Overview
Luan Gallery sits on the banks of the River Shannon in the heart of Athlone, County Westmeath. Designed by Keith Williams Architects, the building blends the historic 1897 Father Matthew Temperance Hall with a sleek new wing that stretches out over the water, offering panoramic views of the river and the town’s iconic bridge. The gallery’s innovative design earned it the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland’s Best Cultural Building in Ireland award in 2013 and the Civic Trust Architecture Award in 2014. As the first purpose‑built municipal art gallery in the Irish midlands, Luan Gallery showcases a dynamic programme of contemporary visual art from Irish and international creators.
History
The story of Luan Gallery begins with a civic ambition to give Athlone a dedicated space for contemporary art. The core of the building is the former Father Matthew Temperance Hall, erected in 1897 at the behest of William Smith, managing director of the Athlone Woollen Mills, to encourage sobriety among his workers. Over the 20th century the hall served as a public library, town hall and cinema before becoming vacant in 2004. In 2012 the hall was repurposed, and a modern glass wing was added, creating the Luan Gallery we know today.
Architecture & Awards
Keith Williams Architects retained the hall’s historic roof structure while stripping the interior to a clean white box. The new wing is clad in rough‑cut limestone strips and zinc, with large glazed panels that open the space to the Shannon. Features include:
- A river‑facing gallery with floor‑to‑ceiling glazing.
- A flexible “white‑box” space with blackout capability for video art, cinema‑style film screenings and performances.
- An informal meeting area and lecture‑theatre that can host talks, workshops and music events.
The building won the RIAI Best Cultural Building award (2013) and the Civic Trust award (2014), recognising its sensitive integration of heritage and contemporary design.
Name & Meaning
The gallery takes its name from Luan, son of Lugair son of Lugaid, a mythic chief said to have given his name to the town of Athlone. The name reinforces the venue’s link to local heritage while looking forward to contemporary culture.
Current Exhibition – Affective Forms (10 Feb – 22 Apr 2026)
The flagship exhibition, Affective Forms, investigates the human body through six artists:
- Tara Carroll – interactive sculptural installation, part of the ongoing Resonances Ripples project.
- Sian Costello – performative self‑portraiture blending camera‑obscura and painting.
- Phelim Hoey – film MPQ on pain and identity, plus photographs and 3D wire models.
- Áine O’Hara – works informed by queer and crip* theory.
- Day Magee – video installation BODY DOES BE mapping motion with voice‑over.
- Rajinder Singh – Held Between Measures, photographic and moving‑image works along the River Liffey.
The gallery’s light‑filled riverfront space enhances the works, creating a dialogue between art and the flowing Shannon.
Recent & Upcoming Exhibitions & Events
Divergent Lines (22 Apr – 21 Jun 2026)
A group exhibition exploring the potential of drawing across a diverse range of practices. Artists include Kiera O’Toole, Felicity Clear, Mary Ruth Walsh, Michael Wann, Lelia Henry and Brian Fay. The opening launch took place on 25 April with guest speaker Sarah Searson.
Westmeath Artists Award Talk (17 Jan 2026)
In partnership with the Westmeath Arts Office, the gallery hosted a free talk featuring guest curator Miguel Amado, Arts Officer Nicola Gilchrest and award‑winner Celine Sheridan. The discussion examined the award’s aims, selection process and support for emerging Westmeath artists.
Mythologies of the Personal and the Land (28 Nov 2025 – 2 Feb 2026)
The Westmeath Artists Award exhibition showcased 30 artists, including winner Celine Sheridan. Works spanned painting, sculpture, video, photography and installation.
Moments in Focus (December 2025 – February 2026)
An exhibition of photographs by members of the Athlone Photography Club, presented in the Boardwalk Gallery space within Luan Gallery.
Workshops & Guided Tours
The gallery runs a regular programme of workshops – e.g., oil‑painting with Sian Costello (April 2026), participatory sculpture with Helen Duncan (March 2026) – and guided tours of current exhibitions. Tours are free but should be booked in advance, especially for school groups or larger parties.
Visiting Information
| Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday – Saturday | 11:00 – 17:00 |
| Sunday | 12:00 – 17:00 |
| Bank Holidays (Mar–Oct) | 12:00 – 17:00 |
- Admission: Free for individuals and groups. Larger parties and school groups can arrange bespoke tours at no charge (booking recommended).
- Accessibility: Barrier‑free entrance, wheelchair‑accessible galleries, accessible toilets and on‑site assistance on request.
- Parking: Limited on‑site spaces; free street parking on Grace Road and a public car park opposite Athlone Castle during gallery hours.
- Public transport: A short walk from Athlone railway station (Dublin‑Heuston service) and the main bus stop on Main Street. The 2023 pedestrian‑cycle bridge provides safe river crossing for cyclists and walkers.
- Website: luangallery.ie
- Contact: +353 90 644 2154
Getting There
Athlone is well‑served by rail (≈90 minutes from Dublin Heuston) and regular bus services. From the town centre, the gallery is a 5‑minute walk across the Shannon Bridge. Cyclists can use the dedicated river‑front cycleway and the 2023 pedestrian‑cycle bridge to reach the entrance.
Nearby Attractions
- Athlone Castle – historic fortress and visitor centre.
- A riverside stroll along the Shannon promenade.
- Abbey Blooms Botanical Gardens – a short bus or car ride north of the town, ideal for a relaxing walk after the gallery.
- Local cafés on the castle courtyard for a coffee break.
Enjoy the blend of cutting‑edge art, award‑winning architecture and riverside ambience that makes Luan Gallery a standout destination in the Irish midlands.