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.
Architecture
Designed by William Murphy, the Carnegie Building exemplifies Romanesque‑Revival architecture with its rounded arches, robust stonework and a prominent central tower. The original library interiors were adapted to create bright, flexible gallery spaces while retaining many original details, such as the decorative plasterwork and the grand stairwell. An unobtrusive modern extension at the rear houses additional exhibition rooms, storage and the gallery’s education facilities, allowing the historic shell to coexist with contemporary museum standards.
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, Sir William Orpen and 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.
Current and Upcoming Exhibitions
- Penti Menti – Sarah Dwyer (18 April – 14 June 2026) – A solo show by the Cork‑born, London‑based artist, featuring large‑scale paintings, drawings and ceramic sculptures created especially for LCGA. Curated by Eamonn Maxwell, the exhibition is supported by an Arts Council Touring Award.
- MURMURARE – Mary Nagle (27 March – 3 May 2026) – Mixed‑media relief compositions and sculptures that investigate memory and the poetic possibilities of everyday objects.
- Clann Miotlantach / Mythlantics – Alice Rekab (30 January – 5 April 2026) – An exploration of identity, memory and hybridity through the lens of an artist with Irish and Sierra Leonean heritage.
LCGA’s temporary programme is the gallery’s beating heart, with roughly eight contemporary shows each year and the biennial EVA International alternating between Limerick and other Irish cities.
Facilities
Zest Café
Located on the ground floor, Zest Café serves artisan pastas, salads, soups, wraps and panini. It opens at 9:30 am and closes at 5:00 pm, offering large windows that overlook People’s Park – an ideal spot for a coffee break between galleries.
Gallery Shop
The on‑site shop sells a curated selection of art books, prints, postcards and locally made gifts, allowing visitors to take a piece of the LCGA experience home.
Education & Events
LCGA runs a varied programme of talks, workshops and family‑friendly activities throughout the year. Schools and community groups can book guided tours, and the gallery frequently hosts artist‑led sessions that tie in with current exhibitions. Information on upcoming events is available on the Events/Education page of the website.
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. 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