Overview
Luan Gallery is Athlone’s contemporary art space – free to walk into, with the shows changing about every two months – on the west bank of the River Shannon in Athlone, County Westmeath. The building is a conversation between eras: a preserved 19th-century temperance hall with a modern extension of glass and zinc reaching out toward the water. Inside, the focus is entirely on the programme of contemporary art, with work from Irish and international artists across painting, sculpture, photography and moving image. It’s not a big place – half an hour to 45 minutes sees it – so pair it with Athlone Castle, which is right beside it.
History & Architecture
The gallery’s older half is the former Father Mathew Temperance Hall, built in 1897 to designs by the architect William Tanner. It was commissioned by William Smith, managing director of the Athlone Woollen Mills, to promote sobriety among his workforce, and over the following century the building adapted to the town’s changing needs, serving as a public library, town hall and cinema. By 2004 it stood empty, until a civic initiative secured its future as an arts venue.
In 2012, Keith Williams Architects transformed the site. Rather than demolishing the historic structure, they retained the original roofline and stripped the interior back to create a clean, flexible exhibition space. The new wing is a modern build of glass, zinc and limestone, angled to frame views of the Shannon and the town’s bridges, so the river becomes part of the gallery experience. The project won the Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland’s Best Cultural Building award in 2013, followed by a Civic Trust Architecture Award in 2014.
What’s on Display
The exhibitions change roughly every two months, free to enter, usually running more than one show at a time. The programme leans into contemporary practice, pairing emerging Irish artists with established international names. Recent shows have included ‘Divergent Lines’, ‘Affective Forms’ and ‘Mythologies of the Personal and the Land’, and the gallery has borrowed from the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) and the OPW State Art Collection for others. It also runs the Abbey Road Artists’ Studios and a community space for hire.
Beyond the exhibitions, the space hosts artist talks, workshops and guided tours – the tours are free, just ask. These are there to give context behind the materials and ideas on view, and the atmosphere is relaxed rather than hushed.
The Name
The gallery is named after Luan, a figure from Irish mythology said to be the son of Lugair. According to local tradition, Luan was a chief who gave his name to the town of Athlone (linked to the Irish Ath Luain, meaning “ford of Luan”). Choosing this name grounds the gallery firmly in Westmeath’s ancient history while signalling its role as a forward-looking cultural space.
Practical Information for Visitors
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 to 17:00, and Sundays from 12:00 to 17:00. Closed on Mondays, but open on most bank holidays (12:00–17:00).
- Admission: Free for all visitors. No tickets, no timed entries.
- Accessibility: The building is fully accessible, with step-free entry, wheelchair-friendly galleries and accessible toilets. Staff can help on request.
- Parking: There’s no dedicated parking at the gallery. Use the free street parking on Grace Road or the public car park directly opposite Athlone Castle.
- Public transport: The gallery is a five-minute walk from Athlone railway station, on the Dublin Heuston line, and close to the bus station. It sits right beside the pedestrian and cycle bridge over the Shannon.
- Tours & groups: Guided walks through the current exhibition are free. School groups, large parties and visitors with specific accessibility needs should book ahead on the gallery’s website or by phone (090 644 2154).
Getting There & What to See Next
The gallery is easy to reach on foot, by bike or by car. From the town centre, follow the Shannon promenade westward; the glass façade is hard to miss on the riverfront. Cyclists have the riverside cycleway and the pedestrian-and-cycle bridge for a safe crossing.
Once you’ve finished your visit, you’re well positioned for a broader exploration of Athlone. A short walk across the river leads to the courtyard cafés and the historic ramparts of Athlone Castle. If you have a car or prefer a longer outing, Abbey Blooms Botanical Gardens sits just north of the town, with themed gardens and quiet walking trails. With the whole show turning over every couple of months, check what’s currently up on the gallery’s website before you cross the bridge – for a gallery this size, it’s the one thing worth knowing in advance.