular networking group for Clare‑based creatives, open to all artistic disciplines.
- Tiny Tunes – a concert series for the youngest music lovers, held in the gallery foyer.
- Family‑friendly workshops such as basket‑making with Tom Delaney (Old Crafty) and spring wreath‑making, listed in the centre’s seasonal programme.
- Community Choir, Community Orchestra and Friday Arts Club – free, inclusive gatherings that often use the gallery foyer as a welcoming space.
All events are listed on the Glór website’s What’s On page and many are free to attend.
Practical Information
Opening Hours – The gallery follows the centre’s usual schedule, typically 10:00‑17:00 Monday‑Saturday; exact times are posted on the website.
Admission – Free entry to the gallery (donations welcome). Ticket fees apply only to theatre performances.
Box Office – Open Monday‑Saturday 10:00‑15:00. Phone: 065 684 3103. Email: programme@glor.ie for workshop and event enquiries.
Accessibility – Fully accessible: wheelchair‑friendly entrance, elevator to all public floors, accessible toilets in the foyer and backstage, designated parking spaces and wheelchair‑friendly seating in the stalls.
Parking & Transport –
- Metered car park beside Glór offers one hour of free parking (tickets required 09:00‑18:00).\
- Friar’s Walk Coach Park (14 free spaces, CCTV, water supply) is 100 m from the town centre.\
- Ennis is served by regular Bus Éireann routes and a railway station on the Limerick‑Galway line; the centre is a short walk from both.
Nearby Attractions – After viewing the latest exhibition, consider a short 10‑minute stroll to the historic Clare Abbey, or combine your visit with the Clare Museum and the lively streets of Ennis town.
Café – The on‑site café/bar is scheduled to reopen on 1 September 2024, offering sandwiches, soups and sweet treats.
Contact – General enquiries: 065 684 5370 or email tech@glor.ie. For programme‑specific questions, use programme@glor.ie.
Glór Gallery offers a vibrant, accessible, and ever‑changing showcase of Irish visual art, set within a lively cultural complex. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a family looking for a rainy‑day activity, or a traveler seeking contemporary Irish creativity, the gallery provides a welcoming space to explore, reflect, and be inspired.