Overview
Limerick City Gallery of Art (LCGA) sits on the edge of People’s Park in the centre of Limerick City, occupying the elegant Carnegie Building on Pery Square. The gallery is the largest contemporary art space in the Mid‑West region and welcomes visitors with a free‑entry policy, a welcoming café, and a programme that blends Irish heritage with cutting‑edge international work. Whether you’re a seasoned art lover or simply looking for a dry, inspiring way to spend a rainy afternoon, the gallery offers a vibrant cultural experience without the price tag.
History
The Carnegie Building was erected in 1906 in the Romanesque Revival style, originally serving as Limerick’s public library. In 1936 the building was repurposed to house the city’s art collection, officially becoming the Limerick City Gallery of Art. Over the decades the gallery has grown from a modest municipal collection into a nationally recognised institution, now hosting around eight contemporary exhibitions each year and serving as a key venue for EVA International, Ireland’s biennial of contemporary art. Its historic façade and spacious interior provide a fitting backdrop for both 18th‑century Irish masterpieces and avant‑garde installations.
What to See & Do
Permanent Collection
The permanent collection rotates throughout the year in a dedicated gallery space, showcasing 831 works by 456 artists that trace Irish art from the 18th to the 21st century. Highlights include paintings by Paul Henry, Jack B. Yeats, Seán Keating, Grace Henry, and Sir William Orpen, as well as contemporary pieces by John Shinnors and Donald Teskey. The collection also features a substantial body of watercolours, drawings, and engravings, reflecting the original committee’s aim to represent both historic and modern Irish art.
National Collection of Contemporary Drawings
Added in 1991, this collection now holds around 200 works and is frequently the focus of specialised exhibitions that explore the immediacy and intimacy of drawing as a medium.
Michael O’Connor International Poster Collection
With roughly 2,800 posters spanning the 20th and 21st centuries, this collection offers a visual chronicle of global graphic design, political propaganda, and cultural advertising. It is a hidden gem for design enthusiasts.
Temporary Exhibitions
LCGA’s temporary programme is the gallery’s beating heart. Current (January 30 – April 5 2026) exhibition Alice Rekab – Clann Miotlantach / Mythlantics examines identity, memory, and hybridity through the lens of an artist with Irish and Sierra Leonean heritage. Past shows have featured works such as The Loneliness of Being German (Thomas Brezing & Vera Klute) and Skin Deep (Mary‑Ruth Walsh). The gallery also hosts EVA International every two years, drawing international attention to Limerick’s creative scene.
Zest Café
Located on the ground floor, Zest Café serves artisan pastas, salads, soups, wraps, and panini, providing a pleasant spot to refuel after wandering the galleries. Its large windows overlook People’s Park, making it a perfect place for a coffee break.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Saturday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00 – 17:00 |
| Last admission is 15 minutes before closing. |
Admission
| Visitor type | Fee |
|---|---|
| General public | Free |
| Group tours (10+ people) | Free – pre‑booking recommended during major exhibitions |
The gallery is fully accessible: a ramp leads to the main entrance, doorways are wide, a lift serves all floors, and disabled toilet facilities are available. Wheelchairs can be borrowed at the reception desk if needed.
Getting There The Carnegie Building is a short walk from Limerick’s main train station (Limerick Junction) and from the city’s bus hub. If you arrive by car, limited on‑street parking is available on Pery Square; a paid car park is located a few minutes’ walk away on O’Connell Street. For cyclists, secure bike racks are provided near the entrance.
Contact & Online Resources
- Website: Limerick City Gallery of Art
- Phone: 061 310633
- Directions: Google Maps
- Social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
While you’re in the neighbourhood, the adjoining People’s Park offers a tranquil green space for a post‑gallery stroll, and the historic St John’s Cathedral and the bustling Milk Market are both within a 10‑minute walk. Limerick’s compact city centre makes it easy to combine a cultural visit with a taste of local food, music, and history.
Enjoy the blend of historic architecture and contemporary creativity that makes Limerick City Gallery of Art a must‑see destination for any traveller to the Irish mid‑west.