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!

The Place is awesome run by powerful wisdom artist Courtney Davis. It is gallery, holistic shop and…read moreholistic centre Many holistic workshops are run per month in that holistic center, ln the Gallery you can buy prints, jewellery a smudge sprays to clear a space etc. THE ENERGY IS SO POWERFUL YOU NEED TO Drop in !!

From the owner: The Tara Open Studio began in July 2014 as an two month exhibition of the art of Courtney Davis,…read morethe event was so successful and Courtney was asked if he would like to stay on for an indefinite period. Over time the gallery gradually evolved into a venue for various spiritual activities and in a short time also evolved into a shop.

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.

There are some paintings of real quality in Lisburn Art Gallery, which is in an anassuming small…read morered brick terrace. Particularly impressive was the selection of watercolours that included work by the late Tom Carr, who taught at Belfast Art College. Other watercolors by David Long were especially good of the North Antrim coast. RB Higgins and Julian Friers also featured with much else besides. It was good to find an art gallery with less brash commercialism than others I have visited, with paintings by local artists that could compete with some of the best and a genuinely friendly atmosphere generated by the owner.

I had no idea this place was here...but here it is. The Lyndsay Gallery, a nice big open space in 2…read morerooms, some nice pieces there at the moment. There is a couple of works there by a guy called Darko - never heard of him but great stuff, there is one in particular called 'in the secrete garden' which I really liked.... Though I'm buggered if I could make out what the title had to do with the painting, check it out, you'll see what I mean!

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.