I've been staying with my sister whom currently lives in Carrickfergus. This afternoon, I walked…read moreinto town to just entertain myself. I had intended to stop into a small art gallery that was closed the first time I went by... just for a few minutes to see what I could see... then I was off for some tea before heading back and starting dinner. Well then I met Thomas. Thomas is the local artist and proprietor of The Courtyard Gallery. His work is stunning. He specializes in watercolors of seascapes in that capture the bold and sometimes stark Northern Ireland coast as well as bright, vibrant and whimsical farm life. I was drawn into the gallery by the art but stayed over an hour making a new friend in Thomas. He's a fascinating gentleman that gives willingly of his time to discuss his art or any other topic that happens to come up between you. He is warm. He loves his dog, whom stays at the shop with him. He loves golf. He paints because he loves it and it shows. I purchased one piece today and will return after I've completed some measurements for my suitcase for some larger works. Carrickfergus is a quaint little town and I was so pleased to find such a treasure in both Thomas and his work. Do not miss this amazing opportunity to take home such creative and stunning impressions of Northern Ireland with you while meeting the creator in the process. The experience has easily been on of my favorite parts of my trip. Thank you, Thomas! I'll see you soon!

As a lady who likes to paint I have in the last year or so been hoofing it all the way into Belfast…read morecity center to buy my paints, brushes and cleaners - I needn't have bothered as there is a really decent art store right in the middle of Holywood. I have driven past a few times and mistaken this shop for a home decoration or wall paper place it was only after a coffee in the amazing Yard Gallery across the street that I decided to take a closer look. They stock a really great range of canvas sizes, oil and water colours, in fact they have a really great collection of everything you could need. I was after outlining lead for painting on glass and they had run out but the really helpful girl behind the desk offered to order it in for me. Throughout the shop you can also find paintings by local artists which are framed and ready to be sold. This is one of the only shops I have seen that stocks Decopatch - a thin tissue paper like product that can be applied to surfaces to cover or decorate them - the patterns are really cool and there is a huge cow in the shop fully decorated showing you the effect that can be achieved with the paper. I would have browsed for longer but there was a really loud man and really loud kids in the place so I left - I'm a grumpy old hag sometimes!

From the owner: Art & Home is a two storey Art Store, Gallery and bespoke in-house framing service. Established in…read more1978, Art & Home is accredited by the Fine Art Trade Guild and is a founder member of the Brititsh Institute of Frame Makers. Our Art Department, is an Aladdin's Cave, packed with topb branded art materials for professional and hobby artists. We supply Michael Harding, Winsor & Newton, Daler Rowney, Schmincke, Sennelier, Unison, Golden, Liquitex and much much more.

The Ards peninsula is the home to a wealth of creative and artistic talent and the Doghouse gallery…read morein Comber houses just a small snippet of it. The Doghouse gallery markets itself as an intimate gallery space but when I visited recently I felt that it should perhaps mention the type of Artwork it displays in the countless blurbs in tourist information booklets. This place is anything but a Doghouse, despite being relatively small in comparison to other galleries, it is classy, sleek space for local art to get the exposure they deserve. The is quaint and unassuming. It welcomes visitors and the staff housed in the Doghouse Gallery are more like puppies that pit bulls. They are approachable, so if you particularly like one of the textiles hanging or the design installations then I would advise you to ask questions because they will gladly answer them. The emphasis in the Doghouse is on quality o design and you are not going to be disappointed with either. The Doghouse is something to be proud of and so are the unique designs inside. Doghouse gallery is currently closed until October 7th, they are restocking and their collection. But do not worry Doghouse will start their winter session soon.

From the owner: Welcome to the Doghouse, a contemporary art/craft gallery situated in Comber, Co.Down. The gallery…read morehosts a wide variety of carefully selected, studio made crafts and fine art by full-time designer makers from home and abroad. Ranges include, jewellery and accessories, textiles, leather, metal, glass, ceramics and paintings.

Everyone who works there is amazing. The food, delicious. Everything Amazing…read more Would fully recommend to anyone They think a lot about their coffee, it is incredible.

Hi there folks, this coffee shop is beautifully presented and friendly atmosphere also sells…read morehomemade produce and crafts, next door is the village gallery run by Trevor he will give advice on picture framing and sells artists materials.

This Gallery sells original Irish art from a wide range of professional artists…read more It has an excellent website at:- http://www.gracehillgallery.com Well worth a visit

From the owner: Original traditional and contemporary fine Irish art.read more

The Battletown Gallery is actually a bit of a nightmare to find, despite its address being listed…read moreas being in Newtownards it is probably closer to Millisle and when it says on the Gallery description that it is set in the rolling hills, it is more like it is set in the most rural location it can possible be. Now that the formalities are out of the way, what is so special about the Battletown Gallery? Well firstly the location, it is all on its own giving the exhibitions an extra hint of tranquillity and giving visitors a chance to drift away. The Gallery is currently showcasing about 4 artists but the most notable is local man Malcolm Bennett "Bennett lives on the Ards Peninsula but draws much of his inspiration from journey's throughout Ireland and abroad" This pretty much sums up the Battledown, local artists work that can be displayed in a modern contemporary setting. The Gallery is open to visitors Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm but do not worry about making an appointment, it is an open door policy.

From the owner: Always mention Yell when replying to this advertread more

I love browsing through art galleries and the Engine Room is the latest small gallery in Belfast I…read morehave stumbled upon. Run by East Belfast Arts Collective, this Gallery has moved from its original location in a mill Engine Room to a street-level showroom just a little further east on the Newtownards Road. Since the Engine Room opened in the mid 1990s it has been according to the gallery "an engine at the core of the development of contemporary art in Belfast." The range of works on show include everything from oils and acrylics to prints, video, sculpture, arte povere, installation art and new technology. The gallery also aim to showcase lesser known local artists alongside more well known artists with international profiles. There are new exhibitions every month.

This is a great Gallery space in the heart of East Belfast. It hosts local, national and…read moreInternational exhibition. The latest exhibition from 1st April 2010 is a solo show by Deirdre Robb. works on display are paintings, installations and expeimental prints