Waterford Gallery of Art is a free art gallery and cultural attraction in the heart of Waterford City, home to one of Ireland’s oldest and most important municipal art collections.
Located at 31–32 O’Connell Street, the gallery is home to the Waterford Art Collection, featuring almost 800 works including paintings, prints, photography and sculpture.
The collection includes works by major Irish artists including Jack B. Yeats, Paul Henry, Mainie Jellett, Louis le Brocquy, Seán Keating, Mary Swanzy and Evie Hone, alongside contemporary Irish artists.
What is Waterford Gallery of Art?
Waterford Gallery of Art is a free exhibition space, arts venue and home of the Waterford Art Collection.
The collection was originally established in 1939 and has grown substantially over the decades.
Today, it provides an excellent introduction to the development of Irish art, particularly during the 20th century, while the gallery also presents exhibitions and contemporary work.
The gallery moved to its current permanent home on O’Connell Street in 2019.
What Can You See?
The Waterford Art Collection contains almost 800 works of art, including paintings, prints, photography and sculpture.
Artists represented in the collection include:
- Jack B. Yeats
- Paul Henry
- Mainie Jellett
- Louis le Brocquy
- Mary Swanzy
- Evie Hone
- Seán Keating
- Letitia Hamilton
- Colin Middleton
- George Russell – AE
- Pauline Bewick
- Donald Teskey
- Alice Maher
- Mick O’Dea
Because exhibitions change, not every work in the collection will necessarily be displayed during every visit.
Discover Irish Art
One of the strengths of the gallery is the opportunity to explore Irish art through different periods, styles and artists.
The collection provides a particularly valuable insight into the development of Irish art during the 20th century.
You’ll find landscapes, portraits, abstract works, sculpture, photography and images documenting Ireland and Waterford itself.
Works connected with Waterford give the collection an additional local dimension, allowing visitors to see how artists have interpreted the city and county over time.
See Works by Major Irish Artists
You don’t need to travel to one of Ireland’s national galleries to encounter some of the country’s best-known artists.
The Waterford Art Collection includes work by Jack B. Yeats, Paul Henry, Mainie Jellett, Louis le Brocquy and Seán Keating, among many others.
For anyone interested in Irish art, this makes the gallery particularly worth exploring.
Look for Waterford in the Collection
Some of the most interesting works for visitors to Waterford are those depicting the city and county.
The collection includes historic and modern interpretations of Waterford City, its quays, surrounding countryside and coastal landscapes.
These works provide a different perspective on places you may encounter while exploring Waterford yourself.
The Gallery Building
The building is interesting in its own right.
Waterford Gallery of Art occupies a former bank building dating from 1845 at 31–32 O’Connell Street.
It was designed by Waterford-born architect Thomas Jackson, and the building has since been adapted to provide gallery, exhibition, outreach, meeting and workshop spaces.
Is Waterford Gallery of Art Family Friendly?
Yes.
The gallery can be enjoyed by families, particularly children and teenagers with an interest in art, drawing, photography or creativity.
Because exhibitions can change throughout the year, the experience can also be different on repeat visits.
And there’s another major advantage for families – admission is free.
Where is Waterford Gallery of Art?
Waterford Gallery of Art
31–32 O’Connell Street
Waterford City
X91 RR2R
Telephone: +353 (0)51 849983
Email: waterfordgallery@waterfordcouncil.ie
The gallery is located in Waterford City Centre and is easily reached on foot from the main shopping streets, Viking Triangle and the city’s other cultural attractions.
Waterford In Your Pocket Tip
Don’t overlook this because admission is free.
The quality of the Waterford Art Collection makes the gallery well worth visiting, particularly if you’re interested in Irish art.
Look out for the Waterford connections in the collection too. Paintings and other works depicting the city and county provide an interesting comparison with the Waterford you’ll see outside the gallery.
And because exhibitions change, this is an attraction that’s worth checking again on a return visit.
What Can I Do Nearby?
The gallery’s O’Connell Street location makes it easy to combine with a wider exploration of Waterford City.
Walk towards the city centre and you’ll quickly reach the shopping areas around John Roberts Square, while continuing towards The Mall brings you into the Viking Triangle.
There you can visit attractions including the Medieval Museum, Bishop’s Palace, Reginald’s Tower, Irish Museum of Time, Irish Silver Museum, Irish Wake Museum and House of Waterford Crystal.
The gallery is also close to Garter Lane Arts Centre, making this part of Waterford particularly interesting for visitors interested in arts and culture. Check out the pubs and restaurants in the area.
Continue browsing in the Cultural Quarter at Little Lane Bookshop, a second-hand bookshop on O’Connell Street.
For accommodation while exploring Waterford’s Cultural Quarter, see The Fitzwilton Hotel on Bridge Street.
For another cultural venue to explore in Waterford, see St Patrick’s Gateway Centre on Patrick Street.
For city-centre accommodation while exploring Waterford’s cultural attractions, see Dooley's Hotel on Merchants Quay.
Good to Know Before You Go
Best for: Art, Irish culture, painting, photography and contemporary art
Location: 31–32 O’Connell Street, Waterford City
Eircode: X91 RR2R
Type: Art gallery / cultural attraction
Indoor attraction: Yes
Rainy-day suitability: Excellent
Family friendly: Yes
Admission: Free
Collection: Almost 800 works
Highlights: Irish art, 20th-century works, Waterford-related art and changing exhibitions
Opening: Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–5pm according to the gallery’s current visitor information
Allow: Around 45–60 minutes, depending on the exhibition and your interest in art
Combine with: Garter Lane Arts Centre and the attractions of Waterford’s Viking Triangle
As exhibitions and opening arrangements can change, check the gallery’s latest information before visiting. Its main website currently displays an under-construction notice, so current exhibition updates may also be published through its social channels.
Waterford Gallery of Art – Official Website
Features
- Exhibitions
- Family Friendly
- Free Admission
- Indoor Attraction
