We noticed West Pier Art Studio on our walk down the pier after taking a boat tour of Ireland's…read moreEye. We called to arrange an appointment, and are so glad that we did. It is clear that Alan has a real passion for his work, and he spent a lot of time explaining the history and tradition that inspire him. He was patient while we explored the different prints, offering advice without ever being pushy. He answered all of our questions and we ended up with some prints that we absolutely love and that will bring us fond memories of Howth for years. This studio is a must for anyone looking for authentic, original prints and a relaxed, no-pressure atmosphere.

From the owner: Dublin Artist Alan McLeod has an art studio and gallery on the West Pier in Howth, Co. Dublin,…read moreIreland.

The Irish Print Gallery has over 10,000 different prints of Ireland in three different sizes…read more Unlike the National Photographic Archive, you don't have to make an appointment and you can browse through the prints while you are there. They are arranged in 50 county divisions. Ok, how do you get 50 counties out of 32, you might ask ??? Well, some counties are large and have a lot more images than the small counties, so they arrange them accordingly, e.g. Cork City, East Cork, North Cork and West Cork. They are all mounted in museum-quality mounts and can be framed while you wait.

Funnily enough this place is a gallery and also frames pictures... the hint was in the title over…read morethe door to be honest. The shop is well lit to show of the really very large selection of Art (with a capital A) on offer. True I didn't see anything I would part hard earned cash for but it passed half an hour very pleasantly and well worth going back on occasion to see what's new!

This place causes so many wonderful memories! I had a pleasure working there as an assistant a few…read moreyears ago. This gallery is magical, with the state of art equipment and incredible art collection by local and international artists, amazing music and atmosphere which will get your own creativity flow, this place breathes art. John, the owner of the Gallery, is the most charming man with the decades of experience, passion and care for art, and so friendly that quite often you could meet the artists in the galley. You are guaranteed to get the most professional service, and your painting will get framed the way that the best unique quality of the artwork would shine! Needless to mention, there is the most mind-blowing collection of the frames to choose from. These days I work as an art director/designer, and I always think about The Framework Gallery as a place which inspired me to choose my career path.

Studio to small and restrictive, the tutor not qualified educationally to teach. Quite derogatory…read morewhen speaking of previous clients. Would avoid this experience as methods of relaying information were ill concieved, and confusing. Quite a poor level of progression amongst students. Spent to much time talking about their own life and experiences and not enough interaction with students in their work or technique. People don't stay more than three classes on average! Must pay in advance and in full with no refunds offered.

I probably would have walked right past this shop if it hadn't been for the lovely christmas cards…read moreand wrapping paper they had in the window. I didn't even realize that Blue Loft is actually an art gallery until I walked back out. They offer a framing service as well. They do have some lovely arty pieces to decorate your home with along with the christmas cards and some nice glassware. They are a bit on the pricey side but if you're looking for a nice present and want to avoid the busy city centre, this is a good place to start.

The last thing I expected when we visited the charming little town of Glengarriff, Southwest Cork,…read morewas a world-class art gallery. But there it was - the Catherine Hammond Gallery. What a delight! The gallery showcases some of the best contemporary Irish artists and there is a wide range of styles. It is brilliantly curated and a gem of a gallery with a fantastic design gift shop where we found some really great gifts to take home. For us it was a wonderful surprise, one that I'm glad we didn't overlook. Had I known about it I would have gone out of my way to visit Glengarriff just to see the gallery.

It's not easy being 6; your parents keep bringing you to interesting places and then telling you…read morenot to touch anything. A six year old boy is a force of nature, they need only be in the same room with something delicate and tragedy can strike. As a result I am always a little trepidatious when bringing junior into places like the Open Window. It is full of very beautiful and very delicate pieces of art, this week it was mostly ceramics... all imminently accessible and breakable. Concerns aside the gallery is small but manages to squeeze in a lot of pieces without feeling cluttered or crowded, the owner is friendly and instead of following us around like a fearful mother hen, he engaged junior and talked to him about the art, a brilliant tactic. This is a wee treasure in the very middle of Rathmines, total unexpected and well worth a visit.

This gallery is one of my favourites in dublin, it has such beautiful pieces and it is constantly…read morechanging around with new things to admire. The owner is pleasant and always eager to chat, deposits are welcomed and you are treated the same no matter what your budget. Would highly reccomend!

A Permanent Exhibition of 25 paintings (reproductions) by Sir William Orpen who was born in…read moreStillorgan in 1878. Exhibition begins 1st March 2013. Compiled, Printed & Framed by Priory Studios.

It's all about the feeling of a place for me. So even though the coffee here isn't great, they…read moredon't do soy lattés, the staff aren't super friendly, the food isn't anything to write home about, the seats in the theatre are cramped and uncomfortable and, any time anybody on your row moves, your seat shudders, this place is still one of my favourite spots in Newbridge. There's something about the ambience here. It's bright, the decor is cute, and the staff leave you to your own devices, whether you've come here to read, write or goss with a friend. And the waitress will offer you a coffee top-up. It's the little things. The Riverbank Arts Centre is home to many great shows (plays, comedians, dances), kiddie workshops, and really good Monday Night Movies (to which my friend just won season tickets and she's generously told me that we can go halves on my ticket so I can join her). The Riverbank will be seeing a lot more of me.

A little golden nugget tucked away where you'd least expect it. I had the pleasure of seeing Fionn…read moreRegan and band there and talk about getting up close and personal ... I half expected the young troubador to land on my lap at times ! ... I'll be subscribing to their mailing list and hope to get to see other entertainment there - superb venue, excellent sound, very helpful and friendly (cute, ahem!) staff.